research

We are at the forefront of technical research relating to the built environment through commissioned work, joint initiatives and in-house research.

Research is driven by developing a sound understanding of traditional materials, construction techniques and issues affecting the built environment. We strive to better understand traditional techniques and decay process in order that our decisions relating to the care of the built environment are better informed. Our research is managed strategically to address specific areas of need, lack of understanding, or in response to other pressures.

Recent research with regard to climate change is now published online. Other research by way of example, inlcudes;

By way of example ;

Scottish skills deficit

Over recent years  there has been a growing concern as to the extent of the craft skills deficit that exists across Scotland.

In 2003 Historic Scotland, the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG), the Scottish Stone Liaison Group (SSLG), and CITB-Construction Skills undertook a survey of companies from their respective databases. The aim was to provide an overview of current traditional building skill needs for repair and maintenance across the Scottish construction industry, and to identify areas of recruitment difficulty. This preliminary research provided an overview of the needs of industry in that sector. It also revealed the need for an in-depth survey project that could drill deeper into the issues and obtain an understanding of the skills and training needs by craft occupation, and by region.

Related studies have also provided an overview of the sectors needs for example the 1997 report A Future for Stone in Scotland, The Heritage Building Skills Report in March 2003, and the Scottish Skills Audit which published its findings in January 2007.

Stone supplies

Various research has been carried out into stone supplies.

The Scottish Stone Liaison Group was formed by TCRE (now Technical Conservation Group) and Industry in 2000. It has since become a nationally recognised body in the promotion of the use of stone and masonry training.

In 1997 the TCRE Future for Stone in Scotland Research Report was published.

In 2006 the Scottish Stone Liaison Group presented the results of an intense study into the masonry needs of the City of Glasgow. The projects aim was to determine the current masonry skills base in Scotland and examine the needs of Glasgow’s built heritage in respect to these skills and repair materials that will be required over the next thirty years. It also looked to quantify the actual numbers of stone masons that require to be trained to meet the anticipated future need and address the nature of the required skills. It’s findings will provide the basis for future workforce planning and training proposals. The results of this project have now been published - please see TAN 31 - Stonemasonry materials and skills.which can be purchased from our online shop.

Lime technology

Lime, an essential ingredient of traditional building techniques was virtually replaced in the 20^th century by the ill-suited use of Portland cement. The damaging and detrimental consequences of that approach are now adding significantly to the cost of future maintenance bills of masonry structures.

The Technical Conservation Group in conjunction with the Scottish Lime Centre Trust (SCLT) at Charlestown, Fife and other conservation bodies, has been actively promoting the  re-introduction of lime-based products over the last 14 years. It has supported training, initiated research, and produced a number of publications  to help practitioners and craftsmen develop the necessary understanding of the benefits of using the material.

The Technical Conservation Group will continue to endorse and promote the use of lime-base products for conservation and new build projects and will encourage a greater up-take in the availability of appropriate training initiatives for the industry.

Commissioned research

The Technical Conservation Group generally commissions research through entering into topic-specific partnerships with universities, research organisations and others. It aims to develop its programme of scientific understanding of traditional building construction, building material sources and their performance in use. Where ever possible, such an approach is designed to be mutually beneficial to participating partners. Increasingly, as a result of the successes of this approach, TC has been invited to join in other Research Institute activities at a national and international level. Currently over 30 different research projects, partnership agreements and publications are in place or progressing.

To enhance knowledge and to raise the standards of Scottish conservation practice, the Technical Conservation Group will maintain a forward programme of research topics. Given the wide range of topics that the Technical Conservation Group has been asked to address, along with available resources some prioritising of the issues will be necessary. Currently, building elements that may be at significant risk from climate change factors are being considered to establish if this is a relevant way forward to determine future needs. Further jointly-funded partnership agreements will be developed where mutually-beneficial returns can be expected. Technical conservation guidance will continue to be published as resources permit, including developments in electronic and digital media.

Technical publication programme

Informed technical conservation work, and repair and maintenance guidance, requires a sound knowledge and researched understanding of traditional materials and methods of construction. Since 1992 TC has published over 100 Technical Advice Notes, Guides for Practitioners, Research Reports and other documents. These have been targeted towards other researchers, education and training providers, building owners and users, contractors and conservation practitioners. Topics have been generally supported by an associated research programme.

To increase the accessibility and value of researched and published technical guidance the Technical Conservation Group has also started to publish a series of short guides where there is an identified specific need and a new INFORM leaflet series aimed specifically at building owners. The INFORM series can be viewed and downloaded from our publications section.