International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science (IJLTEMAS) 2 nd Special Issue on Engineering and Technology | Volume VI, Issue VIS, June 2017 | ISSN 2278-2540 www.ijltemas.in Page 34 Challenges in Conservation of Heritage Structures Mahipal Burdak 1 , A K Gupta 2 , D K Singhal 3 1&2 Department of Structural Engineering, MBM Engineering College, JNV University Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India 3 Project Director, RSRDC Ltd Bikaner, Rajasthan, India Abstract- Rajasthan is the most beautiful and vibrant state of India. The unique characteristic of its architecture is very popular in the whole world. The Rajasthan architecture is significantly depend on Rajput architecture school which was mixture of mughal and Hindu structural design. Grand havelis, astonishing forts and elaborately carved temples are the vital portion of architectural heritage of Rajasthan. Few of most striking and splendid forts along with palaces with parched Aravali land clearly depicts history of Rajasthan’s celebrated heritage. Almost every city of the spectacular desert land Rajasthan is lined with fabulous forts and palaces built by various rulers and architects. These forts and palaces were generally built outside the walled city over the high hills to protect the city The state of Rajasthan hosts few of splendid palaces and forts of the whole world. Ornamented havelis, elaborately carved temples and also magnificent forts are section of the Rajasthan’s architectural heritage. The artistic builders designed major architectural styles which are located in cities like Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The most significant architectural designs in Rajasthan include Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Lake Palace Hotel, and City Palaces, Chittorgarh Fort, Deeg palace and Jaisalmer Havelis. The glory is well conserved in the Rajasthan and in the majestic forts and palaces. Enduring the unmerciful desert winds and oppressing heat of the scorching sun, they have stood unshakable against many-a-sieges and have provided protection to the rulers in their time of conflict. Now, they have been opened to the tourists who come here to see a wonderful presentation of their rich heritage and splendid artistic architecture. Many of these forts and palaces retain their old allure and ritual. Some of the royal residences have been now turned into heritage hotels, where the visitors can still experience the magic of India's imperial past. Important Artifacts of Rajasthan Architecture are: Havelis, Chhatris, Jharokhas, and Stepwells. Keywords- Heritage Architecture, forts, havelis, Chhatris, Jharokhas. I. BASIC NEED OF HERITAGE CONSERVATION eritage links us to history, the beautiful past we inherited to preserve and transfer to our next generations Heritage generally gives us a sense of our past and of our cultural identity. Some researchers predicted very alarming data regarding the survival of old heritage buildings. Load bearing behavior of the Historic structures is very complex due to continuous intrusion between various elements. The main load is the dead load with wind and earthquake. The behavior of these structures change with decay of material and the cracks developed may even alter load path. Here a brief scenario of heritage buildings and their structural aspects are discussed including technical research activity, survey of structures, structural behavior, and decay problems in materials, safety evolution and structural damages. After the Second World War the problem of rebuilding and reconstructing the demolished Historic buildings appeared worldwide. The complex load carrying behavior is due to massive and continuous interaction between various structural elements e.g. domes, vaults, arches and pillars. The structural resistance depends preliminarily on two factors: the geometric features of the structures and characteristic strengths of the materials used. II. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH FOR CONSERVATION The study of structure begins by mapping visible damage. Survey drawings should map different kinds of materials, noting any decay and any structural irregularities and damage, paying particular attention to crack patterns and crushing phenomena. Geometric irregularities can be the result of previous deformations, which can indicate the junction between different building phases or alterations to the fabric. It is important to discover how the environment may be damaging a building, since this can be exacerbated by poor original design and/or workmanship (e.g. lack of drainage, raising dampness, and vegetation), the use of unsuitable materials and/or by poor subsequent maintenance. Observation of areas where damage is concentrated as a result of high compression (zones of crushing) or high tensions (zones of cracking or the separation of elements) and the direction of the cracks, together with an investigation of soil conditions, may indicate the causes of damage. The general laydown of technical activities for conservation of such heritage structure includes, Identification of historic materials (masonry-binding brick and fieldstone, plaster, paint receiving layer, painted layer, and protective layer etc), Identification of historic techniques, Damages, deterioration or alteration of historic materials, Substantiation and selection of conservation materials and methods, Recommendations for the conservation-restoration works, Inspection of the quality of conservation works. Different methods of research on conservation of heritage structure are: chemical analysis, Petro graphical - H