The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are n{~W s^d
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in }
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Rome. );$L#XpB
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of tcg sXB/t
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several @nJ#kd[
times in its history. d45JT?qg&
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong e3L<;MAt
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. ?1I0V A']
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the =;1MpD
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the (>
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deformed existing vaults.
