How engineers stabilized the world's most famous tilt
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is more than a tourist photo opportunity. This video explores the complex civil engineering efforts used to straighten the medieval structure and prevent it from collapsing after centuries of foundation settling.
By the late 20th century, the tower's tilt had reached approximately 5.5 degrees, a displacement of about 15 feet from the perpendicular. This instability was caused by the settling of its foundations into the ground.
The restoration involved extensive work by contractors, engineers, and restoration experts to stabilize the campanile. While the tower's lean is an integral part of its historical character, the intervention was necessary to ensure its survival for the coming centuries. The project highlights the precision required in modern civil engineering to preserve iconic architectural treasures like the Pisa cathedral group.
Source: How Engineers Straightened the Leaning Tower of Pisa
