The roof of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem: Structural problems and intervention techniques

In the present paper, the roof of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is investigated. The lack of maintenance for many years has determined a copious infiltration of rainwater causing serious damage to the wooden structural elements. The damage, both on the main trusses and on the secondary structure, is first analyzed. Then, the stress state is checked on the basis of the surveyed damage. Finally, an intervention of restoration is designed in order to recover the damaged parts and to increase the seismic strength of the entire structure.