The Medieval Cathedral Of Trondheim

Author : Per Storemyr
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9788247101285
Total Pages : 374 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (12 download)

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Download or read book The Stones of Nidaros written by Per Storemyr and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 374 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The deterioration of Nidaros cathedral, Trondheim, Norway has been studied to obtain a basis for adapting conservation measures to be concentrated on Zones at risk. Subdivided into six parts, this thesis focuses especially on weathering of masonry and stone decoration, as well as on the historical aspect of weathering, which is embedded and highlighted in a more general weathering context. This so-called "soapstone cathedral" is studied from the original building period in the Middle Ages, via decay and neglect in the post-Reformation period and the gigantic restoration works between 1869 and 1969, to the present condition. The thesis may not only interest cathedral conservators, but also scientists working with weathering and conservation of historic stone buildings. The thesis begins with a comprehensive introduction to the weathering problems of the cathedral. Part I contains methodology guidelines and a brief summary of current theories of weathering processes related to soluble salts and air pollution. The methodology guidelines highlighting the context-dependent nature of weathering are derived from the work of Andreas Arnold and supplemented by a brief summary of the structural aspects of stone buildings, as well as illustrative case studies of Molasse sandstone, a medieval church in Germany and 3500 year old Egyptian obelisks. Part II gives an overview of the cathedral's history, building construction and significant structural problems. Soapstone, greenschist, marble, sandstone, various hard stone and slate from 60 different quarries are briefly described, as are medieval lime mortars and mortars based on Portland cement which were introduced in 1869. Attention is also paid to specific conservation methods used during the restoration. This section ends with a comprehensive overview of Trondheim's cold temperate maritime climate, the history of air pollution in this relatively "clean" city and the warm and dry indoor climate of the cathedral. Part III deals with description and interpretation of observed weathering phenomena on the most important types of soapstone and greenschist at the cathedral. Weathering phenomena in eight quarries are presented and compared to the behaviour of the respective stone types at the cathedral and other monuments. The study shows that there are significant differences between soapstone and greenschist used in the Middle Ages and soapstones introduced during the restoration. Such differences are interpreted on the basis of analyses of material properties and experiments. The study also shows that several stone types produce sulphate salts due to their content of iron sulphides. Part IV contains three case studies of selected large sections of the cathedral; the choir, nave and north transept. These case studies give an overview of their associated weathering problems and explain the findings in terms of building construction, stability problems, materials, exposure conditions and recorded water leaks. The last issue is extremely important. Part V contains four case studies of selected parts of the cathedral severely affected by salt weathering and one case study of Romanesque corbel heads. The evolution of the salt systems are followed from the original building period to the present. Generally, salt weathering was a minor problem prior to the restoration and it was the introduction of highly alkaline Portland cement as well as gypsum derived from stone and air pollution that greatly increased the salt load. It is also shown that the alteration of roof design in the 1880s can explain the rapid weathering of Romanesque corbel heads. Part VI summarises and discusses the results obtained and gives comprehensive suggestions for conservation measures. The most urgent problems are: 1) Structural instability occasionally resulting in stonework detaching inside the cathedral; 2) Rapid weathering of certain stone types frequently leading to loss of large pieces from elevated exterior areas; 3) Extremely poor water discharge systems and unsatisfactory insulation of exterior gangways and platforms, giving rise to leaks, salt weathering and unwanted run-off along sensitive stonework; 4) Joint fissures in stone capped towers, gables and large sills, resulting in salt weathering below; 5) Rapid weathering of poorly protected medieval sculpture as well as new sculpture made from stone of poor durability.