Reconstruction of the Right Ravelin Caponier of the Boyen Fortress in Giżycko – Conservation and Structural Analysis

Abstract

The article presents the reconstruction project of the right ravelin caponier of the Boyen Fortress in Giżycko — a 19th-century Prussian fortification — with particular emphasis on conservation and structural aspects. In 2022, the structure suffered a major building failure (collapse of a wall and vaults), which necessitated comprehensive repair and restoration works. An analysis of the caponier’s condition prior to the failure was carried out, and the causes of the collapse were identified. A conservation program was developed, including the stabilization and anastylosis (reconstruction from preserved original elements) of the historic structure. The design assumptions for the reconstruction are presented, along with an analysis of the materials used (bricks and mortar) and the structural and masonry solutions ensuring the durability and authenticity of the monument. A detailed numerical analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEM) was performed in Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional, modeling the caponier’s vaults and walls under permanent and service loads.