This paper reports the first results of an accurate three-dimensional survey and structural analysis of the historic bell tower of St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle Upon Tyne. It presents detailed analysis of the geometry, masonry state, the morphology and overall structural stability of the bell tower. The bell tower was completed in 1474 and is of particular interest (Grade I listed). Extending vertically 61.24 m from the base (12.03 x 11.99 m) to the top of the steeple the generally perfectly-cut large sandstone blocks, cemented with lime-based mortar, are supported by four stonemasonry pillars resulting in high compressive stresses. The analysis also considers the historic construction phases and analyses the consequences in terms of structural behavior. Key findings relate to the particular significance of the wall-to-wall connections and altered stonemasonry style during the repair and subsidence and settlement mitigation work undertaken on the east face of the tower. A dynamic analysis has been also conducted to understand the structural behavior of this iconic stonemasonry landmark.
ANALYSIS OF THE 15TH CENTURY BELL TOWER, ST NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
CORRADI, Marco;
2017
Abstract
This paper reports the first results of an accurate three-dimensional survey and structural analysis of the historic bell tower of St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle Upon Tyne. It presents detailed analysis of the geometry, masonry state, the morphology and overall structural stability of the bell tower. The bell tower was completed in 1474 and is of particular interest (Grade I listed). Extending vertically 61.24 m from the base (12.03 x 11.99 m) to the top of the steeple the generally perfectly-cut large sandstone blocks, cemented with lime-based mortar, are supported by four stonemasonry pillars resulting in high compressive stresses. The analysis also considers the historic construction phases and analyses the consequences in terms of structural behavior. Key findings relate to the particular significance of the wall-to-wall connections and altered stonemasonry style during the repair and subsidence and settlement mitigation work undertaken on the east face of the tower. A dynamic analysis has been also conducted to understand the structural behavior of this iconic stonemasonry landmark.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
