Churches and concrete in Liège district: history, architecture and pathologies

Reinforced concrete is a key element of the architectural evolution and has been specifically involved in the development of religious architecture.
Since its discovery in the nineteenth century, this invented material, economic and fire resistant, however showed its limits: cracks, spalling and disintegration are some of the degradations we may observe today. It therefore seems necessary to worry about the current state of churches: these monuments are indeed the testimony of architectural evolution but also landmarks for the neighborhood. In Liege district, Belgium, nine parish churches have been identified as mainly concrete based. For each church, a visual inspection has been realized: this overview let us to make an assessment of the monument, with regard to concrete and reinforced concrete situation. This inspection is the first step for further investigations included into a restoration or renovation process.