The 48 meter high Garisenda Tower was built in the 12th century and is a popular tourist attraction in Bologna in the north of Italy.
The tower, which stands in front of the twice-tall Asinelli tower, leans 4 degrees. For comparison, the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa leans 3.9 degrees.
Last year, the streets around the tower were temporarily blocked while scientists monitored the construction and looked for signs of movement and cracks.
CLOSED OFF: The square by the two towers was closed last year, for fear that the Garrisenda Tower (th) could collapse. Photo: DAPRESS / SplashNews.com / NTB Show more
The investigations revealed an “unexpected and accelerating trend” of compression at the base of the tower, leading to a gradual collapse of the foundation wall.
Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore said this week that cables previously used to save the Leaning Tower of Pisa will be used along with custom steel scaffolding to prevent the Garisenda Tower from collapsing, according to CNN.
– This will make it possible to secure the tower. In 2025 and 2026, further consolidation and restoration work will be carried out, which still needs to be planned, Lepore said at a press conference on Wednesday this week.
HELLE FOUR DEGREES: The Garrisenda Tower is even more crooked than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Now the authorities are taking action. Photo: GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP / NTB Show more
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was closed in the 90s for repairs and adjustment of the tilt. When it reopened in 2001, it had been straightened by more than 40 centimeters. Hundreds of tonnes of lead were then placed in the foundation as a counterweight, and mass was also removed from the ground beneath the building.
The Bologna mayor stated that it will take about six months to adapt the equipment used in Pisa to the tower in Garisenda, and that the entire operation will cost an estimated 19 million euros – equivalent to 200 million Norwegian kroner.
2024-03-29 13:41:15
#collapse #Takes #action
