Limit Equilibrium of Masonry Vaulted Structures with Strength Requirements: Funicular Analysis and Stability Area Method

This paper investigates the collapse behavior of masonry vaulted structures, considering both the stereotomy of the voussoirs and the mechanical properties of masonry. The study is conceptualized within the framework of the lower bound theorem of Limit Analysis. Anti-funicular networks with a given plan projection are analyzed, assuming zero tensile strength and a limited compressive strength. The results are then compared and verified using Durand-Claye’s stability area method. The research shows that as compressive strength decreases, the influence of parallels on the collapse load increases.