Paula Fuentes - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Conference proceedings by Paula Fuentes

Iron, Steel and Buildings. Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Conference of the Construction History Society, 2020

Tile vaults are a particular type of vault built without centering. Thin bricks (tiles) are place... more Tile vaults are a particular type of vault built without centering. Thin bricks (tiles) are placed flatwise, creating a thin surface formed by one or more layers of bricks. The bricks are set with plaster mortar. Plaster mortar hardens very fast, providing a cohesive bond that holds the bricks in place during construction without the need of a centering. The lightness of these vaults, together with the few constructional means that are required, make of this technique a very economic one. Historically, tile vaults have been used in Mediterranean countries, such as Spain, south-east of France, and Italy. At the end of the nineteenth century, Rafael Guastavino (1842-1908) exported this technique to the United States, where he built thousands of vaults. This story is well-known. However, what it is not so well-known is the transmission of tile vaults to the rest of Europe. An ongoing research project about the history of the construction of Belgian vaults has discovered that this technique was introduced in Belgium at the beginning of the twentieth century, not only in churches but also in museums, palaces and other representative buildings. There is no evidence of earlier tile vaults in the country. However, between 1900 and 1950, hundreds of tile vaults were built in Belgium, and several contractors were specialized in this technique.
This paper explains the context of the construction of tile vaults in Belgium and studies the tile vaults of the church of Sint-Theresia van het kind Jezus, in Dilbeek with their innovations in construction and geometry.

Actas del XI Congreso Nacional de Historia de la Construcción, 2019

A partir del siglo XIX, con la introducción de los nuevos materiales, principalmente hierro y hor... more A partir del siglo XIX, con la introducción de los nuevos materiales, principalmente hierro y hormigón armado, se produce un cambio significativo en la construcción, y poco a poco se fue abandonando la construcción de bóvedas. Sin embargo, antes del Movimiento Moderno, en la época del historicismo, las bóvedas seguían utilizándose en iglesias y edificios representativos. En los manuales y tratados de la época, las técnicas más tradicionales se incluían junto con las más modernas y no es extraño, incluso bien entrado el siglo XX, encontrar capítulos dedicados a la construcción de bóvedas.

La búsqueda de la economía en la construcción se hizo especialmente necesaria en los períodos de posguerra, en los que además hubo que reconstruir numerosos edificios históricos. Se recuperan técnicas tradicionales de construcción de bóvedas ligeras y sin cimbra y se incorporan las posibilidades de las nuevas técnicas. Incluso se patentan sistemas de construcción de bóvedas.

Este artículo aborda la construcción de bóvedas ligeras y sin cimbra entre mediados del siglo XIX y mediados del siglo XX en Bélgica, uno de los países pioneros en la revolución industrial, considerando su presencia en los tratados de construcción, las patentes desarrolladas y algunos de los edificios construidos

Crossed-arch vaults are a particular type of ribbed vaults. Their main feature is that the ribs t... more Crossed-arch vaults are a particular type of ribbed vaults. Their main feature is that the ribs that form the vault are intertwined, forming polygons or stars and leaving an empty space in the middle. The firsts appear in Córdoba in the second half of the 10th Century. Afterwards, the type diffused through Spain and North Africa, 11 th-13 th Centuries. These vaults reappear in Armenia in the 13th Century. In the 14th and 15th Century a few examples are found both in England (Durham, Raby) and Central Europe (Prague, Landshut, Vienna). At about the same time, Leo-nardo da Vinci produced designs for the Tiburio (Ciborium) of Milan cathedral with a cross-arched structure and proposed tests to assess the strength; he also, made use of the same pattern of vault for Renaissance centralized churches. Eventually, the type can be tracked through the 17th (Guarini) and 18th (Vittone) Centuries, until Spanish post war architecture in the 1940-60s (Moya). Some questions arose, which so far, have not been answered. How was it possible that a particular type of vault had such enormous geographical spread? How was it transmitted from Córdoba to the Caucasus? The matter is one of transfer of knowledge, ideas, and technology; it relates both aesthetics and construction.

The dome of San Millán was built in the mid-12 th Century. It is an octagonal dome with crossing ... more The dome of San Millán was built in the mid-12 th Century. It is an octagonal dome with crossing arches. These arches are reminiscent of the Islamic domes in Cordoba. The dome is supported by four ashlar conical squinches. The material is a kind of concrete, and the marks of the wooden planks can be seen from the floor. The most remarkable feature is the quality of the construction. After more than eight Centuries the dome stands in a perfect state and shows an amazingly regular geometry. The present paper will describe the geometry of the dome. The detailed measurements have been made with a Laser Station. A hypothetical geometry has been supposed and compared with the measurements. The slight irregularities have been studied and related with the building process. A hypothetical centring system is proposed, considering the pattern of the voussoir crossing arches and the ideal geometry.

