Post-fire assessment of the structure of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

The Research Center conferences aim to raise awareness within the community about new topics and technological innovations. 

Aimed at a wide audience—students and researchers from all disciplines—they draw on the multidisciplinary expertise of the MIPS Center, partner centers and structures, and national and international teams.

They are held on the first Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. and are followed by a buffet lunch, providing an opportunity to continue discussions.

The fire on April 15, 2019 caused major damage to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: destruction of the wooden framework, collapse of vault slabs in the nave following the collapse of the spire, cracks in the vaults and buttress walls, as well as residual displacement due to thermal expansion.

To support the restoration, the government created a public institution responsible for the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame (EP RNDP), while the CNRS and the Ministry of Culture coordinated a scientific project involving experts in stone, wood, metal, glass, acoustics, digital technologies, and structure.

Within the "structure" working group, the objectives are to understand the mechanical functioning of Gothic cathedrals, assess their strength and resilience, and develop advanced 3D digital models to analyze the complex interactions between vaults, flying buttresses, side walls, buttresses, and supports.

The conference will address three main aspects:

• the original structural functioning,
• the impact of the fire,
• the effect of the new roof structure on the stability of the masonry under wind loads.

This event is part of the MIPS Center's monthly seminar series, which aims to promote scientific exchange and highlight new research topics and technological innovations.