70-72 Micklegate: structural survey

This was a project in a Grade II listed building where we assisted with resolving bowing ceilings and depressions in the floors. We attended the site and provided a visual structural survey and advised on further action, designing the works according to the stipulations of the conservation officer.
From the areas observed on site, it was clear that the supporting timber beam, which spans from chimney breast to party wall with 72 Micklegate, had dropped where it meets the chimney breast. The beam and floor joists appeared to be of inadequate size for the spans and loads that they were subjected to. We recommended that the beam was jacked up and a new bearing created. We proposed that the beam was left insitu but reinforced.
To support the new lath and plaster ceiling we proposed that the laths were nailed directly to the new joists that would be installed. This enabled the original floor beams to remain supported off the original beam, with additional joists and beam strengthening works being installed around the existing members, therefore not disturbing them and allowing them to be preserved.
This allowed the primary floor beam and original floor joists of the original floor to remain insitu and strengthened/repaired so they were conserved. The lath and plaster ceiling was taken down with care and replaced, with reinstatement of the lath support members so the maximum amount of original structure was preserved.