Las obras de ampliación emprendidas en la catedral de Zaragoza en 1490 provocaron graves problema... more Las obras de ampliación emprendidas en la catedral de Zaragoza en 1490 provocaron graves problemas estructurales a la vieja fábrica medieval. De hecho, la bóveda del segundo tramo de la antigua nave del Evangelio y uno de los pilares sobre los que se volteaba -aquel del que arrancaba el coro-, se vinieron abajo a comienzos de febrero de 1498, comprometiendo la supervivencia del cimborrio levantado por Mahoma Rami sobre la encrucijada del transepto entre 1403 y 1409. Las autoridades eclesiásticas convocaron una junta de maestros en 1500, y los profesionales reunidos, entre los que pudo encontrarse Enrique Egas, acordaron derribar el viejo cimborrio medieval. Sin embargo, el cimborrio no se tocó hasta comienzos del mes de noviembre de 1504, cuando Enrique Egas acudió a Zaragoza para ejecutar las decisiones tomadas en la reunión de maestros celebrada cuatro años antes.

Crossed-arch domes are a singular type of ribbed vaults. Their characteristic feature is that the... more Crossed-arch domes are a singular type of ribbed vaults. Their characteristic feature is that the ribs that form the vault are intertwined, forming polygons or stars, leaving an empty space in the centre. The fact that the earliest known vaults of this type are found in the Great Mosque of Córdoba, built in the mid 10 th century, has generated a debate on their possible origin. The thesis that appears to have most support is that of the eastern origin. This article describes the different hypothesis, to then proceed with a discussion of the geometry. Geometry is a topic that has been thoroughly studied in Hispanic-Muslim decoration; however, the geometry of domes has very rarely been considered. Also, the function of the ribs has never been discussed, in contrast with the abundant literature on gothic ribs. In what follows, we will give first a historical overview of the evolution of this structural type. Then the geometrical patterns in plan will be examined. Afterwards, the geometric problems of passing from the plan to the three-dimensional space will be considered. Finally, a discussion about the possible structural behavior of these domes will be given.

Papers by Paula Fuentes

The Vaults of Mallorca Cathedral Rising to a Technical Challenge

The Art of Vaulting, 2019

The Islamic Crossed-Arch Domes in Cordoba

Auguste Fabre and the Construction of Tile Vaults in France. The Industrialization of a Traditional Technique

International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 2021

"Advanced Materials Research", v. Vols. ; pp. 343-348. ISSN 1022-6680, 2010

The Franciscan church of La Peregrina in Sahagún (Spain) was founded in the 13th Century. It has ... more The Franciscan church of La Peregrina in Sahagún (Spain) was founded in the 13th Century. It has undergone many transformations and additions throughout its history. The most important were carried out in the 17th Century when the church was converted to the Baroque style. The apse vaults were demolished and new timbrel vaults were built hiding the Mudéjar windows. In the nave, the transverse arches that supported the modern roof were also demolished, internal counterforts were built and new barrel timbrel vaults with lunettes, erected. Eventually, an oval dome was built on the transept. Recent restoration work will give the building a new use. The project aims to recover the Mudéjar apse with its windows providing natural light to the presbytery. This involves the demolition of the Baroque vaults above the presbytery (a barrel vault terminated with a semi-dome). The oval dome will lose some buttressing to the side of the apse and an expertise was required to assess the feasibility of the operation. In the present paper the structure of the church will be described and the analysis of the oval dome with and without the presbytery vaults will be explained.

The Islamic Crossed-arch Vaults in the Mosque of Córdoba

In the middle of the 10th century, four innovative ribbed vaults were built in the extension of t... more In the middle of the 10th century, four innovative ribbed vaults were built in the extension of the mosque of Córdoba. Their pattern of crossed-arch vaults together with the early and systematic use of ovals for the ribs, make them a unique case to research. A survey using total station measurements, and a study of the constructive evidence, have led to interesting conclusions about their geometry and construction. This paper discusses the geometry of the ribs, as well as the construction process of these vaults.

