The Gothic arcade of Santa Maria Incoronata in Naples: equilibrium of Gothic arches

A stability analysis of the Gothic arcade at Santa Maria Incoronata Church in Naples reveals the equilibrium and rationality behind its design, even without modern computational tools. The study uses analytical and graphical methods, including the line of thrust concept, to assess the structural integrity of the non-symmetrical front, which has undergone debatable restoration interventions. Findings demonstrate that historical engineers and architects relied on geometric rules and experience to achieve stability, offering insights into the structural knowledge of architectural heritage. This approach could be applied more broadly to other historic structures.

Cennamo, C., & Cusano, C. (2018). The Gothic arcade of Santa Maria Incoronata in Naples: equilibrium of Gothic arches. International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 3(2), 92. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmri.2018.092454