Implementing the Technologies of Additional Impermeable Layers in a Building of the Monuments Office (Káčerov Majer) from a Sustainability Point of View

Abstract

This article presents the results of an experiment that involved applying additional impermeable layers on an historical building in the area of Káčerov Majer. The building showed a high level of waterlogging, which was detected by an initial inspection and subsequent moisture measurements that involved taking a set of measurements and recording the data in a spreadsheet linked to the plan view of the building. Then, a suitable method was devised to prevent rising damp and to assist in drying out the building. Several measurements after the application of remediation interventions were used for this purpose. The interventions, together with a comprehensive restoration, were intended to contribute to the reuse of the building, and thus its sustainability from technical, environmental, functional, and economic points of view. The aim of this research was to demonstrate the degree of effectiveness of undercutting technology in combination with local application of stainless-steel sheet piling and grouting technology, as one example of sustainability, which is a very relevant topic at the moment. These technologies were intended to provide remediation of the building against rising damp which was destructive to the structure. The environment in this building was affected by moisture and was also unhealthy, which made it difficult to use the building. For these reasons, it was necessary to take radical steps, by applying invasive anti-moisture technologies. The appropriateness and effectiveness of the technologies used have been evidenced by the results published in this article that have also been supplemented by photographs before and after the application of the remediation measures. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of the interventions and the need to also implement them on certain selected buildings where there is a high level of dampness causing degradation. From a sustainability point of view, such a step is essential to preserve the life of such structures and their continued use. The results of this research clearly demonstrate the appropriateness of comprehensive restoration of selected historical buildings, complemented by invasive damp-proofing interventions, as one of the important aspects of the sustainability of deteriorating monuments, whose numbers are constantly increasing.