Geometry, Construction and Structural Analysis of the Crossed-arch Vault of the Chapel of Villaviciosa, in the Mosque of Córdoba

International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 2015

The Franciscan church of La Peregrina in Sahagún (Spain) was founded in the 13 th Century. It has... more The Franciscan church of La Peregrina in Sahagún (Spain) was founded in the 13 th Century. It has undergone many transformations and additions throughout its history. The most important were carried out in the 17 th Century when the church was converted to the Baroque style. The apse vaults were demolished and new timbrel vaults were built hiding the Mudéjar windows. In the nave, the transverse arches that supported the modern roof were also demolished, internal counterforts were built and new barrel timbrel vaults with lunettes, erected. Eventually, an oval dome was built on the transept. Recent restoration work will give the building a new use. The project aims to recover the Mudéjar apse with its windows providing natural light to the presbytery. This involves the demolition of the Baroque vaults above the presbytery (a barrel vault terminated with a semi-dome). The oval dome will lose some buttressing to the side of the apse and an expertise was required to assess the feasibility of the operation. In the present paper the structure of the church will be described and the analysis of the oval dome with and without the presbytery vaults will be explained.

Book Chapters by Paula Fuentes

Conference Presentations by Paula Fuentes

Books by Paula Fuentes

Some of the highest and widest vaults in medieval architecture were erected in the Mediterranean ... more Some of the highest and widest vaults in medieval architecture were erected in the Mediterranean area. Outstanding buildings with remarkable vaults and buttressing systems such as the cathedral of Mallorca represent important examples of technology transfer and contemporary innovation. In The Art of Vaulting international experts from various academic and professional backgrounds explore the complex processes of medieval construction and design, investigating the structural behaviour of these buildings, analysing building techniques, and providing links to historical documents. This unique approach of combining fieldwork with the study of written sources provides new insights into these impressive monuments, technological progress, and the construction techniques of the time. This series of publications by the DFG Research Training Group «Cultural and Technological Significance of Historical Buildings» focuses on selected topics related to construction in different cultures and periods. The individual volumes in the series approach these topics from engineering and cultural studies perspectives. Together they contribute to an interdisciplinary discourse on construction from the point of view of both culture and technology. https://www.degruyter.com/view/product/512029

"Arch' 10. 6th International Conference on Arch Bridges", 11-13, octubre, 2010, Fuzhou, China. ISBN 978-953-7621-10-0, 2010

Crossed-arch domes are one of the earliest types of ribbed vaults. In them the ribs are intertwin... more Crossed-arch domes are one of the earliest types of ribbed vaults. In them the ribs are intertwined forming polygons. The earliest known vaults of this type are found in the Great Mosque of Córdoba in Spain built in the mid 10th century, though the type appeared later in places as far as Armenia or Persia. This has generated a debate on their possible origin; a historical outline is given and the different hypotheses are discussed. Geometry is fundamental part and the different patterns are examined. Though geometry has been thoroughly studied in Hispanic-Muslim decoration, the geometry of domes has very rarely been considered. The geometrical patterns in plan will be examined and afterwards, the geometric problems of passing from the plan to the three-dimensional space will be considered. Finally, a discussion about the possible structural behaviour of these domes is sketched.

Iron, Steel and Buildings. Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Conference of the Construction History Society, 2020

Tile vaults are a particular type of vault built without centering. Thin bricks (tiles) are place... more Tile vaults are a particular type of vault built without centering. Thin bricks (tiles) are placed flatwise, creating a thin surface formed by one or more layers of bricks. The bricks are set with plaster mortar. Plaster mortar hardens very fast, providing a cohesive bond that holds the bricks in place during construction without the need of a centering. The lightness of these vaults, together with the few constructional means that are required, make of this technique a very economic one. Historically, tile vaults have been used in Mediterranean countries, such as Spain, south-east of France, and Italy. At the end of the nineteenth century, Rafael Guastavino (1842-1908) exported this technique to the United States, where he built thousands of vaults. This story is well-known. However, what it is not so well-known is the transmission of tile vaults to the rest of Europe. An ongoing research project about the history of the construction of Belgian vaults has discovered that this technique was introduced in Belgium at the beginning of the twentieth century, not only in churches but also in museums, palaces and other representative buildings. There is no evidence of earlier tile vaults in the country. However, between 1900 and 1950, hundreds of tile vaults were built in Belgium, and several contractors were specialized in this technique.
This paper explains the context of the construction of tile vaults in Belgium and studies the tile vaults of the church of Sint-Theresia van het kind Jezus, in Dilbeek with their innovations in construction and geometry.

Actas del XI Congreso Nacional de Historia de la Construcción, 2019

A partir del siglo XIX, con la introducción de los nuevos materiales, principalmente hierro y hor... more A partir del siglo XIX, con la introducción de los nuevos materiales, principalmente hierro y hormigón armado, se produce un cambio significativo en la construcción, y poco a poco se fue abandonando la construcción de bóvedas. Sin embargo, antes del Movimiento Moderno, en la época del historicismo, las bóvedas seguían utilizándose en iglesias y edificios representativos. En los manuales y tratados de la época, las técnicas más tradicionales se incluían junto con las más modernas y no es extraño, incluso bien entrado el siglo XX, encontrar capítulos dedicados a la construcción de bóvedas.

