Analisi limite di cupole in muratura con vani soggette a carichi orizzontali

This paper aims to extend a just tested numeric method to masonry domes with openings. This method was successfully used by the authors to test the safety of axialsymmetric tuffaceous domes without openings and with or without drum and lantern. The domes were discretized in rigid blocks of variable shape and loaded with own weight and horizontal increasing load. The procedure is founded on the Static Theorem of Limit Analysis in observance of sliding with dilatancy, inability to carry tension and unlimited compressive strength for the contact interfaces. It provides, for the limit condition, the value of multiplier of loads and the collapse stresses resultants with relative mechanism. The results appear consistent with both static and kinematic expectations.