The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are (+4gq6b
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in %&c[g O!Za
Rome. pTOS} A[dh
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of 4fr/
C5M
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several %.pX!jL
times in its history. }KCXo/y
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong $EN A$
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. f6PXcV
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the *hF5cM[
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the igOjlg_Q
deformed existing vaults.
