Concetta Cusano

Las escaleras representan una de las más imponentes expresiones arquitectónicas del edificio. Varios autores han presentado muchas publicaciones a lo largo de los años sobre este tema para entender cómo han sido diseñadas y cómo se sostienen. Este trabajo se trata sobre un tipo específico de escalera de albañilería, conocida como escalera “de ojo abierto” o “a la romana”. El objetivo es demostrar que en las escaleras con bóvedas de fábrica existe una estrecha relación entre la forma y su comportamiento estático. La geometría y la construcción son imprescindibles para su estabilidad. Los autores han demostrado esta tesis estudiando la escalera de ojo abierto del Palacio Di Majo en Nápoles, cuya estructura principal está constituida por bóvedas de toba. La primera parte del artículo presenta una descripción detallada de las características geométricas y arquitectónicas de la escalera. La segunda parte, explica el equilibrio de estas escaleras a partir de la teoría del equilibrio de es...

El objeto de estudio del presente trabajo es la escalera del Palacio Persico en Nápoles, un ejemplo de experimentación formal y estructural inusual que acompaña el panorama de las escaleras del siglo XVIII napolitano. Se trata de una escalera que llama la atención con un sistema estructural en voladizo y con un esquema planimétrico que consiste en un cuadrado girado 45° con los vértices redondeados por arcos circunferenciales a lo largo de cuyos lados se colocan las rampas. Esta sencilla configuración espacial del cuadrado colocado de punta hacia el patio genera un notable dinamismo de las rampas perceptibles tanto desde el arco en la planta baja como desde el jardín a través de los huecos. El intradós de las rampas se resuelven con «bóvedas romanas» y los rellanos están cubiertos por uñas esferoidales con poca flecha. La fachada curvilínea sigue la convexidad del rellano, asumiendo una configuración espacial cilíndrica; los arcos que se abren al patio están sesgados, así como los arcos de las uñas esferoidales, que se colocan en las paredes curvilíneas de la esquina de la jaula. Los objetivos específicos de este trabajo han sido, por una parte la definición geométrica y constructiva de la escalera y por otra parte la definición de su funcionamiento estructural y mecánico. En particular, el aspecto interesante de la investigación se configura en su interdisciplinariedad, con el objectivo de valorar la estrecha relación entre geometría y estabilidad en las estructuras de fábrica que constituyen el patrimonio histórico. Es decir, contribuir al conocimiento de la geometría en que esta escalera se construyó y explicar el proceso de diseño que siguieron los maestros de cantería. Ademas, el artículo se centra en estudiar el comportamiento estructural de la escalera dentro del marco teórico del Análisis Límite y en demostrar su equilibrio estático. LAS ESCALERAS EN EL PANORAMA NAPOLITANO DEL SIGLO XVIII El diseño de las escaleras es uno de los capítulos más significativos en la historia de la arquitectura y, en un contexto disciplinario, de representación tanto para los significados culturales como científicos (por ejemplo, para la elección de los métodos de visualización de los cuales la representación está llena), y para el valor fundamental de la imagen y la cultura de la forma (desde el simbolismo de la forma hasta su construcción geométrica en el papel y en el espacio), tanto por el carácter pragmático como por la dinámica operativa (como el corte de las piedras, a equipos de cantería y materiales). En este sentido, debido a la complejidad del tema, se puede decir que el diseño de las escaleras subyace a una ética de diseño que combina hábilmente el espacio del diseño y el diseño del espacio y, en un sentido más amplio, la cultura del diseño y la cultura del dibujo (Zerlenga 2017). Desde el punto de vista del diseño, la arquitectura de las escaleras contiene múltiples mensajes y opciones programáticas que van desde el acto esencial inherente a la función de «subir», a la riqueza de los temas compositivos de la forma espacial, la interpretación en clave iconológica de la forma, y el valor psicológico de la escalera que, como artefacto material, asume desde la antigüedad un valor de «arquitectura dinámica», capaz de crear sensaciones de grandeza, hasta ser un verdadero espacio representativo de la arquitectura (Cirillo 2019). Desde el punto de vista disciplinario, el examen del tema de conocimiento de los «modelos» y «formas» de la escalera confirma el diseño como un campo de revelación de la ciencia de la representación en el que se puede reconocer en el dibujo la fuerza predominante del estímulo y la creatividad en su articulación metodológica. También se pueden identificar aquellas vías cognitivas de la imagen que a través del uso de criterios geométricos regulan una forma espacial (Cirillo 2018). Las escaleras abiertas del siglo XVIII son un evento urbano y arquitectónico de asombro inusual y encuentran en la ciudad de Nápoles ejemplos magistrales de experimentación formal y estructural sin precedentes. Estos últimos, durante el siglo XVIII, en vez de ser concebidos como elementos incidentales establecidos en el lado del patio, se colocan en una posición central y prominente para convertirse en elementos arquitectónicos autónomos (Zerlenga, 2014). En este artículo examinaremos la escalera del Palacio Persico (del arquitecto napolitano Ferdinando Sanfelice) elegido por su peculiar valor urbano, espacial y constructivo. Específicamente, se ilustrará aquí la matriz geométrica y configurativa del modelo «en voladizo». Esta compleja realidad arquitectónica se