La búsqueda de la economía en la construcción se hizo especialmente necesaria en los períodos de posguerra, en los que además hubo que reconstruir numerosos edificios históricos. Se recuperan técnicas tradicionales de construcción de bóvedas ligeras y sin cimbra y se incorporan las posibilidades de las nuevas técnicas. Incluso se patentan sistemas de construcción de bóvedas.

Este artículo aborda la construcción de bóvedas ligeras y sin cimbra entre mediados del siglo XIX y mediados del siglo XX en Bélgica, uno de los países pioneros en la revolución industrial, considerando su presencia en los tratados de construcción, las patentes desarrolladas y algunos de los edificios construidos

Crossed-arch vaults are a particular type of ribbed vaults. Their main feature is that the ribs t... more Crossed-arch vaults are a particular type of ribbed vaults. Their main feature is that the ribs that form the vault are intertwined, forming polygons or stars and leaving an empty space in the middle. The firsts appear in Córdoba in the second half of the 10th Century. Afterwards, the type diffused through Spain and North Africa, 11 th-13 th Centuries. These vaults reappear in Armenia in the 13th Century. In the 14th and 15th Century a few examples are found both in England (Durham, Raby) and Central Europe (Prague, Landshut, Vienna). At about the same time, Leo-nardo da Vinci produced designs for the Tiburio (Ciborium) of Milan cathedral with a cross-arched structure and proposed tests to assess the strength; he also, made use of the same pattern of vault for Renaissance centralized churches. Eventually, the type can be tracked through the 17th (Guarini) and 18th (Vittone) Centuries, until Spanish post war architecture in the 1940-60s (Moya). Some questions arose, which so far, have not been answered. How was it possible that a particular type of vault had such enormous geographical spread? How was it transmitted from Córdoba to the Caucasus? The matter is one of transfer of knowledge, ideas, and technology; it relates both aesthetics and construction.

The dome of San Millán was built in the mid-12 th Century. It is an octagonal dome with crossing ... more The dome of San Millán was built in the mid-12 th Century. It is an octagonal dome with crossing arches. These arches are reminiscent of the Islamic domes in Cordoba. The dome is supported by four ashlar conical squinches. The material is a kind of concrete, and the marks of the wooden planks can be seen from the floor. The most remarkable feature is the quality of the construction. After more than eight Centuries the dome stands in a perfect state and shows an amazingly regular geometry. The present paper will describe the geometry of the dome. The detailed measurements have been made with a Laser Station. A hypothetical geometry has been supposed and compared with the measurements. The slight irregularities have been studied and related with the building process. A hypothetical centring system is proposed, considering the pattern of the voussoir crossing arches and the ideal geometry.

Las obras de ampliación emprendidas en la catedral de Zaragoza en 1490 provocaron graves problema... more Las obras de ampliación emprendidas en la catedral de Zaragoza en 1490 provocaron graves problemas estructurales a la vieja fábrica medieval. De hecho, la bóveda del segundo tramo de la antigua nave del Evangelio y uno de los pilares sobre los que se volteaba -aquel del que arrancaba el coro-, se vinieron abajo a comienzos de febrero de 1498, comprometiendo la supervivencia del cimborrio levantado por Mahoma Rami sobre la encrucijada del transepto entre 1403 y 1409. Las autoridades eclesiásticas convocaron una junta de maestros en 1500, y los profesionales reunidos, entre los que pudo encontrarse Enrique Egas, acordaron derribar el viejo cimborrio medieval. Sin embargo, el cimborrio no se tocó hasta comienzos del mes de noviembre de 1504, cuando Enrique Egas acudió a Zaragoza para ejecutar las decisiones tomadas en la reunión de maestros celebrada cuatro años antes.

Crossed-arch domes are a singular type of ribbed vaults. Their characteristic feature is that the... more Crossed-arch domes are a singular type of ribbed vaults. Their characteristic feature is that the ribs that form the vault are intertwined, forming polygons or stars, leaving an empty space in the centre. The fact that the earliest known vaults of this type are found in the Great Mosque of Córdoba, built in the mid 10 th century, has generated a debate on their possible origin. The thesis that appears to have most support is that of the eastern origin. This article describes the different hypothesis, to then proceed with a discussion of the geometry. Geometry is a topic that has been thoroughly studied in Hispanic-Muslim decoration; however, the geometry of domes has very rarely been considered. Also, the function of the ribs has never been discussed, in contrast with the abundant literature on gothic ribs. In what follows, we will give first a historical overview of the evolution of this structural type. Then the geometrical patterns in plan will be examined. Afterwards, the geometric problems of passing from the plan to the three-dimensional space will be considered. Finally, a discussion about the possible structural behavior of these domes will be given.

