The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are {s8g;yU5
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in s#8T46?
Rome. oFT1d
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of U# <{RqY
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several ) 1$H 7|
times in its history. 3{$ > -d
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong JIqg[Mao
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. 8k+k\V{
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the G[u{! 2RS
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the `b%^_@Fb
deformed existing vaults.
