The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are &@ [pJ2
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in gUWW}*\ U
Rome. E - +t[W
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of T:=ST3#m
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several #ni:Bwtl{
times in its history. Fz.Ij'8.H
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong )1, U~+JFU
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. e<+$E%"7hS
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the 6tZ ak1=V
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the cf+EQY
deformed existing vaults.
