Newly renovated Tomb of Christ at risk of ‘catastrophic’ collapse

The restoration project of the Edicule in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem has recently been completed, but scientists warn that the church may still suffer ‘catastrophic’ collapse.

The ornate shrine known as the Edicule encloses what is believed to be the tomb of Jesus Christ inside the 
Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The shrine has just undergone a year-long restoration 
[Credit: Oded Balilty, AP for National Geographic]

According to National Geographic, scientists at the National Technical University of Athens said some portions of the shrine’s foundation actually sit on rubble of earlier buildings, and unexplained tunnels and voids. The foundation mortar of the structure has also crumbled due to long term exposure to moisture. The discovery was made with ground-penetrating radar and robotic cameras.

The 19th-century Edicule after restoration [Credit: Oded Balilty, AP for National Geographic]

“When it fails, the failure will not be a slow process, but catastrophic,” Antonia Moropoulou, NTUA’s chief scientific supervisor told the National Geographic.

To address this risk, scientists at the National Technical University of Athens are proposing a 10-month project that would cost $6 million euros which would involve removing the fractured foundation and installing drainage system around the perimeter of the rotunda.

Source: Protothema [April 02, 2017]