Evaluation of horizontal collapse load for a rigid dome supported by radial masonry columns subjected to own weight

The aim of this work is to estimate through the static theorem of limit analysis the safety of a masonry dome -assumed as a single rigid block- supported by radial rigid masonry columns and subjected to their own weight and to increasing horizontal loads. The yield domain conditions for the quadrilateral sections of the columns are expressed in terms of the six stress resultants, on the assumption that masonry has unlimited compressive strength, an inability to sustain tension, sliding with dilatancy. The results obtained are very encouraging and show a good coherence with regard to the kinematic answer.