Engineering and Patrimonial Buildings: Rewarding Interdisciplinary Work

An interdisciplinary approach combining historical, archaeological, and engineering studies has successfully informed the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai, Belgium. The research revealed that the cathedral's 800-year-old frameworks require careful attention during restoration to prevent additional damage, particularly when replacing slate roofing with thicker lead slates. Engineers played a crucial role by analyzing structural behavior and proposing solutions that respect the building's heritage while ensuring efficiency. On-site investigations, coupled with historical and archaeological data, provided insights into the cathedral's structural challenges, demonstrating the effectiveness of interdisciplinary collaboration in preserving cultural landmarks.

Descamps, T., Van Parys, L., Noël, J., & Dagrain, F. (2011). Engineering and Patrimonial Buildings: Rewarding Interdisciplinary Work. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 5(3), 315–333. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583051003602550