ABSTRACT
Equilibrium, as investigated by many historical theories, is the major concern when studying the behaviour of masonry structures. These existing studies aim at assessing stability and safety through the use of construction rules, which link an arch’s radius to its minimum thickness. The first part of the present paper puts forward the main views and methods in this field throughout history. In the second part, a geometrical method is developed in order to assess the structural safety based on graphic statics and admissible geometrical domains. These domains provide graphical information on the minimum and maximum thrusts a given masonry arch can sustain, as well as on its robustness. The different historic rules for masonry design are then reinterpreted and compared taking into account this geometrical approach.
