Author(s)

J. LLUIS I GINOVART, S. COLL-PLA, A. COSTA-JOVER, M. LOPEZ PIQUER, E. ROS BARBOSA, A. ROYO BARENG & J. FABREGAT GONZALEZ

Abstract

In the region of Val d’Aran, there is an ensemble of Romanesque churches with very particular formal and constructive characteristics. These buildings, most of which were built during the 12th century, have suffered various alterations throughout history. Their capacity to deform in many cases has pushed the balance of the masonry structure to the limit, forcing the introduction of stabilizing elements.

The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the construction and equilibrium conditions of these highly deformed shapes. This article introduces the context of the churches of Val d’Aran from a wide point of view and addresses the formal characteristics of some of the most relevant examples of basilica floor plan constructions.

An assessment of stability is performed in the church of Santa Eulària d’Unha, which has one of these basilica floor plans, with large deformation of the masonry structure. The methodology is based on graphic statics within the theoretical framework of limit analysis.

Keywords

limit analysis, masonry, Unha, Val d’Aran