The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are { 'A
15
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in JUA%l
Rome. JS8pN5
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of *~6]IWN`
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several )e P Qxx
times in its history. q`{@@[/ (y
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong Cj 3Xp~
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. guYP|
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the ,&4
[ `d
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the -M6vg4gf
deformed existing vaults.
