The Conservation of Masonry Chimney Stacks

Masonry chimneys are one of die most visible remains of former industrial activity and are often prominent iconic landscape elements. Their conservation is an important heritage objective. They are invariably in a deteriorated state with lightning damage and they can be at considerable risk of failure from wind and earthquake loading. Then fabric and surroundings may contain toxic materials. The authors, each of whom has his own Consulting Practice, have worked together on die investigation of a number of historic tall brick chimneys. An overview of chimney investigation with three case histories of the investigations of chimneys at the Chillagoe Smelter, the Canberra Yarralumla Brickworks and the Mount Morgan Smelter are presented with findings and recommended remedial works.