A three-part volume, the Specifications Manual, and the associated Schedule of Rates and Analysis of Rates, is a compilation of processes and analysis of data related to technical conservation works for built heritage in India.
Since 2019, recognising the need for comprehensive specifications and standard rates for the field of built heritage conservation, the Tata Trusts and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture have collaborated to prepare this resource to support built heritage conservation works in India. These documents have been prepared by an inter-disciplinary team of experienced engineers, conservation architects, landscape architects and archaeologists, and are modelled on the specifications released, and updated periodically by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for new construction works.
This manual hopes to serve conservation architects, engineers, contractors, funding bodies, officials, donors in planning for conservation and preparing effective proposals, benchmarking rates, for built heritage conservation works.
This document is for the use of conservation professionals and it is hoped that these volumes will be adapted by practitioners as appropriate, and grow with inputs and editions.
How to read this manual:
A. Specifications for Built Heritage Conservation
- The first volume, titled ‘Specifications for Built Heritage Conservation’ collates data and informs conservation methodologies related to some of the materials and techniques found in built heritage conservation projects. This volume is intended for a deeper understanding of the procedures for conservation works keeping in mind national and international guidelines.
- Chapters include: Introduction, Lime Work, Brick Work (Fired), Stone Work, Earth/Mud Work, Timber Work, Metal Work, Flooring, Roofing and Landscaping.
- The chapters provide an overview of processes and steps leading up to conservation treatments. Each chapter is focused on a building material and its use in heritage structures; its deterioration, and materials required for its conservation; and lastly the section on conservation treatments.
- The treatments are intended as guidelines for any conservation work done in consultation with a conservation architect or engineer in-charge. The treatments can be modified on a case-to-case basis and, as per the existing norms and practices.
- The treatment methods are paired with sketches that illustrate the process in further detail.
- Two appendices are included in this volume, one that illustrates most commonly used instruments and equipment in conservation, and the second comprises relevant IS codes.
B. Schedule of Rates and Analysis of Rates for Built Heritage Conservation
- The second and third volume, titled ‘Schedule of Rates’ and ‘Analysis of Rates’, respectively, lays down basic rates for materials, labour, carriage, machinery and sundries, and gives detailed rates for Earth Work, Mortar, Concrete Work, Brick/Tile Masonry, Lime Plastering, Flooring, Roofing, Tile Work, Timber Work, Scaffolding, Dismantling and Demolishing, Surface Cleaning, and a Miscellaneous category.
- While the Schedule of Rates describes the item, its unit and rate; the Analysis of Rates provides an in-depth analysis of how a particular rate was arrived at using different sources, baring the calculation methodology behind each rate.
- The two volumes must be read in conjunction with one another. A practitioner may choose to alter the rate or quantity, as per regional variations, using the Analysis of Rates document, for their conservation project.
Click to read the volumes
Specifications for Built Heritage Conservation
Schedule of Rates
Analysis of Rates
Click to see the videos
Conservation processes for Built Heritage
