Ribbed Vault Research Articles

Technical Conditions of Diamond Vaults in Poland

Diamond vaults represent the greatest achievement of the Gothic architecture. Only about 130 buildings with such vaults have remained to our times, including 30 buildings in Poland. Diamond vaults are less stiff than rib vaults, and consequently more prone to damage. This paper presents technical conditions of diamond vaults in Poland, their typical damage and repair methods.

Limit Load and Collapse Mechanism of Spatial Arched Structures

ABSTRACT A Finite Element Method (FEM) based model is presented that can be applied as a limit-analysis tool for spatial arched structures. A purely geometrical model can find the collapse mechanism of an arbitrary arched structure and the limit load which is the lower bound of the collapse load. The model takes into account the formation of new openings (cracks), which gradually reduce the initial stiffness of the structure, but does not consider sliding failure. The limit load is when the structure becomes a mechanism globally or locally. The effect of the discretisation and the residual torsional stiffness of an opened interface are investigated. The model is verified by planar and spatial examples applying the uniqueness theorem of Heyman. The results of the case study highlight the potential of the applied model: a very good approximation can be given of the collapse mechanism of a real 3D structure. The presented model can be used to evaluate existing or theoretical ribbed vault geometries. It can also be a powerful tool for earthquake assessment of historical arched structures as it gives the magnitude of the ground acceleration that transforms the structure into a mechanism.

SCAN-TO-MESHBIM: IMPLEMENTING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HISTORICAL VAULTED CEILINGS WITH OPEN TOOLS

Accurate three-dimensional (3D) models for Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) remain a significant challenge. This paper proposes a methodology that combines the Poisson Surface Reconstruction (PSR) technique with open-source management software to address this issue. The methodology uses automatically generated mesh models to produce reality-based 3D models of historical buildings. These models are enriched with geometric and semantic parameters according to BIM standards. The resulting methodology, Scan to MesHBIM, is an open 3D interface allowing experts to analyze and create a detailed set of properties adhering to construction rules. To test the workflow, we selected two case studies of different vaulting types: the Renaissance barrel vault with cloister heads and lunettes from the Ducal Palace in Urbino (Italy) and the Gothic ribbed vault from St. André Cathedral in Bourdeaux (France). The use of implicit surfaces proved to be an efficient means for obtaining accurate 3D objects; then, the enrichment of the 3D models ensures a better understanding and more in-depth management in the field of Cultural Heritage (CH).

Modelling and safety assessment of observed sliding damage in a masonry rib vault

Modelling and safety assessment of observed sliding damage in a masonry rib vault

Configuration processing and construction of large-span karbandi vaults: a case of the karbandi vaulting of Haj-Mohammad-Qoli Timche in Tabriz Historic Bazaar

PurposeThis paper aims at discovering the traditional techniques of Persian architecture for covering large-span spaces with a kind of ribbed vault titled “Karbandi”. This structure is generated by intersecting several arches with a harmonic stellar geometry. Preliminary studies show that span factor affects the structural form of karbandi and large-span cases, despite similar architectural forms, have different structural systems and specific construction methods. The main focus of this paper is how karbandi has been designed and built on large-spans. To answer this question, the configuration and construction of a large-span karbandi in Tabriz Bazaar were recognized.Design/methodology/approachData collection of the research was initially done in three parallel directions through the archival study of restoration documents, direct observation of the corpus of the vaultings and interviews with the master mason of the Haj-Mohammad-Qoli Timche restoration team. Then by cross-referencing the gathered data, the construction process of the karbandi was simulated in Rhino 6 and Grasshoppers software and its BIM-M models were created in three levels of development: LOD300, LOD350 and LOD400. In the next step, the preliminary BIM-M models of the karbandi were presented to the interviewed mason and revised and completed based on his comments.FindingsAnalyzing the BIM models by reverse engineering, resulted in (1) Discovering a unique self-supporting masonry construction method applied for the erection of karbandi vaulting on large-spans. (2) Finding the effect of scale factor on the architectural and structural form of the karbandi vault. (3) Discovering the connection types of the karbandi vault based on the construction details.Originality/valueDespite the wide applications of karbandi vaults throughout history, very little information of their construction techniques is available. The techniques have mostly been experientially and orally passed down from masters to apprentices and rarely been documented. The quest to design and construct a karbandi vault is therefore like solving a puzzle whose most important guide is historical cases. Due to the geometric complexity of karbandi and its ability to cover large-span spaces, solving the puzzle can lead to achieving some technical ideas for masonry cross-ribbed vaulting. A great riddle of the karbandi vaults is how to design and build them on a large span.

