Author(s)

G.T. Suter, K. Ibrahim, M. Saumure & B. Johnson

Abstract

A 3-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to determine the cause of cracking of the massive stone masonry walls of the historic South West tower and to help define a suitable stabilization scheme. The paper provides an overview of the tower's geometry and distress and of key 3-D analysis results. 1 Introduction The square 39m high, massive stone masonry South West tower of the West Block Parliament Buildings is a part of the Parliamentary Precinct of great historic value to Canada. Built during the 1859 to 1865 construction period of the West Block, especially the upper half of the tower above the fifth floor exhibited distress such as cracking

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