Restoration of thin shell brick domes: the chapel of the 'Hospital de la Caridad'

Abstract

[Abstract]: The construction of thin shell brick domes is very usual along the Mediterranean zone and presents some very noteworthy characteristics of lightness and strength. The diffusion of this sort of domes has been specially remarkable in Spain from the 13th century and are still being used nowadays. The great strength and adaptability under load of this sort of domes stands out due to its performance under accidental actions of some importance. In the paper a serious implications of pathology by settlements on the chapel of the Hospital of Charity in Ferrol will be studied. It is a little church made with shell brick domes during the 18th century. Techniques and studies that were executed to its restoration will be also studied.