The Vaults of Mallorca Cathedral Rising to a Technical Challenge

The Art of Vaulting, 2019

The Islamic Crossed-Arch Domes in Cordoba

Auguste Fabre and the Construction of Tile Vaults in France. The Industrialization of a Traditional Technique

International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 2021

"Advanced Materials Research", v. Vols. ; pp. 343-348. ISSN 1022-6680, 2010

The Franciscan church of La Peregrina in Sahagún (Spain) was founded in the 13th Century. It has ... more The Franciscan church of La Peregrina in Sahagún (Spain) was founded in the 13th Century. It has undergone many transformations and additions throughout its history. The most important were carried out in the 17th Century when the church was converted to the Baroque style. The apse vaults were demolished and new timbrel vaults were built hiding the Mudéjar windows. In the nave, the transverse arches that supported the modern roof were also demolished, internal counterforts were built and new barrel timbrel vaults with lunettes, erected. Eventually, an oval dome was built on the transept. Recent restoration work will give the building a new use. The project aims to recover the Mudéjar apse with its windows providing natural light to the presbytery. This involves the demolition of the Baroque vaults above the presbytery (a barrel vault terminated with a semi-dome). The oval dome will lose some buttressing to the side of the apse and an expertise was required to assess the feasibility of the operation. In the present paper the structure of the church will be described and the analysis of the oval dome with and without the presbytery vaults will be explained.

The Islamic Crossed-arch Vaults in the Mosque of Córdoba

In the middle of the 10th century, four innovative ribbed vaults were built in the extension of t... more In the middle of the 10th century, four innovative ribbed vaults were built in the extension of the mosque of Córdoba. Their pattern of crossed-arch vaults together with the early and systematic use of ovals for the ribs, make them a unique case to research. A survey using total station measurements, and a study of the constructive evidence, have led to interesting conclusions about their geometry and construction. This paper discusses the geometry of the ribs, as well as the construction process of these vaults.

Geometry, Construction and Structural Analysis of the Crossed-arch Vault of the Chapel of Villaviciosa, in the Mosque of Córdoba

International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 2015

The Franciscan church of La Peregrina in Sahagún (Spain) was founded in the 13 th Century. It has... more The Franciscan church of La Peregrina in Sahagún (Spain) was founded in the 13 th Century. It has undergone many transformations and additions throughout its history. The most important were carried out in the 17 th Century when the church was converted to the Baroque style. The apse vaults were demolished and new timbrel vaults were built hiding the Mudéjar windows. In the nave, the transverse arches that supported the modern roof were also demolished, internal counterforts were built and new barrel timbrel vaults with lunettes, erected. Eventually, an oval dome was built on the transept. Recent restoration work will give the building a new use. The project aims to recover the Mudéjar apse with its windows providing natural light to the presbytery. This involves the demolition of the Baroque vaults above the presbytery (a barrel vault terminated with a semi-dome). The oval dome will lose some buttressing to the side of the apse and an expertise was required to assess the feasibility of the operation. In the present paper the structure of the church will be described and the analysis of the oval dome with and without the presbytery vaults will be explained.

Some of the highest and widest vaults in medieval architecture were erected in the Mediterranean ... more Some of the highest and widest vaults in medieval architecture were erected in the Mediterranean area. Outstanding buildings with remarkable vaults and buttressing systems such as the cathedral of Mallorca represent important examples of technology transfer and contemporary innovation. In The Art of Vaulting international experts from various academic and professional backgrounds explore the complex processes of medieval construction and design, investigating the structural behaviour of these buildings, analysing building techniques, and providing links to historical documents. This unique approach of combining fieldwork with the study of written sources provides new insights into these impressive monuments, technological progress, and the construction techniques of the time. This series of publications by the DFG Research Training Group «Cultural and Technological Significance of Historical Buildings» focuses on selected topics related to construction in different cultures and periods. The individual volumes in the series approach these topics from engineering and cultural studies perspectives. Together they contribute to an interdisciplinary discourse on construction from the point of view of both culture and technology. https://www.degruyter.com/view/product/512029

"Arch' 10. 6th International Conference on Arch Bridges", 11-13, octubre, 2010, Fuzhou, China. ISBN 978-953-7621-10-0, 2010

