A semi-analytical approach to the evaluation of the local collapse mechanisms of masonry domes subject to seismic loads

In the present work, a semi-analytical approach based on the limit analysis theory is applied to unreinforced masonry domes subject to self-weight and seismic loads. Local flexural failure mechanisms are investigated and a conservative, lower bound, estimate of the maximum seismic acceleration triggering the collapse of the dome is derived. The outcomes of the proposed formulation are illustrated with reference to both semi-circular arches and hemispherical domes and compared to available theoretical results from the literature