Codnor Castle - During consolidation works
Codnor Castle dates back to the 13th century. The remains of the castle are a scheduled ancient monument and listed on the English Heritage Buildings At Risk Register.
Prior to the consolidation works the standing remains were in an unstable condition having suffered many masonry collapses, with many loose stones at all levels. Temporary supports had been installed at several locations around the castle walls.
The aim of the works was to consolidate and stabilise the remaining structures.
Following erection of scaffolding it was necessary to remove vegetation and heavy ivy growth from the walls, and to fell three large trees.
Loose masonry and mortar was removed from the wall tops and in order to stabilise the structure some take down and rebuild was required, in particular to the brick arch over the chimney in the west elevation which required temporary supports during the works.
A reinforced lightweight concrete beam was cast in situ at high level to tie the south and west elevations together for stability.
Codnor Caste - Restored brick arch
A reinforced concrete pillar was cast under the overhanging masonry on the eastern end of the north elevation to support the masonry above. On the northern elevation the masonry above a large fireplace had collapsed and this was stabilised by rebuilding the arch using stone recovered from around the castle.
Further voids in the standing elevations were repaired by either under-building with stone or by inserting stainless steel bars.
Finally where necessary the core of the walls were grouted and the joints pointed using lime mortars mixed using materials recovered around the castle walls, on completion the scaffolding and temporary supports were removed.
In all some 30 different mortars were made to allow the architect to select the 9 different mixes used on the project.