The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are iJD_ qhd7
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in ;V"(! 'd
Rome. J 8"" } 7D
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of $bv l.c
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several [H8QxJk
times in its history. n]+v Eu|
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong p-1
\4
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. #w:6<$
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the Wy.X x-3W
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the
T24?1
deformed existing vaults.
