The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are ka]n+"~==\
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in Y \j &84
Rome. p4t(xm2T
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of PY` V]|J
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several t);5C w _
times in its history. 0V1kZ.
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong ?l bX.+
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. A@`C<O ^
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the 'W$qi@f_s
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the fF>H7
deformed existing vaults.
