This report is an investigation on Fenix II, a modern concrete heritage building in Rotterdam. The report deals with its historical and technical value as well as current conservation issues and suggested remedies.
From top left to bottom right : Fenix II 1930, Fenix II 1944, C.Steinweg in Fenix (n.d.), Fenix II 1951., G. van Duffelen in Holland-Amerika Lijn 1873 - 1923, referenced in Stuivenberg, 2017. It seems that Fenix ll's reinforced concrete structure was constructed following a similar method to the Hennebique system, making it a notable example of historic concrete construction.
Fenix II at its core represents the high cultural heritage of the port of Rotterdam. It materialises its history as a major trade hub and represents a key circulation node between the Netherlands, Europe and the rest of the world. Its architectural value, building history and material composition are rich and vibrant features, and thus due care must be considered when proposing interventions on its current condition.
Historical phases of the San Francisco warehouse which was split into Fenix I & II.
In conjunction with the MDCS damage atlas, prevalent forms of damage have been inspected and identified. Diagnosis of the probable causes have also been clearly identified with on-site testing and visual inspection supporting hypotheses on these issues. From this, conservation plans and proposed interventions have been defined. Due to the building’s material and architectural significance the interventions that must be carried out to maintain the building in its current state have been tailored to preserve the value of the building in both its architectural and material composition.
Damage survey of the inner and outer South and East Facades.
As highlighted in this report the building shows clear signs of deterioration. Detachment, spalling, corrosion and damp are all present in its current state and action must be taken to prevent further degradation. Our methodical study consisting of a visual inspection, followed by the formulation of hypotheses, on-site testing and a final diagnosis, have enabled us to provide a conservation plan, which is mindful of the building’s values.
This document provided a thorough study of the buildings materials and their historic and architectural significance. Therefore, the interventions that must be carried out to maintain the building in its current state have been tailored to preserve the value of the building in both its architectural and material composition.
Through studying Fenix II we have been able to develop an investigative attitude towards the technical aspects of conservation and rehabilitation interventions on heritage buildings. It has allowed us to identify damage types in materials and structure and improved our knowledge of the history of building materials and construction techniques. Furthermore it has instilled a sensitivity for the protection of historic concrete and furthered our rationale for proposing interventions while improving our understanding of the historic values of the building and its components.
Here follow a few key preservation issues in Fenix II:
Infill wall crack
The visual inspection revealed a unique crack of unknown depth which follows the window lintel and drops in height between windows as a result of internal movement, caused by abutting materials whose coefficients of thermal expansion vary.
Diagnosis: abnormal rusting is leading to ‘oxide jacking’ which is shifting bricks and causing plaster cracks.
Suggested Intervention: replacement of lintel, inspection of brickwork, installation of DPM, renewal of plaster and paint.
Spalling on window heads
The visual inspection revealed damage to exterior façade above the window frame.
Diagnosis: Based on the readings and from the exterior visual inspection an intervention to dry out the window head in this one location has taken place however the carbonation-induced corrosion is still untreated.
Suggested Intervention: with exterior openings from the drill holes in addition to site installed window seals.
Internal facade peeling paint
The visual inspection revealed peeling paint on brick infill wall and corrosion stains.
Diagnosis: Rainwater ingress by capillary transfer causing paint to detach from the wall surface causing an undulating moisture front due to local pointing issue.
Suggested Intervention: Removal of plaster and paint layers, inspection of the wall, installation of a DPM in the inner face of the wall.
Original photo and infrared photo of the wall, which demonstrate the presence of a undulating moisture front.
Column spalling and mould build up.
The visual inspection revealed pooling water on the floor adjacent window/door to balcony and mould and damp rising for the floor .
Diagnosis: From the readings, it is clear there is moisture retention in the column, wall and particularly high levels from the floor. This follows our hypothesis that water is travelling along the floor from an entry point at the balcony.
Suggested Intervention: Patch repair of spalling concrete and exterior facade damage as well as using a dehumidifier to dry out existing damp in the floor and walls as well as installing water seals around the balcony window/door frame.
External facade spalling.
The visual inspection revealed spalling on a column and detaching plaster. In some parts, this has revealed reinforcement.
Diagnosis: A poor quality intervention aiming to remedy to reinforcement corrosion with concrete plaster trapped moisture.
Suggested Intervention: Patch repair can remove spalled or cracked concrete around the corroded reinforcement.
Detaching concrete.
The visual inspection revealed cracks in the plaster on the external column.
Diagnosis: The interventions conducted in the 1980s seems to have trapped moisture enabling the carbonation of concrete to occur along the plaster throughout the columns.
Suggested Intervention: It is necessary to use the patch repair method after having removed the shotcrete plaster, and then partially replace the rusted reinforcement. In addition, a protective layer must be added to the concrete surface to prevent damage from water or external damage.
Content by Saskia Tideman