A finite difference method for the static limit analysis of masonry domes under seismic loads

Abstract The static limit analysis of axially symmetric masonry domes subject to pseudo-static seismic forces is addressed. stress state in the dome represented by shell resultants (normal-force tensor, bending-moment and shear-force vector) on mid-surface. classical differential equilibrium equations shells are resorted for imposing dome. Heyman’s assumptions infinite compressive vanishing tensile strength, alongside with cohesive-frictional shear response, adopted admissibility state. A finite difference method proposed numerical discretization problem, based use two staggered rectangular grids parameter space generating resulting discrete problem results be a second-order cone programming effectively solved available convex optimization softwares. In addition convergence analysis, simulations presented, dealing parametric collapse capacity under spherical ogival parameterized geometry. particular, influence that response material distribution horizontal along height have explored. obtained results, new literature, show computational merit method, quantitatively shed light resistance domes.