Bendery, December 11. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. Results of the first technical examination on the citadel territory in 2019 is published on the official website of the Bendery Fortress. It should be reminded, that it was conducted by the Italian company Berlucchi Studio.
Then the experts desighned a computer three-dimensional model of the fortress to the accuracy of several millimeters. Such thing is a sort of the computer-assisted tomography: it showed what kind of soil the construction stands on, what the structure of the walls is.
For instance, experts found out that 26 different types of masonry had been used in the construction and reconstruction of walls. In the future, this model will help to measure any citadel element. By the way, the first work on this project about the electrification of the fortress was completed.
“The fortress is connected to a new transformer substation, which will allow in the future to illuminate the whole citadel and hold festivals with more serious equipment,” Alexander Yaskov, the director of the Bendery Fortress historical military memorial complex described.
Another innovative method, which was used by the Italians is the geophysical analysis of soil under the fortress. It gave figures about the degree of wetness, hardness, and moulding of the soil. The experts proved the depth of the foundation, testing disclosure of the ground.
The ground penetrating radar used in the research process showed, that inside the walls of the fortress there were large timber beams, built during the Ottoman Empire. In the 16th century, they were used in the structure to strengthen the walls. But as the years go by, the wood decayed, and now dangerous hollows have formed there. With the help of analysis, it possible to identify problem areas of the walls, where there are deep cracks. Now the staff of the fortress are conducting geodetic observations of their condition.
Also, Experts have determined, that there is definitely at least one tunnel under the fortress. According to explorers, this is a drainage channel of the fortress.
According to the conducted analyses, it was planned to start the reconstruction of the historical complex at the end of April 2020. However, the pandemic made changes.
“The expert determination will be a base for drafting a technical enquiry. The international and open competition has already been announced to find a contracting agency, that will deal with the reconstruction. Due to the pandemic, European firms didn’t have opportunity to come this year, examine the facility and understand the outstanding works. While the competition is being prolonged for the next year. If the situation with the pandemic is resolved, then in 2021 we will already be able to start restoration. The 18th century will be taken as a basis, because the most large-scale restoration of the fortress was conducted during this period,” Alexander Yaskov explained.
The work is carried out based on the United Nations Development Programme for the preservation of cultural and historical heritage. The Bendery Fortress complex is one of the priority objects of the program. The European Union allocated about 2 million Euro for these purposes.
