Thomas Boothby, professor of architectural engineering, and M. Kevin Parfitt, associate professor of architectural engineering, have received the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) Anne M. de Fort-Menares Award. The award recognizes the most outstanding article published in the APT Bulletin demonstrating excellence in the application of historical research to preservation practice. Their work, titled "Case Studies in Diagnosis and Repair of Historic Thin-Shell Concrete Structures," outlines the fundamental technical issues in the maintenance of thin-shell concrete structures; identifies technical resources; and describes two case studies of thin-shell concrete buildings, including design, construction and repair history and procedures.
Boothby joined the Penn State faculty in 1992. His research interests include assessment and interpretation of masonry arches and vaults; historical structural design methods; historic preservation of thin-shell concrete structures; and application of fiber-reinforced polymers to reinforced concrete repair.
Parfitt has been a Penn State faculty member since 1981. His research areas include building performance and failures; forensic techniques; structural engineering; computer aided design; automated quality control; and professional practice.
The APT is a cross-disciplinary, membership organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structures and their settings. Its members, who hail from more than 30 countries, include preservationists, architects, engineers, conservators, consultants, contractors and other people involved in the application of methods and materials to maintain, conserve and protect historic structures and sites for future use and appreciation.