Seismic Surveillance of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals, was equipped with five seismic stations as part of a cooperative study between Cologne University and the Dombauverwaltung Köln. This initiative expanded the strong-motion network (SeFoNiB) to include the first modern seismic monitoring within Cologne city limits, addressing its significant seismic hazard. The research aimed to investigate the cathedral's structural response to seismic activity, providing insights into the behavior of large historic buildings under seismic stress. By integrating seismic surveillance with cultural heritage preservation, this study offers a novel approach to assessing and mitigating risks to iconic landmarks.

Hinzen, K.-G., Fleischer, C., Schock-Werner, B., & Schweppe, G. (2012). Seismic Surveillance of Cologne Cathedral. Seismological Research Letters, 83(1), 9–22. https://doi.org/10.1785/gssrl.83.1.9