There are cases in conservation work, that the existing brick structure is so weak or deformed, that strengthening it with one of the above-described methods becomes very expensive or technically difficult to carry out or even impossible without violating the significant historic values ​​of the system. In these cases, the only solution is to introduce a new design, working independently of the old one. The new design can fulfill various additional functions, for example. can stiffen a weakened system, carry some of the load, and even take the self-load of the existing structure. There can be many solutions in these cases. The introduction of new structures operating in given conditions, regardless of the existing ones, may turn out to be particularly advisable when adapting and adapting a historic building to other functions, than it met previously.

Care should be taken when designing the reinforcement with independent structures, that the dimensions and spatial dimensions of these structures take up as little space in the existing usable area as possible. The load-bearing structures must not be an obstacle to the operation of the facility, and in terms of security, they should be absolutely certain. In no case can they introduce disharmony in the general spatial assumption.

The use of the method of strengthening or stabilizing with the use of independent structures can be illustrated on the example of the conservation of the dome in the Myszkowski chapel at the OO church. Dominicans in Krakow.

The chapel was built in the years 1603-1614 on the basis of the former Gothic chapel. The building was erected on a square plan with the dimensions of the side in the light of the walls 8,20 m. The chapel is covered with a dome made of Pińczów limestones. The structure of the dome is shaped by coffered stone logs with rich sculptural decorations.

The dome rests on the base, which is formed by the cornice of the tamburu. A lantern with a cross is erected on the dome. The dome is covered with stone slabs with scales motifs. The plates form the silhouette of a dome with eight polygonal slopes, covered at the edges with profiled stone ridge tiles.

Strengthening the dome of the Myszkowski chapel in the church of the Fathers. Dominicans in Krakow, 1603—1614 r.: a) vertical section of the dome before reinforcement, b) projection of the dome after uncovering the cover, c) reinforcement structure
1 - stone elements of the dome, 2 - brick ribs, 3- stone blocks for fixing the roofing plates, 4 - stone coverings, 5 - stone ribs (gander), 0 - main cornice, 7—The stone ring of the lantern base, 8 - reinforced concrete wreath, 9- reinforced concrete ribs, 10 - crown ring, 11 - reinforced concrete purlins

The architectural and structural solution of the dome is unique and is an outstanding work of construction art from the so-called. mannerisms.

Symptoms of straining some of the dome's structural elements were noticed already in the last century. They were cracks and scratches, the emergence of which was mainly attributed to the effects of fires, which took place in the years 1688 i 1850, and seismic tremors recorded in Krakow in the years 1786 i 1834. In year 1957 the technical condition of the system was considered to be emergency. Therefore, a temporary protection was made with the use of wooden structures.

Detailed research revealed, that a destructive effect on the system working over 350 years were influenced by other factors apart from the above-mentioned reasons. On the basis of the static and strength analysis as well as petrographic and chemical tests of the materials it was found, that the dome structure may still work in its authentic and original form, provided, that it will not bear the load resulting from the beacon, thermal insulation layers consisting of brick rubble and stone covering.

The following solution was selected from among several variants enabling the stabilization and strengthening of the structure. Above the existing stone dome layout, after removing the cover and layers protecting the spine, a reinforced concrete eight-rib dome was constructed, set at the base in a reinforced concrete rim. At the top, the ribs are crowned with a ring tightly fitting a stone ring, on which the lantern rests. In the latitudinal direction, at a distance corresponding to the contacts of the successive rows of roofing panels, reinforced concrete purlins were made, which simultaneously fulfill the role of latitudinal bracing of the ribs and supporting the stone slabs.

The space between the ribbed dome structure and the ridge of the stone dome is filled with thermal and damp-proof insulation. However, before these works were done, the structural elements of the stone dome were subjected to conservation treatments. The granulation disintegrating parts were individually reinforced by injection, however, cracks and delaminations as well as all butt joints were bonded with mortar (injected under pressure) not chemically reacting with other dome materials. Attention was paid to the selection of materials, that all cavities were filled with materials with physicochemical properties similar to the Pińczów stone.

Thus, thanks to the introduction of a new design, working independently of the historic dome canopy layout and taking over almost 2/3 total load, which he had to carry beforehand, the construction system rotation process has been suspended, the structure of the dome was strengthened while maintaining the authentic elements and recreating all the subtleties of the exterior design of the silhouette. The conservation works lasted three years and were completed in 1963 r.