Parametric Stability Analysis of Groin Vaults

This paper presents a parametric stability study of groin, or cross vaults, structural element widely used in old masonry construction, particularly Gothic architecture. The vaults’ is measured using the geometric safety factor (GSF), computed by evaluating structure’s minimum thickness through thrust network analysis (TNA). obtained formulating and solving specific constrained nonlinear optimisation problem. constraints this enforce limit analysis’s admissibility criteria, equilibrium calculated independent force densities on fixed horizontal projection network. description vault’s geometry defined with respect to radius curvature vault its springing angle. detailed allows identifying optimal parameters which improve stability, comprehensive comparison these results was performed known available for two-dimensional pointed arches. Moreover, an investigation different flows represented form diagrams performed, providing better understanding behaviour, possible collapse mechanisms were studied observing points where touches envelope states. Beyond GSF, groin domain described give additional insights into robustness. Finally, shows how advances methods can be useful understand assess vaults.