A QUALITATIVE APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING STRUCTURAL DEFICIENCIES AND DAMAGES IN TIMBER REINFORCED MASONRY BUILDINGS AT HISTORIC JEDDAH AND THEIR CAUSES

There are many serious structural deficiencies and problems facing the heritage buildings in historic Jeddah today, which could threaten their sustainability and survival. An exact identification of a building deficiency necessitates knowledge and familiarity with the original structural design and construction technique of a building combined with an indulgent of methods of scientific exploration. This paper presents a brief description of structural deficiencies patterns and damages found in Jeddah's heritage buildings and their construction details. The followed qualitative approach, based on the intensive survey and direct observation through a close up visual inspection of slightly or severely damaged buildings, besides the ruined ones revealed that the common construction system at Jeddah's heritage buildings is multiple-leaf stone masonry loadbearing walls. There are numerous structural deficiencies patterns in these walls that led to their structural instability, in addition to the degradation of the structural condition of their shallow foundations and flat timber ceilings. Since the accurate cause of a building deficiency and the form of its appearance must be understood prior to a sensible remedy can be applied. This paper will discuss on the important causes that led to the deficiencies and damages in Jeddah's heritage buildings. Accordingly, appropriate conservation plans will be developed.