Specific structural mechanics that underpinned the construction of Venice and dictated Venetian architecture

摘要

This paper demonstrates that Venetian architecture was the result of specifically conceived structural mechanics, novel failure analysis, and specially devised construction techniques, which allowed structural design to take full advantage of materials. Venice witnessed the creation of 'structural art' that drastically reduced the incidences of failure caused by extremely soft soils and aggressive environment, which extended the operating horizons of masonry and timber structural materials to the extent that very bold structures were obtained also before the pre-eminent materials of modern structures.