This paper on "Reconstruction of the Frauenkirche Dresden Application of the Finite Element Method for Independent Check Calculations" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Design, Simulation & Optimisation: Reliability & Applicability of Computational Methods - 9-11 April 1997, Stuttgart, Germany.

Summary

The application of the Finite Element Method is illustrated using as an example the reconstruction of the Frauenkirche Dresden out of sandstone masonry. In context with the design checks this analysis method is applied to establish completely independent comparison calculations. At first glance. It seems unusual to use such an ambitious analysis method for a masonry structure and assuming a linear-elastic material behaviour, however, the chosen method is a tool to obtain clear and accurate results in a reasonable time frame.