Structural Behaviour of San Marco Basilica, Venice

The San Marco Basilica is one of the famous and visited monuments in the world. This masterpiece of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture dates from the 5th century and underwent considerable restructuring between the 11th and 12th centuries. Nowadays, to be conserved correctly, continuous and careful maintenance is required which, in turn, requires a thorough knowledge of San Marco's long history of modification. The Basilica shows clear signs of the deformations and damages which the structure has been endured during its long life. In 1991, the Office of Public Works of Venice mandated a complete program of structural investigations for the Basilica. This survey of static conditions is now in progress. Research is underway combining both experimental and numerical procedures.