Revalorization of Structural Floor Systems in the Twentieth Century: An Overview

Towards the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century new technological evolutions and material developments gave rise to different modular structural flooring systems, which allowed light but strong floors to be constructed. This paper gives an overview of the evolution in flooring systems, their durability problems, and how to solve them. Similar systems also have been used for roof constructions. The strengthening of an atypical vaulted roof structure in the “Het Depot” theatre in Leuven, composed of terracotta arch and panel elements, showing its specific problematic and its specific revalorization approach serves as a case study to illustrate the methodologies applied.