The rehabilitation of Battersea power station

© 2018 The International Masonry Society (IMS). Battersea Power Station was the largest brickwork building in Europe when it was completed in 1955. The building is a major London landmark. It was closed in 1983 and part of the roof has since been removed, leaving the interior exposed to the weather. The building is being redeveloped to provide a mix of office, residential and retail accommodation. Grade II* listed status protects the former power station. The external aesthetic is of architectural significance and the internal appearance considered to be industrial archaeology, both are to be largely preserved. There were concerns that upon completion the residual moisture within the masonry, and its drying out driven by the conditioning of the internal spaces, could generate problems, such as mould growth, efflorescence, condensation and frost damage. This paper describes a programme of sampling and testing to evaluate the initial moisture profile though the brickwork, and its physical and hygric properties. Findings are presented from hygrothermal simulations undertaken to investigate the risk of the various moisture related problems occurring in use. The presented outputs illustrate the predicted behaviours through moisture contents, relative humidity, and temperatures plots. The making of judgements on identified risks are explained. Further works to assess risks at specific local features are ongoing.

https://www.masonry.org.uk/downloads/s06-593-the-r...