A structural assessment of WW2 damage and subsequent restoration works at the Auberge de Baviere, Valletta

Abstract

Along the different eras, Malta has experienced a full architectural development. Valletta characterised by a good number of buildings pertaining to the Knights era, being a prime example. However, due to the naval activity in the Grand Harbour during World War, the surrounding area was continuously bombarded, seriously damaging various buildings in the capital city. A number of historic buildings were lost. On other badly damaged building restoration exercises had to be done to save. This study includes post-war repair and reconstruction procedures following continuous WW2 bombing in the Grand Harbour area with a special focus to the structural stability of a section of Auberge de Baviere. It appraisals the 1950s pinning intervention meant to be a temporary intervention and the current state of the load bearing envelope. The original intention of the author was to investigate the causes of two direct hits; however, given the limited time available the study was limited to diagnosis the first hit. Mainly, the evolution of Valletta and the damage suffered during WW2, Auberge de Baviere throughout the years from its construction stages in 1696 up to recent years, effects of explosions visa-a-vie buildings stability and mortar-stone interaction of masonry walls led to an appraisal of the present condition of the studied area and the results obtained from analytical calculations. The main conclusions are that the load bearing wall at Saint Charles Street is structurally safe if the whole thickness is considered - both leaves making up the whole cavity wall share the loading applied. Therefore, the pinning intervention applied in 1950s can be removed while a reinstating bonding intervention between the internal and external leaf in the main supporting structure should take place in the near future. Therefore, it is being suggested that either a mortar-injection processes or anchor rods will be applied. Furthermore, re-pointing and replacement of the damaged masonry units should be conducted as soon as possible to reduce any further damage currently taking place especially by water ingress from voids. The removed parapet should be rebuilt given that the higher the axial load; the smaller this factor will be when calculating eccentricity.