Introduction

The conservation of early 20th-century concrete buildings presents a critical challenge in

architectural heritage across Ireland and in Europe. Many of these structures are still in use,

often showcasing signs of distress due to material degradation and environmental exposure.

Unlike traditional masonry, early concrete formulations lacked standardisation, with

inconsistencies in aggregate-binder ratios, curing practices, and reinforcement techniques.

These material vulnerabilities complicate conservation efforts, particularly when

interventions must balance durability with historical authenticity.

The Iveagh Trust complex in Dublin, built between 1901 and 1908, is an example of these

challenges. The complex consists of eight residential buildings, a hostel and a college, many

of which are now in a state of disrepair. Recent failures – such as falling window sills and

visible cracks and bulges in lintels – underline the urgent need for appropriate conservation

measures. Such defects not only pose a risk to residents and the public, but also threaten to

cause irreversible damage to the cultural heritage.

This dissertation investigates the deterioration, material properties, and suitable conservation

strategies for the Iveagh Trust buildings in Dublin. Although the study focuses on the Dublin

complex, the results will serve as a basis for best practice in similar historic concrete

structures across Ireland, the UK and Europe. The proposal incorporates archival research,

field diagnostics and laboratory testing, providing a robust and portable conservation

framework.

Objectives

This study will aim to pursue three interlinked objectives to effectively address the research

question.

The research will be focused exclusively on the Iveagh Trust complex in Dublin, comprising

eight historic buildings to which full access has been granted.

Given the planned on-site survey opportunities, and laboratory testing that will be

commissioned, a comparative study with London-based buildings will not be included in the

scope of this project.

This approach will ensure that maximum focus and detail will be devoted to the Irish case

study, which is expected to provide a rich dataset aligned with the scope and timeframe of an

MSc dissertation.

I currently have full and privileged access to the entire Iveagh Trust complex in Dublin,

comprising eight historic buildings constructed between 1901 and 1908. The exceptional

level of site access—including scaffold access to multiple façades—combined with archival

records and the opportunity to conduct material sampling, provides a uniquely comprehensive

dataset for focused, site-specific investigation.

Given the substantial volume of available information, I am confident that concentrating

exclusively on the Iveagh Trust will enable me to fulfil the research objectives in depth, and

to develop a robust, evidence-based conservation framework. The findings will retain broader

relevance and can be adapted to similar early concrete buildings in Ireland and potentially

elsewhere.

This study will pursue three interlinked objectives to address the research question

effectively:

1. Investigate and analyse the nature of structural problems

A comprehensive condition assessment will be conducted across the Iveagh Trust buildings to

document and diagnose deterioration patterns. Emphasis will be placed on:

• Structural versus non-structural cracking (e.g., corrosion-induced, thermal movement,

shrinkage).

• Spalling, delamination, and reinforcement corrosion from carbonation and freeze-

thaw cycles.

• Deformation and detachment of key architectural components, such as lintels, sills,

and stringcourse.

2. Examine original concrete mixes and their long-term performance

Understanding the original material properties is essential for crafting sympathetic repair

approaches. This objective will include:

• Archival research into construction records, design drawings, and maintenance reports

(both from Iveagh Trust archives and local historical collections).

• Sample analysis, to test porosity, carbonation depth, and corrosion levels. Importantly,

laboratory analysis of selected structural elements made of clinker concrete and brick

has already been commissioned, ensuring timely data availability for evaluating

material properties and deterioration mechanisms. These results will provide a

foundational basis for assessing compatibility of repair strategies and diagnosing root

causes of structural failure.

• Evaluation of historical formulations against modern equivalents, particularly

regarding strength, permeability, and long-term behaviour.

• This work will clarify the extent to which material deficiencies underlie observed

structural failures.

3. Propose restoration solutions based on best conservation practices

This phase will synthesise findings into a set of best practice guidelines for conservation

professionals:

• Recommend compatible mortars and grouts for structural and surface repairs.

• Establish preventive maintenance plans, including surface protection.

• The final framework will be designed for adaptability, allowing application to other

historic concrete structures facing similar challenges.