ABSTRACT
The existence of a safe domain within the friction domain is extended further by Josselin de Jong (1964, 1973) by including the positive influence of normal forces on stability. If through the analysis of the entire structure the value of the minimal normal force acting on the interfaces can be determined, the lower bound safe domain can be extended. Palmer technique can be used to construct it. The limit of applicability of this procedure to masonry structures has been studied by Smars (2000). A prove of uniqueness of the safety factor for vaulted and domed structures under symmetric loading condition, once the magnitude of the normal force is known is given by D’Ayala and Casapulla (2001).
