Structural study of the Notre-Dame ancient charpente

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the original timber roofing structure of Notre-Dame to evaluate its structural behavior for reconstruction and to understand the design principles used by 13th-century masterbuilders.

Contribution

It provides the first structural analysis of Notre-Dame's ancient charpente, offering insights into medieval construction techniques and informing restoration efforts.

Findings

Assessment of the original wooden structure’s stability

Insights into 13th-century construction methods

Guidance for future reconstruction projects

Abstract

The timber roofing structure (charpente or combles, in French) of the cathedral Notre-Dame, destroyed by the fire of April 15th, 2019, is studied. The aim is twofold: on the one hand, it is interesting to evaluate the structural behavior of the original wooden structure in view of the reconstruction of the cathedral's roof. On the other hand, its structural analysis, never done before, can help to shed a light on the design process used by the masterbuilders of the XIIIth century, and to reconstruct, at least in part, the structural thought and knowledge of the ancient builders.