Analysis of a thin tile vaulted structure

Abstract

This thesis presents a simplified methodology for the assessment of Catalan double curvature masonry vaults. The methodology consists on discretize the vault in a series of arches capable of representing the structural behavior of the vault. This network of hanging cables catenaries that represents the thrust lines of the structure in an inverted model. With the application of the limit theorems of plasticity and forcing an optimization process, the methodology can be used to assess the safety of the structure and estimate the ultimate load.

Crack mapping and elastic analysis performed in SAP were used to better understand the behavior of the vault, and make an accurate model capable of represent the structural behavior of the vault and make a good assessment on the vaults safety.