Stone as a structural material. Part 3: Post-tensioned stone structures

This article presents a retrospective, personal account of the design of the stone arches for the Padre Pio church in Italy between 1990 and 2004. Inspired by a resurgence in interest in stone as a structural material, it seeks to relate the design development of this innovative project and discuss some of the hurdles that had to be overcome when working outside codes of practice.

Webb Yates, in conjunction with The Stonemasonry Company, has begun to develop a building system that would be a low-energy alternative to more common steel and concrete-framed structures. In this article, we hope to demonstrate how a creative approach to engineering design can utilise stone to exploit its inherent strengths.

By adopting a creative approach to structural analysis, design and detailing, the structural principles of stone cantilever stairs can be combined and extrapolated to design and construct more refined structures in myriad applications.