Author(s)

D. D'Ayala

Abstract

Analytical method for the assessment of the safety levels of domes D. D'Ayala Dipartimento di Ingegneria Strutturale e Geotecnica, Universita 'La Sapienza\ Rome, Italy ABSTRACT The paper presents a research on domes built with block masonry, aimed to define a generalised mechanical behaviour and assess the safety level in connection with the settlement of the lower structure. The study mainly refers to renaissance and baroque Italian domes, whose construction techniques and forms appear to be fairly standardised, and therefore permitting generalisation. The study is organised in three parts: - a parametric formal analysis, aimed to define the best geometrical proportions from a structural point of view; - an analytical method based on limit-state analysis; - a set of laboratory tests on a scale model. INTRODUCTION Ancient domes are usually massive masonry structures with comparatively low safety levels with regards to self-weight and superimpo

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