Crossed-arch domes are one of the earliest types of ribbed vaults. In them the ribs are intertwin... more Crossed-arch domes are one of the earliest types of ribbed vaults. In them the ribs are intertwined forming polygons. The earliest known vaults of this type are found in the Great Mosque of Córdoba in Spain built in the mid 10th century, though the type appeared later in places as far as Armenia or Persia. This has generated a debate on their possible origin; a historical outline is given and the different hypotheses are discussed. Geometry is fundamental part and the different patterns are examined. Though geometry has been thoroughly studied in Hispanic-Muslim decoration, the geometry of domes has very rarely been considered. The geometrical patterns in plan will be examined and afterwards, the geometric problems of passing from the plan to the three-dimensional space will be considered. Finally, a discussion about the possible structural behaviour of these domes is sketched.

"Séptimo Congreso Nacional de Historia de la Construcción", 26-29 de octubre de 2011, Santiago de Compostela. ISBN 978–84–9728–371–7, 2011

El cimborrio de la catedral de Zaragoza supone un hito en la construcción de los cimborrios del s... more El cimborrio de la catedral de Zaragoza supone un hito en la construcción de los cimborrios del siglo XVI. El sistema estructural con dos mallas de arcos en los que apoyan distintos elementos es una solución completamente original de la que, por lo que sabemos, no existe precedente alguno. El mismo Botero empleó este sistema en el cimborrio de la Catedral de Tarazona, donde vuelven a aparecer al exterior dos prismas octogonales girados. Tras los múltiples fracasos de cimborrios, tanto en ésta como en otras catedrales, el cimborrio de Zaragoza tiene una gran seguridad, y marca un hito en la historia de la construcción abovedada. Este tipo se abandonó en España tras el siglo XVI, pero fue recuperado en el siglo XVII por Guarino Guarini que lo empleó en la iglesia de San Lorenzo de Turín y en numerosos proyectos no construidos.

"Octavo Congreso Nacional de Historia de la Construcción", 09/10/2013 - 12/10/2013, Madrid. ISBN 978-84-9728-476-9. pp. 335-346, 2013

Las bóvedas de arcos entrecruzados están formadas por nervios que se cruzan dejando un polígono c... more Las bóvedas de arcos entrecruzados están formadas por nervios que se cruzan dejando un polígono central que sirve de apoyo a una cúpula o linterna, o se deja libre como óculo. La primera de estas bóvedas que se conoce es la de la capilla de Villaviciosa en la mezquita de Córdoba construida hacia el año 960 d.C. Poco años después se construyen bóvedas análogas en la macsura de la misma mezquita. Los siguientes ejemplos aparecen a principios del siglo XI en Toledo: en el Cristo de la Luz y en la capilla de Belén. En el siglo XII se encuentran también en el norte de África y en Persia (Isfahan). El mismo tipo de bóvedas aparecen también en Armenia durante el siglo XIII, con una gran diversidad de trazados. Es el propósito de la presente comunicación exponer la construcción y geometría de estas bóvedas armenias, en general poco conocidas.

"Fifth International Congress on Construction History", 3-7 junio 2015, Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, Illinois. ISBN 978-1-329-15031-7, 2015

Crossed-arch vaults are a particular type of ribbed vaults. Their main feature is that the ribs t... more Crossed-arch vaults are a particular type of ribbed vaults. Their main feature is that the ribs that form the vault are intertwined, forming polygons or stars and leaving an empty space in the middle. The firsts appear in Córdoba in the second half of the 10th Century. Afterwards, the type diffused through Spain and North Africa, 11th_13th Centuries. These vaults reappear in Armenia in the 13th Century. In the 14th and 15th Century a few examples are found both in England (Durham, Raby) and Central Europe (Prague, Landshut, Vienna). At about the same time, Leonardo da Vinci produced designs for the Tiburio (Ciborium) of Milan cathedral with a cross-arched structure and proposed tests to assess the strength; he also, made use of the same pattern of vault for Renaissance centralized churches. Eventually, the type can be tracked through the 17th (Guarini) and 18th (Vittone) Centuries, until Spanish post war architecture in the 1940-60s (Moya). Some questions arose, which so far, have not been answered. How was it possible that a particular type of vault had such enormous geographical spread? How was it transmitted from Córdoba to the Caucasus? The matter is one of transfer of knowledge, ideas, and technology; it relates both aesthetics and construction.

