Florence cathedral_The construction of the aisles: the stability of the structures during and after construction

In Santa Maria del Fiore the builders had to tackle the complex static problems posed by the large dimensions of the three vault-covered aisles. In addition, they paid particular attention to the temporary incompleteness of the structural framework encountered during construction. As the works gradually progressed, particular instability conditions were created due to stress on structures that were very different to the final ones. All the construction difficulties linked to the size of the building and to the particular stability conditions encountered in the different work phases were overcome by setting up temporary devices. In particular, metal and wooden ties were used, which in some cases were removed and in others conserved.