The reinforced cement framework

On September 19, 1914, a fire consumed the wooden framework 1800 tons of oak beams were lost, along with the 400 tons of lead roofing!

Later, two people contributed to the restoration of Reims Cathedral:

• John Davidson Rockefeller Jr .
  A major oil industrialist, philanthropist and Francophile, Rockefeller made several donations from 1924 onwards. These covered 37% of the total cost of the project!
• Henri Deneux 
  Chief architect of historic monuments, who designed an innovative framework.

He was inspired by a process invented in the 16^th century by Renaissance architect Philibert Delorme. Delorme conceived of a framework structure composed of small wooden elements assembled by wedges.

Henri Deneux used the same principle for the structure of Reims Cathedral, but replaced the wooden elements with reinforced cement . Planks are assembled using mortise and tenon joints.

It's a real technical feat : economically manufactured on site, the elements are easy to transport (because they're lighter), and are assembled like a set of "Meccano "!

The new structure, built between 1924 and 1926, is inexpensive, fireproof, lightweight and can be dismantled as required.

Did you know that you can see it up close when you visit the cathedral's towers ?