Structural Health Monitoring for cultural heritage constructions: a resilience perspective

Abstract

Disturbances or disruptive events may induce reductions of functionality of the built environment. For Cultural Heritage (CH) structures, functionalities may range from technical, to economic ones linked to touristic activities, up to intangible functionalities related to the cultural and social value of these constructions. Resilience can be defined as the capability of a system overcome a disturbance with the minimum total loss of functionality over time. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) may enhance resilience by providing information that can support decision making, aiming to reduce the impact of the disturbances. In this paper, the benefits of SHM systems as means for improving resilience of CH structures are addressed and discussed with specific reference to the three different decision situations; before, during and after events of disturbances. Examples of real applications of SHM for CH structures and its effect on the resilience of the system conclude the paper.

Structural Health Monitoring and Management of Cultural Heritage Structures: A State-of-the-Art Review

“…In this context, monitoring the health condition and management of heritage constructions represents a fundamental step for their preservation. The use of efficient and accurate SHM systems is not only crucial to assessing structural performance but also to providing valuable information that aims to plan cost-effective and sustainable maintenance and retrofitting solutions [5].…”

The Example of using long-term monitoring and non-invasive measurements for Structural Health Monitoring. Cause study of St. Anna's Church in Warsaw

“…To monitor the gradual deterioration of antique buildings and their decorative parts such as frescoes, wall paintings, etc., different measurements techniques (classical surveying, photogrammetry, remote sensing, electromagnetic spectroscopy, etc.) [5] and comprehensive analysis (structural health monitoring analysis, operational modal analysis) [6][7][8][9][10][11] are commonly used. When proper methods of conservation, maintenance of cultural heritage objects, and establishing a schedule of conservation works, it is necessary to identify the factors affecting the degradation of the object.…”

“…Already then, the principles of the methodology of conservation of works were created. Their content is limited to the main seven assumptions: (1) PRIMUM NON-NOCERE rules, (2) principles of maximum respect for the original substance of the monument and all its values (tangible and intangible), (3) rules of minimum necessary interference (refraining from unnecessary actions), (4) the principle according to which it should be removed (and only what) has a destructive effect on the original, (5) principles of legibility and distinguishability of interference and their aesthetic subordination to the original (uncompetitiveness), (6) principles of reversibility of methods and materials and ( 7) rules for carrying out all work to the best knowledge and at the highest level [12].…”

“…(1) initial identification of the monument, (2) measurement and complex inventory of building with details in the form of vector drawings, cross-sections, 3D models and orthoimages, (3) complex historical research (historical study and architectonic research, and possibly archaeological if approved by Monument Conservation Office) complete with evaluation and conservation guidelines for the whole building and its spatial−functional layout, (4) complex conservation research of the state of preservation of historical substance of the monument and decorative elements together with defining their structure and technological properties (with simultaneous identification of erosion and corrosion factors such as dampness, salinity and pests) complete with conclusions and guidelines for particular elements, (5) defining the technical state of preservation of the building (construction assessment or measurement of displacements by expert) with conclusions and construction guidelines considering conservation issues, (6) geological research of the ground (by a constructor or art conservator if necessary and (7) research program concerning wall painting as a separate issue [13].…”