Finite Element Modelling of Brescia Cathedral’s Dome. A Synergy of Historical Techniques and Structural Design

Archival documents from the 17th–19th centuries were used to reconstruct the construction history of Brescia Cathedral and its large 19th-century dome. After decades of design changes and expert consultations, architect Rodolfo Vantini proposed a dome with paired brick ribs and lightweight masonry, which was built according to his specifications. Using historical data on geometry and materials, a 3D finite element model was created to assess structural behavior, revealing stress patterns and supporting future studies on the dome’s safety and seismic performance.