This article deals with the survey and representation of the dome of Santa Maria della Sanità in Naples (Italy). The survey led to a geometric analysis of the spatial configuration of the dome, the drawing of its majolica decoration and its structural behavior. The overall objectives of this research can be briefly outlined as follows. First, the study focuses on defining the correct geometry of the dome obtained through accurate surveys. Finally, the study performs a simplified structural analysis of the compound dome-buttress system set within the theoretical framework of the Limit Analysis through the graphical statics.

This article deals with the survey and representation of the dome of Santa Maria della Sanità in Naples (Italy). The survey led to a geometric analysis of the spatial configuration of the dome, the drawing of its majolica decoration and its structural behavior. The overall objectives of this research can be briefly outlined as follows. First, the study focuses on defining the correct geometry of the dome obtained through accurate surveys. Finally, the study performs a simplified structural analysis of the compound dome-buttress system set within the theoretical framework of the Limit Analysis through the graphical statics.

This paper focuses on large domes’ building techniques and use of geometric rules in the design and construction of religious structures. A quick excursus on the cultural heritage in Italy and abroad highlights how domes have been used almost exclusively in sacred architecture, rather than in civic buildings, for most of history. Born of the need to cover large spaces without facing with the encumbrance of vertical elements, the domed cover, ideal for places of worship crowded by hundreds of faithful, has assumed, over the centuries, a symbolic meaning to every religion. In fact, identifying the shape of a large dome in the urban landscape immediately means to recognize the sacredness of that place. The ancient Romans who believed in the gods, Christians, Hindus and Muslims, all used this very peculiar architectural element in churches or mosques to express a kind of spiritual symbolism and, as mentioned, the fact that the shape of the dome arises from a functional reason, it has ov...

The work aims to describe the issue of the approach related to structural problems, both for valuable and minor manufacts existing in the Italian historical town centers. The heterogeneity shown by these constructive typologies should coincide with some heterogeneity of the structural approach, but this is not always feasible, so computational processes and a strict application of the norms are often used in automatically. A representative case, as an example of the above-mentioned kinds of buildings (which are valuable, but not so much as to require a tailored intervention that takes into account the whole constructive history and the changes over the time), is shown. Ricciardelli palace (or Palazzo Ricciardelli) presents a great difficulty as to the structural intervention, but the approach used was a "classical engineer approach", formulated on the basis of the new computing tools and the new constructive norms. The restoration and the consolidation of this artifact hav...

The present paper applies the Linear Arch Static Analysis (LASA), which models the masonry material as unilateral, i.e., No-Tension material in the sense of Heyman, and the Safe Theorem of the Limit Analysis to the study of masonry spiral stairs. A comparison is made with a refined FE analysis of the same problem, obtained by means of the ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL). The objective is to prove that LASA can be a valid alternative to other more complex numerical methods, such as FE, especially when the modeling parameters, such as the boundary conditions, cannot be exactly defined. The case study of a small spiral staircase placed in the tower of Nisida, a small island close to Naples, Italy is taken into consideration. The results show that the LASA analysis provides results that fall within two limit FE cases in terms of stress and overall thrust, providing at the same time a meaningful insight into the equilibrium state of the structure.

The paper is an application of the structural theory for masonries to a historic building through a static analysis of the shape and stability of the arches of the Incoronata Church in Naples. The previous history of the interventions has been thoroughly investigated by checking the consistency of decisions made over time by engineers and architects who, despite not having modern tools of calculation, designed only by using geometric rules and professional experience. So, a stability analysis is centred on the Gothic Arcade, which has the singularity of a non-symmetrical front and has suffered restoration interventions whose results can be debatable. The analysis conducted is both analytical and graphical, by using the well-known concept of the line of thrust. The obtained equilibrium solution explains the suitability of the arches and the rationality of the intervention in the context of the history of constructions. Although limited to one building, the approach could be applied more generally, with the aim to afford a contribution to the structural knowledge of architectural heritage.

