Numerical Investigation of the Influence of Constructive Aspects on the Structural Behaviour of Masonry Cross Vaults

In this paper, the structural performance of masonry cross vaults is investigated with regard to the most common differential settlements occurring in historical constructions. Numerical parametric models are developed for vaults with different brick patterns and lateral constraints, in the presence/absence of infill. In particular, radial, diagonal and pitched brick patterns are taken into account and opening, shear and vertical settlements are analyzed. Moreover, the behaviour of laterally unconfined vaults is compared with the response of vaults restrained with rigid perimeter walls or with lateral masonry arches. The analyses highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each configuration, providing a scientific validation to some speculations found in historical technical literature on the most widespread use of some brick patterns. The outcomes of this research provide a deep knowledge of masonry vaults behaviour in view of more effective interventions on historical buildings, supplying the practitioners with a crack-pattern chart useful for better interpreting the damage pattern in historical vaults with different brick courses.