Structural integrity and consolidation of the cathedral of Santiago de Cuba

Overlooking the main square of Santiago de Cuba, the cathedral was built in the XVIIIth century and subjected to many demolitions and reconstructions until the first years of the XXth century. The technique used here is known as colonial, a selfstanding timber structure drowned in masonry walls and culminating in a roof the shape of an overturned hull. The main dome is also timber, held up by 4 masonry piers with a wood core and constituted of 40 arches terminating in 2 timber locking rings one connecting the bases of the arches and one connecting the tops. On the intrados the ribs are joined by rafters and on the extrados the connection is obtained through planking. The structure weakened by seisms and the removal of parts of masonry flanking the cathedral will be consolidated through FRP on the masonry and wooden elements with traditional and sustainable building techniques. This work was part of a cooperation project for human development which considered the phases of diagnostics and restoration of cultural interest. The result is a design dedicated to citizen participation and exchange of knowledge. The cathedral represents both a monument and an identity for local population.