Title: Considerations about the static response of masonry domes: a comparison between limit analysis and finite element method

Authors: Concetta Cusano; Grigor Angjeliu; Andrea Montanino; Giulio Zuccaro; Claudia Cennamo

Addresses: Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Aversa, CE, Italy ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, MI, Italy ' Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, NA, Italy ' Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, NA, Italy ' Department of Architecture and Industrial Design, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Aversa, CE, Italy

Abstract: Masonry domes constitute a large part of the international architectural heritage. The issue of its conservation has long been a challenge both for architects and engineers. To limit any problems related to degradation, arising from structural damage or external factors, historical buildings are continuously restored and strengthened. Reliable tools are therefore needed to assess their structural safety. The present work discusses how modern methods can be used to understand ancient structures addressing the comparison between different methods of structural analysis, exploring the range of applications of limit analysis and finite element analysis in the stability assessment of masonry domes, focusing on the pros and cons of each approach. By applying equilibrium approaches and deformation-based models (finite element method), this paper provides two demonstration examples to compare the utility of each of them within a longstanding debate on the most proper way to evaluate traditional structures in masonry.

Keywords: architectural heritage; masonry; domes; limit analysis; finite element method; FEM; membrane equilibrium analysis; MEA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2021.118835

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 2021 Vol.6 No.4, pp.502 - 528

Received: 16 Jun 2020
Accepted: 06 Feb 2021

Published online: 08 Nov 2021 *

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