Church of Saint-James at Leuven: Structural Assessment and Consolidation Measures

Abstract

The construction of the western tower of the Church of Saint James dates to 1220. During several subsequent building phases, the Romanesque church has been replaced and extended by a church in early Gothic style. The wooden roofs in the central and side naves were replaced with masonry vaults, and flying buttresses were added. The structure itself is located on a swamp, reclaimed by the monks at the time of construction. The load-bearing capacity of the subsoil is limited, causing large differential settlements. At several occasions in the past, restoration works took place. Due to the excessive cracks observed however, it was decided in 1963 to close the church envisaging its structural collapse, to remove the severely cracked masonry vaults of the side naves and to shore up the pillars of the main nave. Additionally, in 2000, the remaining flying buttresses were removed and replaced by tie rods. The focus of this manuscript is on the structural understanding of this historical building, to determine the most appropriate strengthening and consolidation measures, respecting the authenticity of the building and preserving it for the future.