Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343:front:0:p55
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013L01343
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 141702–144489

had abraded at the rate of 1 mm every ten years since construction), was completed in December 2006, in a manner which entirely encompasses the boards. Over-cladding was considered the only remaining option to secure the interior from future snow/ice ingress and preserve the significant fabric, and was noted to be a temporary and reversible measure. This work was done to reduce snow and melt water ingress, protect and retain the remaining cover battens, and maintain the structural integrity of the roof plane. Learning from the workshop experience, the roof was re-clad in a different manner - using uncoated timber and a vapour permeable fabric membrane between the original roof and the over-cladding. Weathering should lessen its visual impact.

With the over-cladding in place, the original roof is expected to be in good condition structurally, although snow may still penetrate at some of the junctions between the roof and the walls in both the workshop and the living quarters.

In 2009-10, the south-western corner wall of the Main Hut was over-clad as the south verandah wall receives most of the prevailing weather and the wall boards were badly abraded and cover battens were being lost. The over-cladding in some areas helps protect the snow bank that has built up in the verandah which provides a buffer effect for the internal environment of the hut. In other areas over-cladding was not considered to be the best solution, such as the north wall of the workshop where snow ingress was addressed with specific minor internal repairs. This matter will be revisited during the life of this plan.

2.7.2 Structural Capacity of the Buildings

 Main Hut

As described in Godden Mackay Logan (2001):

   A structural analysis of the capacity of the Main Hut timber members was undertaken in 2001, using predicted upper levels of wind speed and snow loads on the roof. Generally, members were found to be satisfactory under wind loading and are around maximum permissible stresses.

   Even though it was concluded that some structural elements do not comply with calculated strength requirements for snow loading, it was assumed that extreme conditions in Commonwealth Bay would have occurred a number of times over the decades. Therefore, it was considered that the Main Hut should be taken as structurally adequate for conditions, provided deterioration of elements and fixings does not occur. Issues that may require consideration in future include progressive deterioration of the building with age, the additional weight of the over-cladding, and any changes that may occur as a result of ice removal, such as increased vibration.

These factors will continue to be monitored during the life of this plan. A review of the structural integrity of the Main Hut will be