Cathedral of Our Lady of Tournai

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, this cathedral stands as a significant part of Wallonia's rich heritage and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Among its treasures are roof timbers that have been preserved since 1142 to 1150. However, it was during the early 13th century that the vaulting of the transept was initiated, followed by the completion of the iconic lantern tower and the other four towers, which are the focus of current study.

For the restoration of the roof structures, the decision was made to move away from the numerical finite element model. Instead, a simpler yet effective 3D partial model was developed, carefully accounting for the historical traces, the effects of wear over time, and the archaeological conservation imperatives associated with this framework, some of which dates back to the 12th century.