Cúpulas de crucero en templos de la provincia de Alicante (s.XVII-XIX): construcción y geometría

El objetivo es determinar las características constructivas, geométricas y materiales en la construcción de cúpulas originales de ladrillo en templos de la provincia de Alicante desde finales del siglo XVII hasta principios del siglo XIX. Se estudian 38 cruceros de iglesias y catedrales en 35 localidades alicantinas mediante recopilación de dibujos originales, levantamiento de planos, construcción en 3D, termografías y toma de muestras, todo ello seguido de un análisis comparativo de variables. Constructivamente, el 88,57 % de las cúpulas simples analizadas son de una hoja de ladrillo macizo (colocado a rosca). Geométricamente, el 97,37 % presentan planta circular y el 92,1 % peralte. El acabado azul vidriado en cubierta es el característico de la provincia (68,42 %), adornado con limatesas en color blanco. Un estudio imprescindible para establecer criterios de uso y conservación, facilitando futuras intervenciones de rehabilitación en este tipo de construcciones religiosas.

Restoration of religious temples: intervention in the church “Nuestra Señora de Belén” in Crevillente (Alicante)

Heritage conservation has raised historical problems usually centered in defects resulting from water leaks. Thus, any intervention is presented as a difficult task, both due to building techniques to be used and the lack of economic resources in many cases. In relation to the temples existing in Alicante (Spain), water drainage is solved with pitched roofs on slope formation (in vaulted naves) or directly supported on the vaulted elements (in the domes). Since those construction systems are composed by brick and plaster, the presence of moisture is problematic, and represents a risk of losing the strength capacity and therefore the stability of the dome. An example of this problem is the dome of the church “Nuestra Señora de Belén” in Crevillente, built with solid bricks, it has the highest diameter of the province (18th century). This historic building has been restored on several occasions in the recent years due to moisture, cracks or fissures. The study of these works give an idea of the difficulties of maintenance, conservation and proper restoration of such kind of buildings as unique and valued constructions in our heritage.