The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are ;tK%Q~To
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in nn'a` N
Rome. !,8jB(
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of j >f
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several l* C>
times in its history. ;!H<W[
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong LLp/ SWe
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. m~`d<RM/
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the z0=(l ?)#
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the g \]2?vY.
deformed existing vaults.