This paper focuses on natural hazards, such as landslides and floods, and on consequent disasters that can suddenly hit extensive urban areas. The research aims to describe and detect the damages due to unprecedented rainfalls that occurred among 15th and 19th October 2015 and that have led to multiple calamitous events in the Municipalities of Benevento, in Southern Italy. It highlights the most affected locations and common phenomena in order to document the past and present situation of risk. This hydrologic event has resulted in simultaneous disasters in the different areas of the Samnium, namely overflowing of the Calore river, massive flooding, intense erosions, extensive landslides in the mountain areas and heavy damage to the constructions and infrastructures. Particularly, the research concerns the vulnerability of the existent crossing structures in the examined areas, e.g. some masonry bridges, that because of this event of flood have collapsed for a part. This brief overview wants to be a reflection on the issue of natural disasters related to the definition of risk scenarios and emergency management but especially to the extent of protecting the built heritage. The evaluation of territorial threats could be a fundamental source of knowledge to deal with future emergencies, by extending this approach all over the world, for planning and integrated development in specific geographic areas with similar constructive features and problematics.

The Basilica of San Francesco di Paola, located at the west side of Piazza del Plebiscito, historic center of Naples, was built as a completion of the square in front of the Royal Palace by the will of King Ferdinand IV (1816), designed by the Swiss architect Pietro Bianchi. The "The Bourbon Temple" is mainly characterized by its imposing coverage with hemispherical dome, which protrudes from the complex. It directly refers to the Pantheon for its geometric relations and proportions, its formal and compositive aspects, although it is not completely hemispherical and its interior does not enjoy the spatiality of its model. Furthermore in origin the dome ended with a central oculus in which, even today, the structural forces converge and balance. Subsequently, a lantern was placed on the oculus, which is a conical element completely in glass that allows the passage of light. The aim of this work is the study of the stability of the dome that, firstly, allows to specify the overall safety of the structure in its current state, especially with regard to statics. Secondly, to assess the degree of seismic safety of the structure, identifying the potential conditions of vulnerability in case of earthquake. The static analysis has been performed, by using the graphical method, according with the principles of the limit analysis applied by Heyman to the masonry structures. The methodological innovation consists in the use of the traditional methods of graphical calculation of masonry structures, interconnected with the new anti-seismic norms in the territory. The operational aspect of the work is contained in the interdis-ciplinarity of scientific fields, with the aim of obtaining a complete knowledge of the monument in its current condition without using an elastic analysis, which would not be suitable for the study of historical buildings.

The analyses carried out on damaged masonry churches, after earthquakes that affected Italy in recent years, highlighted that vaulted structures are among the most vulnerable elements. This paper analyses a methodology for stability assessment of masonry vaults and domes, using non-invasive methods to calculate their static equilibrium, without any destructive investigations. The survey is based on a knowledge process, which provides the researchers with a series of information, from the historical to the geometrical ones, accounting for peculiarities of each specific typology and related constructional techniques.

