Study on the Mechanical Capacity and Structural Relevance of a Flying Buttress Through the Analysis of a Particular Case

Identifier:  imarina:9326009

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9326009

Authors:  Samper, Albert; Martin-Saiz, Rodrigo; Moreno-Garcia, David

Abstract:
A flying buttress serves an aesthetic purpose and two technical purposes. In particular, it helps to drain rainwater from the roof and also plays a structural role. The aesthetic and drainage functions can be determined visually and with the help of several bibliographical references. On the contrary, in order to assess the structural function a rigorous mechanical study must be carried out. Starting from the mechanical capacity of a flying buttress, this paper presents a method to determine its relevance and influence on the structural behaviour of the cathedral.