The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are 1peN@Yk2W
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in 6Pz\6DU,I
Rome. 8 =d9*lm
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of u URf
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several \|M z'*
times in its history. Pu=YQ
#F'
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong =#W6+=YN8
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. <*L8kNykK
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the uB \A8zC
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the E:2Or~
deformed existing vaults.
