The Stone Skeleton

What is the timescale for the settlement and cracking of an old stone building? How do the elegant flying buttresses of a Gothic cathedral safely transfer thrust to the foundations? What is the effect of bell-ringing on a church tower? These and other questions pertinent to the upkeep of old stone structures are answered in this clear and authoritative guide, now revised in a new edition. With a firm scientific basis, but without the use of complex mathematics, the author provides a thorough and intuitive understanding of masonry structures. This new edition updates the text based on original research by the author, including sections on iconic structures such as St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the dome of St Paul's Cathedral and the vault of the Henry VII Chapel in London. An essential resource for structural engineers, architects, art historians and anyone passionate about the care and renovation of historic stone buildings.

What is the timescale for the settlement and cracking of an old stone building? How do the elegant flying buttresses of a Gothic cathedral safely transfer thrust to the foundations? What is the effect of bell-ringing on a church tower? These and other questions pertinent to the upkeep of old stone structures are answered in this clear and authoritative guide, now revised in a new edition. With a firm scientific basis, but without the use of complex mathematics, the author provides a thorough and intuitive understanding of masonry structures. This new edition updates the text based on original research by the author, including sections on iconic structures such as St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the dome of St Paul's Cathedral and the vault of the Henry VII Chapel in London. An essential resource for structural engineers, architects, art historians and anyone passionate about the care and renovation of historic stone buildings.

What is the timescale for the settlement and cracking of an old stone building? How do the elegant flying buttresses of a Gothic cathedral safely transfer thrust to the foundations? And what is the effect of wind on a stone spire, or bell-ringing on a church tower? These and many other questions pertinent to the upkeep of old stone structures are answered in this clear and authoritative guide. With a firm scientific basis, but without the use of complex mathematics, the author provides a thorough and intuitive understanding of masonry structures. The basis of masonry analysis is introduced in the first two chapters, after which individual structures - including piers, pinnacles, towers, vaults and domes - are considered in more detail. This lucid and informative text will be of particular interest to structural engineers, practising architects and others involved in the renovation and care of old stone buildings.

What is the timescale for the settlement and cracking of an old stone building? How do the elegant flying buttresses of a Gothic cathedral safely transfer thrust to the foundations? And what is the effect of wind on a stone spire, or bell-ringing on a church tower? These and many other questions pertinent to the upkeep of old stone structures are answered in this clear and authoritative guide. With a firm scientific basis, but without the use of complex mathematics, the author provides a thorough and intuitive understanding of masonry structures. The basis of masonry analysis is introduced in the first two chapters, after which individual structures - including piers, pinnacles, towers, vaults and domes - are considered in more detail. This lucid and informative text will be of particular interest to structural engineers, practising architects and others involved in the renovation and care of old stone buildings.