Deterioration of residential buildings in the Ensanche of Bilbao

Abstract

Our study focuses on the decay of residential buildings located in the Ensanche of Bilbao (Spain). The staggered expansion of this residential area allowed the implementation of innovative building techniques prevailing at each stage. Therefore, it preserves the construction improvements developed within the first decades of the 20th century: the transition from the timber framework with load bearing walls to reinforced concrete structures. The analysis of the evolution of each dwelling, from its original construction up to its current conservation condition, will lead to the identification of the factors involved in the decay of these buildings. © 2013 WIT Press.