The stunning Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, known as the Christchurch Basilica suffered considerable structural damage to the two towers flanking the entry portico, and to the main dome during recent earthquakes in Christchurch. However a plan to temporarily remove the main dome may help save large sections of the building.
Opus International Consultants was contracted to undertake the work. Initially there was only minor damage after September’s quake, mainly involving falling hazards and the stability of parts of the two towers at the front. The Diocese and insurer asked Opus to assess and record the damage in order to identify appropriate repair solutions.
The building was red placarded (unsafe) until the assessment work was completed, but subsequent events have meant only engineers have been able to enter the building since September.
The outside assessment was completed by the end of the year, with the interior programmed for inspection after Christmas. However following the Boxing Day aftershock the towers wobbled, so had to be stabilised first.
Continue reading about an engineers view of the Christchurch Basilica
Sources
- Image: TV3
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