Evaluation of the Structural Stability of an Octagonal Dome with Meridional Cracks. Case Study: Temple of Santa Lucia, Ambalema, Colombia

This work performed a comparative analysis between the construction process carried out when building the dome at the Temple of Santa Lucía, in Ambalema-Colombia and the typical process of an octagonal dome. Additionally, the structural stability is assessed of the dome of the case study against service and dynamic loads. To compare with the case study, known domes were taken as examples from structures in Italy and Spain. The analysis includes a study on the dome’s geometry and the constructive errors found. Methodology: The dome’s stability was evaluated through structural analysis software for which the dome was simplified into a system of four articulated arches. Conclusions: As a result, it was found that the dome of the temple of Santa Lucía does not have a system to counteract lateral thrusts (a drum or its similar), which permitted the appearance and widening of meridional cracks. These cracks propagate from the base to the crown, but do not compromise the structure’s stability for service loads. The analysis for seismic loads indicates that the dome is at risk of collapse upon seismic events, even of moderate magnitudes. Originality: The study is aimed at architects and engineers interested in the theme of restoration of historical structures.