Principles and Analysis of Historical Masonry Structures: The Strength of the Past

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· Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Ebook
498
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

This book explores how they stand, why they endure, and when they fail. It explains the mechanics behind arches, vaults, domes, and walls through clear structural principles, real-world case studies, and visual tools. Topics such as earthquakes and long-term degradation are addressed using both traditional and modern methods.

Written for engineers, architects, conservation professionals, and students, the book bridges past and present by connecting historic construction techniques with today’s analytical approaches. It introduces key concepts—including thrust line theory and the no-tension model—while offering practical strategies for evaluating safety and stability.

With examples drawn from different historical periods and regions, the book promotes a deeper understanding of masonry heritage and provides a solid foundation for responsible conservation. Its accessible style and global perspective make it a valuable resource for those engaged in architectural history, structural analysis, and heritage preservation.

About the author

Giovanni Castellazzi is Associate Professor in Solids and Structural Mechanics at the University of Bologna (DICAM), Italy, and President of the Italian Association of Composites for Civil Engineering Applications (AICO). He earned his PhD in Structural Mechanics at the University of Bologna and was a post-doctoral fellow at the University of California San Diego, USA. His research focuses on computational mechanics, especially applied to masonry structures, including degradation in porous materials, seismic assessment, and development of open-source finite element method tools.

Alberto Taliercio is Full Professor of Structural Mechanics at Politecnico di Milano, Italy, where he has taught since 2001. He earned his PhD in Structural Engineering at Politecnico di Milano and has held academic positions in Italy and France. His research spans composite and anisotropic materials, creep and damage modeling in concrete and masonry, structural and topology optimization, and the assessment of historical constructions. He has authored over 170 publications and serves on several editorial boards.

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