Moisture Survey of Former Convent in the Vicinity of Prague Castle

Abstract

During the detailed moisture survey of the former convent the historical drainage and ventilation systems were found and documented. This paper describes an interesting discovery in the basement of the monastery and presents conceptual design of remediation pointing out, at the same time, the risk factors. Methods using new materials including nanostructures are also mentioned.

Reconstruction of the Monastery Next to the Prague Castle

“…In historical buildings, it is desirable within the investigation of moisture conditions to identify, properly understand and restore the frequently faulty or damaged original insulation, ventilation or drainage systems, which was based on many years of experience of traditional building [5]. The understanding of the original or older solution, its technical parameters and performance is the first step towards finding out the causes of potential failures of the building and their removal allowing, at the same time, restoration of the function of the waterproofing system [6].…”

Rehabilitation of Historical Drainage and Ventilation System in the Prague Castle Area

“…1b). To prevent penetration of moisture into the structures, a number of drainage and ventilation systems had served in the Middle Ages; they drained water and moisture out of the building structure and maintained it reasonably dry [3]. Many of them, however by ignorance of their importance and function, were clogged or filled up during reconstruction, possibly walled up as unnecessarily due to amateurish or inadequately carried out surveys or due to ignorance or negligence of geological and hydrogeological conditions.…”

A Survey of Historic Galleries in the Area of the Prague Castle

“…in the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites a part of the drainage tunnels was concreted for safety reasons). In the area of the Prague Castle there is a network of medieval ventilation and drainage canals and tunnels [1]. In the Baroque period a functional system of underground sewers was built (e.g.…”