El objeto de estudio del presente trabajo es la escalera del Palacio Persico en Nápoles, un ejemplo de experimentación formal y estructural inusual que acompaña el panorama de las escaleras del siglo XVIII napolitano. Se trata de una escalera que llama la atención con un sistema estructural en voladizo y con un esquema planimétrico que consiste en un cuadrado girado 45° con los vértices redondeados por arcos circunferenciales a lo largo de cuyos lados se colocan las rampas. Esta sencilla configuración espacial del cuadrado colocado de punta hacia el patio genera un notable dinamismo de las rampas perceptibles tanto desde el arco en la planta baja como desde el jardín a través de los huecos. El intradós de las rampas se resuelven con «bóvedas romanas» y los rellanos están cubiertos por uñas esferoidales con poca flecha. La fachada curvilínea sigue la convexidad del rellano, asumiendo una configuración espacial cilíndrica; los arcos que se abren al patio están sesgados, así como los arcos de las uñas esferoidales, que se colocan en las paredes curvilíneas de la esquina de la jaula. Los objetivos específicos de este trabajo han sido, por una parte la definición geométrica y constructiva de la escalera y por otra parte la definición de su funcionamiento estructural y mecánico. En particular, el aspecto interesante de la investigación se configura en su interdisciplinariedad, con el objectivo de valorar la estrecha relación entre geometría y estabilidad en las estructuras de fábrica que constituyen el patrimonio histórico. Es decir, contribuir al conocimiento de la geometría en que esta escalera se construyó y explicar el proceso de diseño que siguieron los maestros de cantería. Ademas, el artículo se centra en estudiar el comportamiento estructural de la escalera dentro del marco teórico del Análisis Límite y en demostrar su equilibrio estático. LAS ESCALERAS EN EL PANORAMA NAPOLITANO DEL SIGLO XVIII El diseño de las escaleras es uno de los capítulos más significativos en la historia de la arquitectura y, en un contexto disciplinario, de representación tanto para los significados culturales como científicos (por ejemplo, para la elección de los métodos de visualización de los cuales la representación está llena), y para el valor fundamental de la imagen y la cultura de la forma (desde el simbolismo de la forma hasta su construcción geométrica en el papel y en el espacio), tanto por el carácter pragmático como por la dinámica operativa (como el corte de las piedras, a equipos de cantería y materiales). En este sentido, debido a la complejidad del tema, se puede decir que el diseño de las escaleras subyace a una ética de diseño que combina hábilmente el espacio del diseño y el diseño del espacio y, en un sentido más amplio, la cultura del diseño y la cultura del dibujo (Zerlenga 2017). Desde el punto de vista del diseño, la arquitectura de las escaleras contiene múltiples mensajes y opciones programáticas que van desde el acto esencial inherente a la función de «subir», a la riqueza de los temas compositivos de la forma espacial, la interpretación en clave iconológica de la forma, y el valor psicológico de la escalera que, como artefacto material, asume desde la antigüedad un valor de «arquitectura dinámica», capaz de crear sensaciones de grandeza, hasta ser un verdadero espacio representativo de la arquitectura (Cirillo 2019). Desde el punto de vista disciplinario, el examen del tema de conocimiento de los «modelos» y «formas» de la escalera confirma el diseño como un campo de revelación de la ciencia de la representación en el que se puede reconocer en el dibujo la fuerza predominante del estímulo y la creatividad en su articulación metodológica. También se pueden identificar aquellas vías cognitivas de la imagen que a través del uso de criterios geométricos regulan una forma espacial (Cirillo 2018). Las escaleras abiertas del siglo XVIII son un evento urbano y arquitectónico de asombro inusual y encuentran en la ciudad de Nápoles ejemplos magistrales de experimentación formal y estructural sin precedentes. Estos últimos, durante el siglo XVIII, en vez de ser concebidos como elementos incidentales establecidos en el lado del patio, se colocan en una posición central y prominente para convertirse en elementos arquitectónicos autónomos (Zerlenga, 2014). En este artículo examinaremos la escalera del Palacio Persico (del arquitecto napolitano Ferdinando Sanfelice) elegido por su peculiar valor urbano, espacial y constructivo. Específicamente, se ilustrará aquí la matriz geométrica y configurativa del modelo «en voladizo». Esta compleja realidad arquitectónica se

Masonry constructions represent an important part of the Italian Architectural Heritage, to be preserved. As well known, the analysis of masonry buildings presents some peculiarities mainly related to the nature of the material, being a heterogeneous type of material, characterized by different textures and sizes, which means that it behaves anisotropically. Moreover, the fragile behavior of its constituents makes the response of the material highly non-linear. In this context, the development of an accurate and efficient computational model becomes significant not only for the evaluation of the stability of these kind of constructions, but also for the design of appropriate maintenance interventions. The present research takes care the mechanics of historical masonries through the case study of the Main Cloister of the Abbey of San Lorenzo ad Septimum in Aversa. There are many historical and survey studies on the cloister, but so far there has not been a structural study with this methodology, so by analyzing, of the entire complex, only the most damaged part to date. In order to understand the mechanical behavior of the whole complex of the cloister, the structural analysis is carried out with reference to the modern theory of Limit Analysis applied by Heyman to masonry structures. In addition, the study features an interdisciplinary character, taking into account three different aspects which, in the case of masonry constructions, are closely interconnected: geometry, construction and stability.

The work aims to describe the issue of the approach related to structural problems, both for valuable and minor manufacts existing in the Italian historical town centers. The heterogeneity shown by these constructive typologies should coincide with some heterogeneity of the structural approach, but this is not always feasible, so computational processes and a strict application of the norms are often used in automatically. A representative case, as an example of the above-mentioned kinds of buildings (which are valuable, but not so much as to require a tailored intervention that takes into account the whole constructive history and the changes over the time), is shown. Ricciardelli palace (or Palazzo Ricciardelli) presents a great difficulty as to the structural intervention, but the approach used was a "classical engineer approach", formulated on the basis of the new computing tools and the new constructive norms. The restoration and the consolidation of this artifact have been well conducted by technicians, but the result is an invasive intervention that doesn't respect the original structural configuration of the construction. So the paper explains and discusses some investigation methodologies, alternative to an elastic analysis, which could be used in these cases, with the awareness that they are not completely exhaustive and far far away from the determination of a general formulation for a "unique model", which can be representative of the masonry material, as well as from a definition that catalogues all its several features.

