An Alternative Method for Long-Term Monitoring of Thai Historic Pagodas Based on Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data: A Case Study of Wat Krachee in Ayutthaya

Peerasit Mahasuwanchai,Chainarong Athisakul,Phasu Sairuamyat,Somchai Chucheepsakul,Weerachart Tangchirapat,Sutat Leelataviwat,Alessio Cascardi

doi:10.1155/2021/5587046

Peerasit Mahasuwanchai, Chainarong Athisakul + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5587046

Copy DOI

Abstract

This article presents an alternative method for the long-term monitoring of heritage pagodas in Thailand. In this method, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is used in combination with permanent survey markers. The Wat (temple) Krachee in the Ayutthaya Province of Thailand was chosen as a case study. This temple has several fantastic elements, including an inverted bell-shaped pagoda, two intertwined trees growing within it, and a chamber inside the pagoda. The preservation team working on the pagoda encountered a challenging problem and faced a decision to trim or not to trim the tree since it has a long-term effect on the pagoda’s structural stability. A high-accuracy terrestrial laser scanner was used to collect three-dimensional point cloud data. Permanent survey markers were constructed in 2018 to be used in long-term monitoring. The 3D surveying of the temple and the monitoring of the pagoda were carried out in five sessions during a period ending in 2020. A point cloud data analysis was performed to obtain the current dimensions, a displacement analysis, and the pagoda leaning angle. The results revealed that the terrestrial laser scanner is a high-performance piece of equipment offering efficient evaluation and long-term monitoring. However, in this study, permanent survey markers were also required as a benchmark for constraining each monitoring session. The 3D point cloud models could be matched with the assumption model elements to evaluate the damaged shape and to determine the original form. The significant elements of an inverted bell-shaped pagoda were investigated. Trimming the tree was found to cause the leaning angle of the pagoda to decrease. An equation was developed for predicting the leaning angle of the Wat Krachee pagoda for preservation and restoration planning in the future. From the results of this study, it is recommended that periodic monitoring should continue in order to preserve Thai pagodas in their original forms.

Highlights

Academic Editor: Alessio Cascardi is article presents an alternative method for the long-term monitoring of heritage pagodas in ailand
Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is used in combination with permanent survey markers. e Wat Krachee in the Ayutthaya Province of ailand was chosen as a case study. is temple has several fantastic elements, including an inverted bellshaped pagoda, two intertwined trees growing within it, and a chamber inside the pagoda. e preservation team working on the pagoda encountered a challenging problem and faced a decision to trim or not to trim the tree since it has a long-term effect on the pagoda’s structural stability
Jiao et al [15] carried out a building damage analysis from earthquake loading by acquiring data from 3D laser scanners. e results revealed that the three-dimensional information from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) provides enough data for the analysis of building damage

Summary

Introduction

Academic Editor: Alessio Cascardi is article presents an alternative method for the long-term monitoring of heritage pagodas in ailand In this method, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is used in combination with permanent survey markers. The surveyors or engineers must collect information by hand, which is a time-consuming process with low precision It requires a surveyor’s specific expertise to investigate the anomalies of this historic structure. The most effective instrument for surveying and monitoring is the terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) It has been used for the massive collection of three-dimensional data for structures in their current condition. Quagliarini et al [17] reported that the risk assessment of historical buildings in their current condition using the 3D laser scanner for data collection provided a fast, low-cost, and safe methodology. For data collection in a lightless area or small chamber, it may be essential to use TLS technology

Objectives

Methods

Results