Cathedral of Milan: Structural History of the Load-Bearing System

The structure of the Cathedral of Milan is studied. The features of the building and the original aspects of its load-bearing system are discussed. The progressive development of the structural system is described following its historical phases through four centuries. The final configuration is then analyzed with its main load paths. Detailed information, collected during the 20th century restoration work, was used to determine the geometry and loads. Preliminary analyses are based on equilibrium principles, within the framework of limit analysis for masonry constructions. The main structural restoration works taking place during the life of the Cathedral of Milan are outlined. The results provide a basis for the verification of more detailed numerical analyses and a reference for restoration interventions. Furthermore, the introductory analyses presented here develop the knowledge for future studies devoted to the Cathedral of Milan, encompassing structural, construction, and architectural issues.     

A case of ‘butterfly’ vertebra from Sardinia

We describe a rare congenital malformation of the spine known as ‘butterfly’ vertebra, which is classified as a congenital developmental anomaly in the early embryonic period, resulting in a sagittally cleft vertebral body. In our case, the anomaly affects an adult female and involves the fifth lumbar vertebra and first sacral vertebra; it is not associated with other anomalies of the spine. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.