Mechanical characterisation of the stones of Notre-Dame de Paris by in situ acoustic velocity measurement

Abstract

The Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral was built in the 12th century with Lutetian limestone from several quarries in the Paris basin, and was renovated several times. The aim of the research presented here was to determine the mechanical parameters of these limestones and their variability over the entire structure. For this purpose, the authors performed non-destructive ultrasonic propagation velocity measurements on all vertical structural elements (buttresses, piers, walls), horizontal elements (ribbed vaults) and inclined elements (flying buttresses) of the cathedral. The measurements were carried out between June and December 2021. The article gives the results of the test campaign. They are used to estimate the mechanical parameters of the structural elements of Notre-Dame de Paris by means of correlation laws proposed for Lutetian limestones.