A Parametric Analysis of the Minimum Thickness of Masonry Domes and Vaults Loaded by Their Self-Weight

This work illustrates some results concerning the stability analysis of masonry domes subjected to their self-weight. Following the famous approach outlined by Jacques Heyman that captures masonry’s essential feature, i.e., the low tensile strength of the material, limit analysis of structures is used to search for the minimum theoretical thickness of axisymmetric domes. In the present case, the study is carried out by resorting to the thrust surface analysis, considering the dome as a system of rigid blocks and assuming that the joints cannot transmit tensile forces. The results of a parametric analysis and their possible use in the design and assessment of existing structures are illustrated. A comparison with some recent results obtained by other approaches is also commented.