Author(s)

A.R. Selby

Abstract

During the building of the great cathedrals of Europe, masons endeavoured to produce larger windows with more slender mullions, so as to flood the building with natural light. These were later glazed with stained glass, giving rich colours to the interiors. There is limited anecdotal reference to window collapse; however, one of the larger windows in Durham Cathedral has an internal masonry frame which appears to have been constructed to provide added resistance of the window to inward collapse under severe wind loading. This curious architectural detail is the reason for this study into window stability. Two windows in Durham Cathedral have been studied to consider their factors of safety against mullion instability. 1. Introduction Since Mediaeval times, masons and architects have extended their skills and experience into larger windows, with taller and more slender masonry mullions. A

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