Stability Analysis on the Roof Trusses of the Broumov Group of Churches to Underline Statical Sense of Dientzenhofers

Abstract

The Broumov group of churches represents an integral part of Bohemian baroque architecture. The famous Dientzenhofer family of architects, that helped define the Bohemian baroque style in the early 18th century, designed the Broumov group for the governing Benedictine abbey of St. Wenceslaw in Broumov. This report summarizes a structural investigation, using FIN10 finite element software, into the stability and efficiency of the roof trusses design. The structures age and current state were taken into account in calculating both the applied loads and structural capacity by increasing loads and reducing material strength. A damage analysis, including identification of fungi species, was performed, documented and implemented in a three-dimensional model for comparison with undamaged results. Magnitude and distribution of axial and bending forces were determined using both two dimensional and three-dimensional models for several load cases. Using the comparison of 1st order and 2nd order structural analysis results and Eurocode specified criteria, critical and unnecessary members of the roof system were identified and evaluated. Classical linear elastic 2nd order theory was used based of Eulerian principles, ignoring geometrical non-linearity and non-linear material effects. The main analysis was performed on the St. Ann church in Viznov and St. Barbora church in Otovice.