Abstract
Abstract. This paper presents a strategy to measure verticality deviations (i.e. inclination) of tall chimneys. The method uses laser scanning point clouds acquired around the chimney to estimate vertical deviations with millimeter-level precision. Horizontal slices derived from the point cloud allows us to inspect the geometry of the chimney at different heights. Two methods able to estimate the center at different levels are illustrated and discussed. A first solution is a manual approach that uses traditional CAD software, in which circle fitting is manually carried out through point cloud slices. The second method is instead automatic and provides not only center coordinates, but also statistics to evaluate metric quality. Two case studies are used to explain the procedures for the digital survey and the measurement of vertical deviations: the chimney in the old slaughterhouse of Piacenza (Italy), and the chimney in Leonardo Campus at Politecnico di Milano (Italy).
Highlights
Industrial masonry chimneys appeared in many European countries in the 19th century
From a static point of view, one of the most important parameters to inspect during a stability assessment of a tall chimney is the inclination of the main body
We present a method for the evolution of industrial masonry chimney inclination using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS, Vosselman and Maas, 2010) point clouds
Summary
Industrial masonry chimneys appeared in many European countries in the 19th century. Their popularity was strictly connected to the industrial revolution since the primary function was to remove the smoke of combustion caused by industrial processes. Once they became outdated in industrial processes, many chimneys were neglected for several years, causing rapid degradation For this reason, the assessment of the state of conservation has primary importance for further interventions and preservation plans. From a static point of view, one of the most important parameters to inspect during a stability assessment of a tall chimney is the inclination of the main body. In many cases, this is related to differential expansions of the masonry joints affected by mortar sulfation, faulty construction methods, foundation problems, or, differences in mortar drying on different sides due to the action of the prevailing wind. A novel automated procedure was implemented, resulting in a method able to provide statistical parameters for quality check
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