Nonlinear Static Analysis of Global Vipassana Pagoda by Means of a Novel FE-Based Method: Results

The structural assessment of the Global Vipassana Pagoda reported in this paper is performed by the use of a novel method recently presented by three of the authors. The modeling strategy was thought to be simple even though considering both orthotropy and the double curvature shape of the dome. The properties of masonry are assigned from standardized values, with particular attention paid to nonlinear joints, in which the formation of plastic hinges will affect the structural response. Considerations above the capacity of the dome, the deformed shapes at some chosen steps, and nodal displacements are used to assess the stability while studying the failure mechanism of the dome and evaluating the accuracy of the model.