.png)
The reconstructed Notre Dame de Paris, slated to reopen this weekend, has emerged as a focal point of scientific research after a fire destroyed the church in 2019. The flame damaged most of its roof and spire, sparking attempts to rebuild the landmark monument while also revealing vital historical and environmental information. According to specialists at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), interdisciplinary examinations of materials recovered from the debris have yielded information about medieval construction practices and climatic conditions.
Analyzing the Medieval Timber Framework
According to Science.org, Thierry Zimmer, assistant director of the Research Laboratory of Historical Monuments, has spearheaded attempts to locate the oak timber that originally supported Notre Dame's roof. Chemical studies revealed the wood's origin, which was traced back hundreds of kilometers to an area near Paris. These discoveries also offer information on environmental circumstances in the 12th century, with data suggesting climatic differences from Alpine records, according to the paper. According to sources, researchers lead by Valérie Daux at the University Paris-Saclay used isotopic markers to recreate regional temperatures and humidity, revealing a colder period than previously assumed.
Reconstruction Guided by Scientific Study
The article also stated that archaeologist Cédric Moulis of the University of Lorraine used found stone pieces to recreate portions of the cathedral's vaulted roof. These tests, carried out with the assistance of Stéphane Morel, a mechanical engineer from the University of Bordeaux, guaranteed that freshly fabricated parts retained structural tolerances similar to the originals.
Toxic Legacy of Fire
Researchers from the Regional Health Agency of Ile-de-France looked into concerns regarding lead pollution produced by the fire's extreme heat melting over 285 tons of lead cladding. Their findings, published in Science of the Total Environment, indicated that exposure levels in Parisian youngsters remained within acceptable ranges.
Digital Twin for Future Research
A full digital twin of Notre Dame, containing 3D scans and historical data, would be accessible to academics in 2025, as per reports. The project's leader, Livio De Luca, highlights its potential to enhance heritage research by providing insights into Notre Dame's past and directing future restoration work.
#notredame #notredamecathedral #notredamerestoration #scientists #newstainmentora #googlenews