Illuminating Transparency in Digital Historical Visualizations: Notre-Dame of Paris, St Stephen’s of Westminster, and Visualizing Venice

Illuminating Transparency in Digital Historical Visualizations: Notre-Dame of Paris, St Stephen’s of Westminster, and Visualizing Venice

TRAPEZOIDAL AND APSIDAL RIBBED VAULTS SMART 3D RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract. The automatic generation of structured 3D model from point clouds is a primary focus for a lot of researches in the area of 3D modelling and HBIM. The use of procedural modelling techniques, based on set of geometric rules, is spreading the construction of parametric objects and processes for survey data mapping. In this research field one of the most common methodological approach consists in testing different procedures based on use of specific data from point cloud. One of the main problem to solve is to define the best parameters to use in relation to geometric features of different architectural element and what are the data to extract from point cloud. Starting from shape grammar approach, the main goal of our research is to define 3D parametric models for ribbed vaults suitable to generate 3D smart model for different uses. Most researches in this area deal the case of rectangular or square plan vaults, we addressed the case of trapezoidal vaults and different rules used for apsidal vaults tracing. Our aim is to define an adaptive parametric model that we can use to generate a 3D ideal model or a mixed reality based model. In order to evaluate our tool we compared two 3D models with point clouds: the first is based on geometric rules from sources, the second is based on some specific data from point cloud. Testing the tool on two gothic churches in Naples, the church of S. Lorenzo and the church of S.Maria di Donnaregina, we are going to improve it.

PARAMETRIC LIBRARY FOR RIBBED VAULTS INDEXING

Abstract. This paper presents a part from one broader research project on ribbed vaults. The main goal is to generate a parametric objects library for ribbed vaults, suitable both for HBIM system, for structural analysis or for Cultural Heritage dissemination. Starting from Treatises study we have analyzed different classification system and different terminology used for ribbed vaults components in different languages, especially in English, French, Spanish and Italian, our aim is to improve a multilingual vocabularies. In our research we have defined an experimental workflow to generate a set of ribbed vaults library based on the geometric rules from treatises and a controlled vocabulary, the comparison of these 3D models with point clouds allows us to identify the rule used or to define a new rule and, therefore, to build complex parametric models based on reality-based surveys. We are improving our parametric model using different geometric rules from Spanish, French and English manuals. We can generate the realty based model using the same parametric model, in this case the input data is the ribs geometry extracted from the point cloud. We use a generative tool to analyze the curves from point cloud and to draw the borders. We are going to test our tool on some case studies for historical architectural elements indexing, for geometries reconstruction in HBIM environment and for point cloud segmentation in DL process.

FROM TLS POINT CLOUD DATA TO GEOMETRICAL GENESIS DETERMINATION OF RIBBED MASONRY VAULTS

Abstract. The contribution aims to explore the possibility of tracing the geometry of ribbed vaults from two different Mediterranean regions to a single matrix, verifying the presence of possible local variations of the same rules. In particular, the analyses are being carried out in parallel on some case studies of the regions of Sardinia in Italy and Aragon in Spain. The two case studies include the Iglesia Parroquial del Salvador la Seo in Zaragoza and the Church of Santa Lucia in Cagliari. Both constructions can be traced back to the style known as Late Mediterranean Gothic, which characterised the architecture of the countries bordering the Mediterranean basin between the 14th and 17th centuries. The two case studies chosen were almost at the extreme ends of the Late Gothic period, to determine whether some invariants sought could persist even in relatively distant periods. The analysis focused on cross vaults covering the two naves, which included a laser scanner survey in order to obtain a cloud of points of sufficient precision to carry out studies on the geometry of the vaulted systems, the identification of the intrados profiles of the ribs and therefore the definition of the curvatures and centres of all the arches making up the vaults. Finally, the results are presented by means of summary diagrams and comparison tables.

