Elementos auxiliares de construcción en la arquitectura gótica. El pilar «major» de la catedral de Tortosa

Abstract

Gothic construction wouldn't have been possible without the use of auxiliary resources which could handle the efforts of the structure during the raising process. In the cathedral of Tortosa case, the 'libros de obra' refers to a big pillar used during the building of the apse, which is named 'pilar major'. The logic of the construction, and also the knowledge about the building phases, has let to deduce the role and the location of this element. Complementarily, it have been verified by graphical methods that the equilibrium of the apse is not possible before the presbitery is closed, without an element of buttressing. The study of the subsoil by means of a georadar has let to identify a solid mass on the center of the apse, where the 'pilar major' would be situated. It probably could be the foundation for its construction.