Fuentes González, P., I. J. Gil Crespo, S. Huerta, C. Martín Jiménez, and E. Redondo Martínez. 2014. "Bóvedas sin cimbra: La construcción tabicada. Memoria académica del taller experimental de Historia de la Construcción del curso 2013/2014." Madrid: Instituto Juan de Herrera. , 2014

Las bóvedas tabicadas, construidas sin cimbra con ladrillos puestos de plano, son un tipo de bóve... more Las bóvedas tabicadas, construidas sin cimbra con ladrillos puestos de plano, son un tipo de bóveda muy frecuente en España. Las primeras están fechadas en el siglo XIV, pero probablemente tienen un origen islámico. Desde el s. XVI se emplean en casi toda España. Son un tipo mediterráneo: se encuentran también en Italia (volte a foglio o a la volterrana), Francia (voûtes plates) y Argelia (rhorfas). Sólo desde este ámbito puede entenderse su origen y difusión, si bien hasta ahora los estudios han sido locales. En la segunda mitad del s. XIX se aplicaron en la arquitectura industrial; el arquitecto valenciano Guastavino las llevó a América en 1880, donde construyó centenares en los edificios más importantes de esa época (su hijo las siguió construyendo hasta los años 1940.) Por su gran economía, tras la Guerra de 1936, se emplearon con frecuencia en la reconstrucción de una España devastada, tanto en restauración como en obra nueva. Su empleo fue común hasta finales de los años 1950. Después su uso se fue restringiendo, hasta casi desparecer (en la construcción de escaleras se siguieron usando hasta los años 1980). En los dos últimos decenios ha habido un “renacimiento” de las bóvedas tabicadas. Algunos arquitectos e ingenieros han vuelto a emplearlas por su facilidad de ejecución y su valor estético: en España, Fortea y López Bernal, y en América, Ochsendorf y Ramage, entre otros. Algunos constructores han recuperado esta técnica y la aplican con notable éxito (Carlos Martín). Se han realizado también numerosos talleres de formación para jóvenes albañiles

Huerta Fernández, Santiago y Fuentes González, Paula. Informe sobre la estabilidad de las bóvedas, fachada y sistema de contrarresto de la iglesia de Sant Miquel, Palma de Mallorca.. Monografía (Informe Técnico). E.T.S. Arquitectura (UPM), Madrid, 2013

La iglesia de Sant Miquel en Palma de Mallorca tiene un origen gótico pero sufrió importantes ref... more La iglesia de Sant Miquel en Palma de Mallorca tiene un origen gótico pero sufrió importantes reformas en el siglo XVII. Al parecer, del gótico sólo se conservan las capillas laterales. Se trata de una iglesia de una gran nave única, con capillas laterales. La gran bóveda se compone de grandes arcos fajones, de unos 14 m de luz, espaciados unos 4 m, entre los cuales hay una delgada bóveda de cañón de libaña de marés de 13 cm de espesor y 14,65 m de luz. En los pies hay un coro alto sobre una bóveda de crucería muy rebajada y con un arco de cabeza carpanel, también muy rebajado hacia la nave. En la zona de los pies se aprecian grietas en los plementos de la bóveda del coro, en el arco de cabeza, y en las bóvedas de cañón entre los arcos fajones. La gran bóveda presenta una grieta de separación en el lado sur del muro de fachada; el segundo tramo desde los pies presenta también una grieta transversal. El enlucido de la gran bóveda está bastante deteriorado y ha habido pequeños desprendimientos. Los citados agrietamientos y el desprendimiento de pequeños trozos del enlucido han causado preocupación en el Obispado. El objetivo del presente informe es estudiar el origen de estos agrietamientos y su posible influencia en la estabilidad de la iglesia así como sugerir, en su caso, medidas de refuerzo o consolidación.

Huerta Fernández, Santiago; Fuentes González, Paula y Guerra Pestonit, Rosa Ana. Informe sobre la estabilidad del cimborrio barroco sobre el crucero de la catedral de Santiago, con vistas a su restauración integral. Monografía (Informe Técnico). E.T.S. Arquitectura (UPM), Madrid, 2016

