Numerical Modeling of the Structural Behavior of Brunelleschi’s Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore

The study discusses some recent results regarding the identification of the static and dynamic behavior of the Brunelleschi’s Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, which was declared part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1982 together with the city center. First, a brief sketch of the main geometric characteristics and the relevant constructive aspects conceived by Brunelleschi are outlined with a description of the present crack pattern. Then a finite element model was built to assess the static and dynamic behavior of the monument and identified taking into account the results of an in situ investigation developed in the 1980s. The numerical model was used with an ad hoc nonlinear procedure to replicate the mechanical behavior of masonry. Obtained results allowed to assess and to discuss both the Dome’s internal stress and cracking pattern. The identified numerical model was subsequently employed to provide a first evaluation of the seismic behavior of the Dome. While showing how advanced numerical analyses can provide useful hints to evaluate the existing damage on monumental heritage, this study aims at contributing to the assessment of the safety and vulnerability of one of the most emblematic masonry domes all over the world.