Seismic Vulnerability of Traditional Masonry Arches, Vaults And Domes

Arches, vaults and domes are common features in the cultures of old civilizations. They were usually made of sun-dried bricks, fired bricks or stones with different types of mortar. The majority of these components are vulnerable to seismic effects. To present a viable study on their seismic vulnerability, all the factors influencing their behavior need to be investigated. In this paper, the construction materials used and the structural features of these elements are briefly described. Furthermore, the different aspects of using numerical methods for analyzing these elements are discussed. Finally, measures needed to improve their resistance are suggested.