Structural Appraisal and Repair of Historic Buildings in India

The Indo-Islamic buildings of India form a significant part of its cultural heritage with a number designated as World Heritage Sites.Although buildings such as the Taj Mahal are world famous, little is known about how they were originally designed or built.

In contrast to Western Europe, in these cases there are no available blueprints or calculations in the archives. As an alternative source, miniature paintings from the 16th century are analysed. They provide important information on applied construction methods and construction techniques.

The lecture looks at the structures of the buildings; why and how they are still standing today, what can go wrong during the lifespan of the building and how they can be repaired again. The lecture is based on studies on the structural development of masonry domes in India carried out as part of a Masters degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, together with thirty years of experience as a consulting structural engineer and twenty years of visits to India.

Stuart Tappin, a construction engineer from London, will speak in English. All those interested are cordially invited.