Author(s)

V. Quintas

Abstract

The fall of Beauvais Cathedral, continue to be a subject of controversy. In this paper, membrane state of that structure is obtained, supposing that the vault is, not only supported at the ribs, but also at the transversal arches. As a result, it is shown that in that state transversal arches are not capable to support the loads transmitted by the vault. 1 Introduction Heyman has demonstrated [1] that, for a state of stresses that approaches limit state, the structure of Beauvais Cathedral was stable. This conclusion has induced to think that Beauvais Cathedral collapse was due to an accident. Although, it is also possible to suppose that the fall was only a partial one, produced by the instability of part of the structure in an intermediate state between serviceable one

Keywords