BS EN 17121:2019 - Conservation of Cultural Heritage: Historic Timber Structures

Standard Number: BS EN 17121:2019

Pages: 32

Released: 2019-10-03

ISBN: 978 0 580 97899 9

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN 17121:2019 is a comprehensive standard that provides essential guidelines for the conservation of cultural heritage, specifically focusing on historic timber structures. This standard is a crucial resource for professionals involved in the preservation and assessment of load-bearing timber structures, ensuring that these invaluable pieces of history are maintained for future generations.

Purpose and Importance

Historic timber structures are a significant part of our cultural heritage, representing the architectural ingenuity and craftsmanship of past eras. The BS EN 17121:2019 standard serves as a vital tool for conservators, architects, engineers, and other professionals who are tasked with the responsibility of assessing and preserving these structures. By following the guidelines outlined in this standard, professionals can ensure that their assessments are thorough, accurate, and in line with best practices.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Guidelines: The standard provides detailed instructions for the on-site assessment of load-bearing timber structures, covering various aspects such as structural integrity, material condition, and environmental factors.
• Expert Insights: Developed by leading experts in the field, the guidelines incorporate the latest research and methodologies in the conservation of historic timber structures.
• Practical Application: The standard is designed to be practical and user-friendly, making it accessible for professionals with varying levels of experience in the field of conservation.
• Preservation of Heritage: By adhering to the guidelines, professionals can contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that historic timber structures are protected and maintained for future generations.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 17121:2019 standard is an invaluable resource for a wide range of professionals involved in the conservation of cultural heritage. This includes:

• Conservators: Professionals dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic structures.
• Architects: Those involved in the design and renovation of buildings, particularly those with historic significance.
• Structural Engineers: Experts responsible for assessing the structural integrity of buildings and ensuring their safety and stability.
• Heritage Organizations: Groups and institutions focused on the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.

Benefits of Using BS EN 17121:2019

Utilizing the BS EN 17121:2019 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Accuracy: The guidelines help ensure that assessments are conducted with precision, reducing the risk of overlooking critical issues.
• Consistency in Assessments: By following a standardized approach, professionals can achieve consistency in their assessments, facilitating better communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Informed Decision-Making: The insights provided by the standard enable professionals to make informed decisions regarding the conservation and restoration of historic timber structures.
• Long-Term Preservation: By adhering to best practices, professionals can contribute to the long-term preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that historic structures remain intact for future generations to appreciate.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17121:2019 standard is an essential resource for anyone involved in the conservation of historic timber structures. With its comprehensive guidelines and expert insights, it provides the necessary tools for conducting thorough and accurate assessments, ultimately contributing to the preservation of our cultural heritage. Whether you are a conservator, architect, engineer, or part of a heritage organization, this standard is a valuable addition to your professional toolkit, helping you to protect and maintain the historic timber structures that are a testament to our shared history.

BS EN 17121:2019

This standard BS EN 17121:2019 Conservation of cultural heritage. Historic timber structures. Guidelines for the on-site assessment of load-bearing timber structures is classified in these ICS categories:

• 91.080.20 Timber structures
• 97.195 Items of art and handicrafts. Cultural property and heritage

This document gives guidelines on the criteria to be used for the on-site assessment of load-bearing timber structures in heritage buildings. It is intended for all those concerned with the conservation of heritage buildings which contain wooden elements, from the building owners or authorities who are responsible for them to the professionals employed. It should also help decision-making regarding the need for immediate measures. Its aim is to guarantee that condition survey and assessment provide the necessary data for historical analysis, structural safety assessment and planning of intervention works.

This document is applicable to any kind of timber member and to any kind of historic timber structures. It is not applicable to timber members made of engineered wood based panels and glued laminated timber.

This document provides a comprehensive procedure for the on-site assessment. With a practical and technical evaluation of the damage found and based on the responsibility of the involved professionals, a sufficient assessment can also be made when not all the steps are followed.

In each different country, the document is expected to be applied in accordance with National legislation and regulations.