Limit Analysis for Masonry Vaults and Domes of Cultural Heritage

Abstract

AbstractThe scope of this dissertation is the study of masonry shell structures of cultural heritage through limit analysis. The final aim is to set up computational tools, integrated with experimental observations, for use in the interpretation of observed crack patterns and to study the safety of these structures. The kinematic approach is developed to calculate the limit load and the three-dimensional collapse mechanism of symmetric and skew barrel vaults. The effect of structural strengthening is examined as well. A static discrete model is developed for double curvature and polygonal domes, applying equilibrium at the blocks and strength criteria at interfaces. This allows to study a cracked masonry dome, evaluating the collapse multiplier and mechanism by considering the shell flexural response mechanism. This is used also to analyse the actual behaviour in membrane regime of a dome on reaching the maximum load before cracking. Finally, the polygonal dome supporting a tower of the Chiaravalle Abbey in Milan is analysed. Graphical Abstract