Study of tradition and research of innovative stereotomic bond for dome in cut stone

Abstract

The aim of this study is to update the traditional construction of the domed space in cut stone, which constitutes architectural heritage of the Mediterranean area and in particular of the Apulian area, recognizing in the organic structural morphology of the stone dome, the consubstantiality of the form, structure and symbol, which determines simultaneously venustas, firmitas and utilitas of Vitruvian triad. Starting from the analysis of historical hemispherical domes, this study focuses on the research on innovative solutions for bonding a hemispherical dome in dry stone, that optimize its construction compared to tradition, through the research of method to reduce the number of ashlars for the realization of new structural adornment in the aesthetic and static definition, and to simplify it thanks to the modern technologies for design and production of building elements.