Abstract
Terrestrial laser scanning is a widely used technology to digitise archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage. This allows for modelling the assets’ real condition in comparison with traditional data acquisition methods. This paper, based on the case study of the basilica in the Baelo Claudia archaeological ensemble (Tarifa, Spain), justifies the need of accurate heritage modelling against excessively simplified approaches in order to support structural safety analysis. To do this, after validating the 3D meshing process from point cloud data, the semi-automatic digital reconstitution of the basilica columns is performed. Next, a geometric analysis is conducted to calculate the structural alterations of the columns. In order to determine the structural performance, focusing both on the accuracy and suitability of the geometric models, static and modal analyses are carried out by means of the finite element method (FEM) on three different models for the most unfavourable column in terms of structural damage: (1) as-built (2) simplified and (3) ideal model without deformations. Finally, the outcomes show that the as-built modelling enhances the conservation status analysis of the 3D heritage city (in terms of realistic compliance factor values), although further automation still needs to be implemented in the modelling process.
Highlights
Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) [1] is a broadly used remote sensing data source in the scientific literature and in refurbishment works for the digitisation of archaeological, architectural, and cultural heritage
Two processes of the semi-automatic modelling procedure as described by Antón et al [3] within the environment of Rhinoceros V5 software [56] are firstly conducted: (1) check the integrity of the meshes, there should not be any inconsistency, since this was already tested in Artec Studio when producing the optimal meshes; and (2) convert the watertight meshes into closed polysurfaces
The outcomes deriving from the different sections containing quantitative data are presented here by following the structure of the methodology: (i) 3D meshing and its evaluation; (ii) geometric analysis, comprising the calculation of displacements, distortions and deformations of columns and drums; and (iii) structural behaviour assessment of the three modelling approaches for the most unfavourable column
Summary
Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) [1] is a broadly used remote sensing data source in the scientific literature and in refurbishment works for the digitisation of archaeological, architectural, and cultural heritage. This technology allows the capture of the real condition of those heritage assets to include their structural alterations [2]. Modelling following traditional data acquisition methods and excessively simplified modelling approaches, as seen in other research works, do not represent the real conservation status of the assets. The as-built 3D heritage city modelling, based on precise data from remote sensing and semi-automatic processes, should support reliable, accurate measurements, analyses, and simulations for conservation purposes
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