During the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral (Notre Dame) after a fire in 2019, it turned out that it was the first Gothic cathedral built using iron reinforcement. The fact is that as part of the work, experts gained access to previously hidden parts of the building by examining 12 iron brackets that fasten stones in different parts.
Photo: fbm.rufbm.ru
According to the magazine PLOS ONE, the material was subjected to radiocarbon dating. Microscopic, chemical, architectural analyzes were also carried out. It turned out that staples were used in the early stages of construction in the 1160s.
In the middle of the XII century, the cathedral was the tallest building in Paris – its height was 32 meters. This was achieved through architectural innovations. Researchers have not yet figured out what role iron played in this.
“Iron was seen as a valid building material to create a new architectural form,” the scientists pointed out.
Recall that a fire broke out on scaffolding near Notre Dame on April 15, 2019. The fire soon spread to the cathedral. The fire had great devastating consequences for the iconic architectural structure of Paris.
But the French government informs that the reconstruction is proceeding quite quickly, and Notre Dame Cathedral may open to visitors at the end of 2024.
