Construction time

• Ancient history – 298-306 BC (Roman Baths)
• Early modern period – 1565 AD (Cloisters)
• Contemporary period – first half of the 20^th century (Museum building)

The main conservation issue of the Diocletian Baths is related to the static of the ancient buildings, and to the heavy car and bus traffic around them (including two underground lines passing nearby). However, the Roman brickwork is also threatened by air pollution, heavy rains, winds and thunderstorms, which are becoming more and more frequent in the area. The presence of the surrounding gardens also increases the risk of fires, especially in case of thunderstorms. Besides that, the tall timber trees have already fallen on the Museum buildings. Floods are also a parameter that threats the site due to the remarkable raising of the planking level in the last three centuries and to the presence of underground rooms. These risks do not affect only the buildings themselves, but also the objects which they contain being seat of the National Roman Museum: marble sculptures and inscriptions, pottery, bronzes, paintings, stuccoes and mosaics

Construction time

• Hellenistic shipyards – Neoria (3^rd – 2^nd BC)
• Early modern period – (Fortezza fortress) (late 16^th century)
• Buildings in the old city (~1850)
• Minister (1955)

Because of continuous exposure of the monuments to extreme climate events and natural hazards, the old city buildings and the Fortezza fortress suffer from several types of deterioration. Results can be spotted on both stones, binders, mortars and coatings of the monuments, creating the need for their rehabilitation and preservation. Although the restoration and conservation work carried out by the involved stakeholders is significant, the current protection and conservation actions lack the real-time monitoring and risk assessment, which is required for more effective and efficient management.

Construction time

• Ancient history (3^rd century BC) (Great Theatre)

Ancient city of Ephesus was originally constructed as a harbour city. The city was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city’s importance as a commercial centre declined as the harbour was slowly silted up by the Kaistros river. In the past the city was exposed to inundation, and erosion. It is under continuous exposure to human made and natural hazards. The structures need to be strengthened against seismic hazard.

In the context of STORM, a seismic hazard assessment for the site is performed. A detailed numerical 3D solid model of the structure is generated using 3D laser point clouds provided from radar measurements. Structural performance of the structure are assessed to detect possible weaknesses or damage initiation location. The structural model accounts for the effects of climate change, temperature, humidity and human related hazards. Material and geometric properties of the construction elements will be changed to account for such effects, which possibly caused degradation of materials or loss of construction elements due to environmental or human related hazards, in time. Innovative, applicable and reversible retrofit schemes will be suggested to prevent further (progressive) damage and to improve the seismic performance of structure in future.

• Ancient history
• 1^st – 5^th century AD (Roman settlement)
• Postclassical era 5th century AD (Early Christian Basilica)

The major causes of degradation in the Roman site of Tróia are related to its geographical location: the shoreline of the River Sado estuary, in the vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean. The proximity to the estuary and Ocean cause a variety of threats: tidal action, mechanically affecting constructions on the shore, high humidity, favouring biological and carrying soluble salt that damage building materials in general and painted stucco in particular, rising humidity, strong winds and rain causing mechanical damage, and high thermos-hygrometric variations. Vegetation growing and wasps making nests on earthen mortars also affect the integrity of ancient structures. The sand substrate and sand dunes, easily moved by water and wind, pressure archaeological structures and accelerate erosion, which is clearly manifested as structural deformation, masonry open joints and loss of cohesion of bedding mortars.

Ann Hearle leads a party round the Mellor Mill Archaeological site.

Steam Engine House area.

Steam Power came comparatively late to Mellor Mill, in comparison with a majority of large cotton mills. Quarry Bank Mill built in 1784, had Boulton & Watt steam engines in 1810, however the nearby Torr Vale Mill had itself survived until 1856, when being re-built, without a steam engine.

In 1860 two steam engines and boilers were installed by Benjamin Goodfellow, well-known Hyde engineer. Goodfellow supplied the engines to power the London sewage system in 1895, replacing those of James Watt & Co.

Boilers and engines were enclosed in a new building at the northern end of the main mill building. The installation of the event was of such note that, following a successful trial run of the system, the company saw fit to have an evening celebration dinner at the Navigation Inn. 

Wide Angle view looking from the Steam Engine house area.

he Reconstructed Roundhouse