Research programme on renovation 1986-1988: Final report

The aim of the research programme on renovation was to master the techniques employed for renovating Finland's postwar buildings and infrastructure in carefully selected aspects. The research was carried out during 1986-1988 and was divided into four subprojects. Separate summarising reports have been written on these under the following headings: Fundamental repair construction data, Inspection and repair techniques, The city and its housing estates as an object of repair, and Guidance for street and road maintenance. With the aid of the subprojects data files have been created containing basic information on the buildings that will need repairing in the near future. Furthermore Technical Rescareh Centre of Finland (VTT) has collected information on building materials available for use for renovation purposes in the future. The research technique (building diagnostics) placed the main emphasis on the following topics: condition of facades and facade joints; condition of roof structures with regard to damp; location of corrosion areas in concrete reinforcements by electrical potential measurement; and condition of plumbing using various kinds of observation equipment; TV scanning; and ultrasonic scanning. Existing methods were used for estimating the condition of wooden structures, and additional new methods were developed. A variety of methods of condition estimation were employed to study timber piles in old foundation structures. Growth conditions of mould and rot in wooden structures were described in a separate report. From the point of view of repair techniques, the emphasis was on the additional insulation of facades, the repairing the damage to roof structures caused by moisture, techniques for renovating bathrooms, development of an electrical installation system applicable to renovation work, and increasing the reliability of Cost estimates, cost of repair. The study of the renovation of housing estates was concentrated on creating analytical concepts and methods which would enable a framework for the renovation to be created without breaking up the uniform structures of cities. In this part of the research also the opportunities that the inhabitants have for independent action and new ways of visualising Tic planning and possibilities of information technology were studied. General limits for an estimation model were developed, as was a unit Cost database linked lo it. The Pavement Management System, originally developed in the USA, was tested under Finnish conditions, with favourable results. The research programme on renovation has resulted in several product development and follow-up research projects, with participation from housing renovation firms. Another consequence of the project has been the achievement of specialised knowledge which will make it possible for VET to take part in research, development and instruction work in different fields of renovation in the near future. The results of the research programme on renovation were collected into four summarising reports and over 60 publications, articles and lectures.