Structural and constructive analysis of San Juan de Dios Basilica dome, in Granada (Spain)

Abstract

The St. Juan de Dios Basilica, in Granada was built between 1734 and 1757, by design of architect José de Bada y Navajas. It is considered one of great Spanish Baroque works. In this paper, it is presented the architectural analysis and constructive description of basilica, focused on the dome over transept, built according to the faux dome model, which was spread by Fray Lorenzo de San Nicolás. By a measurement on-site campaign, with measuring tape and laser metre, dome geometric modelling is presented for first time. It is also presented the application of different methodologies of structural analysis to timbrel domes: Rankine-Schwedler membrane analysis; analysis of stability by application of limit analysis, and seismic analysis based on the discrete element method (DEM). Application of different methodologies allows compare the obtained results. Finally, it is presents suggestions for constructive conservation measures.