Structural defects and solutions: A case study of Fort Cornwallis, Penang, Malaysia

摘要

Fort Cornwallis, which was built in 1810, has a significant role in the history of Penang Island, Malaysia. Gazetted in 1977 under the Antiquities Act 1976, the Fort is considered as an important monument and landmark in the historical development of Malaysia. In March 2000, the Malaysian Government through the Department of Museums and Antiquity had granted a total sum of RM2.1 million (US$0.5 million) for the restoration of the Fort Cornwallis. The project was carried out in two stages. The first stage included building defects diagnoses, structural analysis, application of proven conservation methods and techniques as well as recording and documentation. Stage two included the reconstruction of the demolished Fort's west wall. This paper focuses on some major structural defects of the Fort Cornwallis and some methods and techniques used in handling the building defects. It also discusses some issues and problems related to the project.