El cimborrio barroco sobre el crucero de la catedral de Santiago (Fig. 1) se encuentra en la actu... more El cimborrio barroco sobre el crucero de la catedral de Santiago (Fig. 1) se encuentra en la actualidad agrietado: hay grietas meridianas en las aristas y en los paños que evidencian un cedimiento del sistema de contrarresto. Las grietas dejan entrar el agua de lluvia. Deben ser antiguas porque se construyó hace tiempo una cubierta interior de teja. La linterna presenta daños visibles y el pináculo está completamente fracturado. En la Figura 2 puede verse una sección vertical, la planta al nivel del arranque del tambor y la planta de cubierta. Puede verse que el cimborrio barroco se construyó sobre la coronación del cimborrio gótico. Es un cuerpo ciego, sin ningún otro uso que el de completar la imagen barroca de la catedral desde la ciudad. La estabilidad general del cimborrio ha quedado demostrada por su supervivencia durante unos tres siglos. No obstante, presentaba en los últimos años un estado de deterioro y falta de mantenimiento que requiere una intervención. El objeto del presente informe es estudiar la estabilidad del cimborrio y de sus elementos, sugiriendo, en su caso, medidas de consolidación. Se ha empleado documentación suministrada por el arquitecto director de la obra, Javier Alonso, y por la empresa PECSA, encargada de la restauración. Se han realizado mediciones de precisión complementarias con escáner Láser.

Huerta Fernández, Santiago; Fuentes González, Paula y Guerra Pestonit, Rosa Ana. Informe sobre la estabilidad del arco de cabeza y la bóveda del presbiterio del Santuario do Corpiño, Pontevedra. Monografía (Informe Técnico). E. Politécnica de Enseñanza Superior (UPM), Madrid, 2016

El presente informe tiene por objetivo estudiar la estabilidad de la zona del presbiterio del San... more El presente informe tiene por objetivo estudiar la estabilidad de la zona del presbiterio del Santuario del Corpiño. El arco de cabeza presenta una deformación muy pronunciada y la bóveda de arista que cubre el presbiterio muestra así mismo grietas y deformaciones muy visibles. Las grietas estaban tapadas antes de la intervención (Figura 1). El informe se ha realizado en el contexto de las intervenciones que el arquitecto Justo Portela está realizando en el Santuario, en particular a partir de la restauración de las cubiertas. Se han realizado varias visitas de inspección, acompañados de Justo Portela, desde septiembre de 2014 hasta la actualidad para conocer la estructura interna y valorar las distintas opciones de intervención.

Huerta Fernández, Santiago; Fuentes González, Paula y Guerra Pestonit, Rosa Ana. Informe sobre la estabilidad y capacidad de carga de la bóveda del Salón del Pendón, Colegiata de San Isidoro, León. Monografía (Informe Técnico). E.T.S. Arquitectura (UPM), Madrid, 2016

El hoy llamado “Salón del Pendón”, antiguo refectorio, fue construido en 1753. Ocupa el ala septe... more El hoy llamado “Salón del Pendón”, antiguo refectorio, fue construido en 1753. Ocupa el ala septentrional del primer claustro. En los años 1960 se realizaron obras de reforma y, desde entonces, funciona como salón solemne, Figura 1. Es una sala de planta rectangular, ligeramente oblicua, cubierta por bóvedas rebajadas de arista ricamente decoradas con yeserías y dorados, Figura 2. Si se examina el intradós con atención se observan los agrietamientos usuales en este tipo de bóvedas. Las bóvedas que cubren el Salón soportan el forjado de la planta superior. En los últimos decenios esta planta se ha venido usando para uso de oficinas y aulas sin que se haya detectado el menor problema estructural. El objeto del presente informe es estimar la capacidad de carga de las bóvedas del Salón del Pendón de cara a un futuro cambio de uso. Este uso no está aún determinado; se estudiará el uso público como salón de actos y como museo.

Konstruktionssprachen. Überlegungen zur Periodisierung von Bautechnikgeschichte. Eine Hommage an Werner Lorenz, 2020

Traditionally, the history of architecture in Europe has been divided into styles, with common ch... more Traditionally, the history of architecture in Europe has been divided into styles, with common characteristics applicable to different places. But even within the same style, architecture has sought different objectives and consequently has developed different languages. This is the case of Gothic architecture in south-east Europe, where a distinctive Gothic architectural language was developed in order to achieve different goals.
While in central Europe vaults became geometrically more and more complex, efforts in the Mediterranean area concentrated on constructing
large and sober spaces, leaving the sophisticated interlacing of ribs and mouldings to details (the tas-de-charge, the base of columns etc.). In this region, it appears that the challenge for builders was to construct very large structures with wide vaults. In fact the widest nave in a Gothic cathedral was built in Girona, with a span of 23 and a height of 35 m; the largest nave (19 m span, 44 m height) is that of Palma
de Mallorca; and the largest Gothic vault covers the Sala dei Baroni in Napoli, with a span of 26 m. These dimensions compare well with the great Roman thermae. This similarity, together with the austere decoration, led the Spanish architectural historian Torres Balbas to comment: "If from the Levantine temples the decoration
and the ribs of the vaults are removed ( ... ) they would look like great Roman rooms".