Structural assessments of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a number of estimates of the structural vulnerability of Bethlehem's Nativity Church. Due to a lack of appropriate maintenance of the Church's roof over an extended period of time, a copious infiltration of rainwater caused serious damage to the structure's main elements. A damage survey was carried out for the main walls and grotto, in order to assess their structural vulnerability. The survey was backed by the results of a number of non-destructive tests and of the appropriate numerical analyses.