The reconstruction of the sandstone dome of the Frauenkirche

The entire original cupola of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) was built in Saxon sandstone with iron anchor rings. In the early stages of planning the reconstruction of this unique dome, the engineers analysed the original structure. It was concluded that it would be possible to reconstruct in sandstone masonry because it would produce the obvious strength. To master the problem of cracking, prestressed anchor rings of steel bandages are to be provided under the faced stone layer of the outer wall of the dome.