This paper focuses on large domes' building techniques and use of geometric rules in the design and construction of religious structures. A quick excursus on the cultural heritage in Italy and abroad highlights how domes have been used almost exclusively in sacred architecture, rather than in civic buildings, for most of history. Born of the need to cover large spaces without facing with the encumbrance of vertical elements, the domed cover, ideal for places of worship crowded by hundreds of faithful, has assumed, over the centuries, a symbolic meaning to every religion. In fact, identifying the shape of a large dome in the urban landscape immediately means to recognize the sacredness of that place. The ancient Romans who believed in the gods, Christians, Hindus and Muslims, all used this very peculiar architectural element in churches or mosques to express a kind of spiritual symbolism and, as mentioned, the fact that the shape of the dome arises from a functional reason, it has over time got pushed aside. Furthermore, the circle is a geometric form that possesses a great symbolic force, generated by the idea that, having no beginning and no end, reflected perfection, the eternal, and also the heavens. In this perspective, drawing a circle both in the horizontal and vertical section, the ultimate paradigm for all monumental domes was the Roman Pantheon which, with its centrally placed "oculus" or "eye of heaven" proved to be a model for all other domes after it, retaining its position as the most ancient and well preserved dome in the world. Therefore, this article concentrates on the study of the Pantheon as an emblem and reference model for all monumental domes. By analyzing the "meaning" of its architectural design and its structural and geometric characteristics, the research dissects a comparison between similar large domes, similar to each other, such as that of St. Francesco di Paola in Naples and the Mosta Dome in Malta. The comprehension of these valuable architectural artifacts lies between the search for their original geometry and the identification of structural models through which their shape was defined, namely the geometric and proportional rules of the past.

In recent years, the debate on environmental issues has also extended to constructive principles, evolving into the discussion on the quality of the built environment. It is the opinion of the author that the development of sustainability criteria, drawn up by experts in the field, in the majority of cases can also be functional to the optimization of the basic parameters concerning structural safety. This work examines some of the "natural" methods for increasing structural efficiency, taken from case studies of antiquity. In fact, focusing observations only on the field of seismic activity, it is well known that passive isolation for existing buildings appears to be utopian, too laborious and expensive, as well as having an enormous environmental impact. But the study of certain architectural typologies of antiquity suggests a solution, i.e. an anti-seismic strategy, realized in an intuitive way, through simple devices such as the geometry of the plan, the proportions of the sections and constraints, the distribution of the openings, etc., which do not impose themselves with respect to the architectural and functional harmonies, but which nevertheless perform the task for which they are designed. "Unusual" anti-seismic solutions, coming from the constructive experience of different countries, with constructive methods and traditions that would seem to have nothing similar to each other, but joined by the common denominator of not being regulated, apparently unaware of phenomena such as hysteresis, dissipation, isolation, and born from a "popular" culture, born from the observation of nature, or from the experience handed down. From the examination of the past, it is hoped that the seed of a new philosophy of intervention for safety can emerge: the use of simple and "ancient" ideas, alternatives, translated into modern technology, methods that cannot be generalized, to be developed each time for each individual case.

The aim of this paper is to establish a general methodology of approach to assess the safety of the architectural heritage. Starting to a "case study", the problem of the behavior analysis of masonry buildings has been developed on the basis of some simple hypotheses about the material and on the basis of theoretical concepts. The Elastic Theory, used to check modern structures, is not suitable for masonry, material much more heterogeneous and complex. As demonstrated by the ancient builders, the most appropriate theory to study historical constructions is the Limit Analysis [1]: a better understanding of the mechanics for these structures is needed, since it is not the stress the most important parameter for masonry, but it is the stability [2]. The case approached deals with the dome of the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola in Naples, designed and built by the Swiss architect Pietro Bianchi in the nineteenth century, for the royal will of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon [3,4]. In order to assess this structure, the limit analysis approaches are here compared and, on the basis of classical limit analysis, local mechanisms are considered. A static (safe theorem) and a kinematic approach are applied to the structure by means of equilibrium limit conditions and kinematically admissible collapse mechanisms.