Instandsetzung des stählernen Glockenstuhls im Ulmer Münster

Repair of the steel belfry in the Ulm Minster, Germany.

The famous main tower of Ulm Minster contains a steel bell frame from 1897. Situated in the tower's medieval part, it was erected during the completion of the tower in the late 19th century as a substitute for an ancient wooden construction. The riveted steel structure of the bell frame shows a very efficient and, in its time, modern design. Due to heavy corrosion on the profiles and joints, a thorough restoration had to be carried out. With view on the exceptional qualities of the structure, one of the main goals was a maximum preservation of the original material as well as of the bell frame's general character and appearance. Based on a meticulous damage survey, it was possible to develop a restoration considering local damage as well as general structural shortcomings.