Morup Church: A Case Study On StructuralBehaviour Of Historical Roof Trusses

Abstract

In Sweden, roof trusses in churches all over the country form a large and interesting category of ancient wood constructions that is relatively unexplored. Today, lack of knowledge about these constructions threaten their existence, as they are often radically changed or even demolished when churches are being restored. Morup church in Halland, Sweden, has been examined as a representative example of a particular type of churche with a wide nave and a relatively flat roof. Morup church has been examined on site and the structural behaviour of the roof trusses has been investigated. Research on historical roof trusses in Swedish churches The great number of historical timber roof trusses preserved in Swedish churches form a rich material for studies in the development of carpentry from the 12th century and onwards. Unfortunately, today, roof constructions are rapidly being removed or altered through repair measures. Modern methods and materials are used, although constructions built with traditional techniques has proved to stand for hundreds of years. There is a lack of knowledge about the structural behaviour of old timber constructions and about the safety aspects on them. In addition, methods are needed to evaluate the structures accordingly. There is also a need for an inventory of restoration problems affecting roof constructions. The author is co-operating with the Swedish Central Board of National Antiquities in a research project concerning these questions. The research is carried out in two steps, where the first is concluded and the second is in progress. In the first step, a survey was made to identify what knowledge there is concerning the shape of old roof trusses, their structural behaviour and restorations problems associated with them. [1] The study comprised literature studies, interviews with engineers and architects working with restoration and a case study. It was found that the shape and structural behaviour of the preserved mediaeval roof trusses are comparatively well known. There are basically two different types; early medieval trusses with tie beams and later ones without tie beams. The roof trusses are connected to different spatial concepts. Early Transactions on the Built Environment vol 26, © 1997 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3509