Publication
Title
French metallic train sheds of 1850 to 1930 : structural specificities and the evolution of the restoration practices
Author
Abstract
Surviving historic train sheds constitute a broad and representative sample of metal construction of the period 1850 to 1930 in France. This article gives a historical overview of the life of iron or steel train shed structures and questions what makes them authentic, discussing the validity of some of the restoration choices made since the 20th century regarding heritage preservation. First, the specificities of this architectural heritage are highlighted and compared with other countries and other types of construction. Then, based on extensive archive material held by the French national railway company SNCF, the modifications the metallic structures underwent as restoration projects were carried out are analysed. It appears that the restoration practices significantly evolved between the 1970s-1980s and the beginning of the 21st century, becoming more sensitive to heritage preservation. However, choices regarding roofing materials have an impact on the loading of the structure, while structural interventions change the appearance and the load distribution. This enhances the need to include considerations regarding the preservation of the structure in the early stages of restoration projects.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of architectural heritage : conservation, analysis, and restoration. - Philadelphia, Pa
Publication
Philadelphia, Pa : 2023
ISSN
1558-3058 [print]
1558-3066 [online]
DOI
10.1080/15583058.2023.2272132
Volume/pages
(2023) , p. 1-23
ISI
001091336100001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
The author-created version that incorporates referee comments and is the accepted for publication version Available from 27.10.2024
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Art 
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 27.10.2023
Last edited 17.04.2024
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