Algorithmic Modelling as a Key Tool for Ribbed Vault Geometry

Algorithmic Modelling as a Key Tool for Ribbed Vault Geometry

Funicular Analysis of Ribbed Masonry Vaults: A Case Study

ABSTRACT A numerical method is implemented to cope with the funicular analysis of ribbed masonry vaults under self-weight. A two-layer spatial network with given plan geometry is adopted to account for the load path in the overlying vault and in the supporting ribs. The minimization of the horizontal thrusts is formulated in terms of an independent set of force densities, and in the vertical coordinates of the restrained nodes. Constraints are enforced on the height of the nodes and on the sign of the force densities, to seek anti-funicular networks in equilibrium with the loading that lie within the envelope of the ribbed vault. A stellar masonry vault originally built in the ancient church of Tereske (Hungary) is investigated, comparing results achieved by using either single-layer or two-layer spatial networks.

Pier Luigi Nervi’s design process of hangars

AbstractThe objectives of this paper are to report the construction process of hangars in Orvieto and Orbetello by the construction company of Nervi and Bartoli, and to analyze the formation process of the design philosophy proposed by Nervi through a model experiment conducted on both hangars. Nervi initially attempted to design a hangar with pin joints. This indicates that although Nervi was initially uncertain of the structural safety of a vault roof with rigid joints, he eventually understood its structural safety through experiments. In conclusion, Nervi arrived at a hyperstatic structure of the diagonal rib vault which consisted of crossing each arch in the design process of the hangar in three phases. Furthermore, the joint between the roof composed of them and the pillar is ultimately rigidly joined instead of pin junctions after sketching the relevant plans. Nervi’s design philosophy is to connect each member with a rigid joint, a solid monolithic structure, that is, to constitute a hyperstatic structure, which was seen in the design process of the airplane hangar.

The problem of conservation of XX century architectural heritage: The fibreglass dome of the woodpecker dance club in Milano Marittima (Italy)

The present study deals with the deterioration of materials in the dome of the “Woodpecker” dance club designed by the architect Filippo Monti (1928–2015) and built in Milano Marittima (near Ravenna, Italy) in 1968. This place, considered extremely valuable due to its landscape and architectural features, has been in a state of abandonment for around 40 years, but recently the local Municipality has started a process for its restoration. The dome is made of 23 fibreglass precast rib vaults hiding a steel structure, and in early 2000s a large part of its internal surface was painted with a graffito by Blu, an internationally renowned Italian street artist.Nowadays, both the dome and the graffito are safeguarded for their historic-architectural-artistic value by putting restrictions to their demolishment and modification. However, both the dome and the graffito are affected by harsh kinds of degradation, very different from those affecting historical building materials, which endanger their state of preservation.This study investigates whether the methodological approach of the conservative restoration can be applied to this structure, which is an example of contemporary architecture. Because of the lack of project drawings, a visual investigation was carried out to define geometric features and the most important technical details, and to deduce plausible hypotheses about building techniques that were adopted. The degradation affecting the dome and the graffito was then investigated, and samples of fibreglass, steel and paint were collected. Laboratory analyses on these samples, in addition to environmental studies concerning wind, ground water and relative humidity, were conducted to characterize the materials and identify their main deterioration processes.A possible restoration solution in accordance with conservative restoration principles was finally proposed, showing that the application of the same methodological approach used for ancient buildings arises many challenges, due to some key peculiarities of XX century architectural heritage materials.

De las bóvedas nervadas al cañón con lunetos. Las iglesias de bóveda baída en el ámbito valenciano

<p>Los cambios arquitectónicos realizados desde el lenguaje gótico al clásico a partir de la irrupción del renacimiento, supuso la adopción de nuevos parámetros espaciales y compositivos que necesitaron del soporte de nuevos sistemas constructivos y geométricos. Es significativo el proceso evolutivo experimentado en los abovedamientos de las iglesias de la Corona de Aragón durante el recorrido que conduce desde las bóvedas nervadas propias del gótico hasta las bóvedas de cañón con lunetos barrocas. En el ámbito valenciano, y como un modelo intermedio entre los extremos del proceso, se realizaron unas pocas iglesias cubiertas con una sucesión de bóvedas baídas claramente adscribibles al lenguaje clásico. La solución geométrica de estas bóvedas basada en la esfera resultará clave.</p><span>En el texto se analizan cinco iglesias construidas con este sistema, y se muestran las soluciones adoptadas por los artífices para resolver cobertura de los diferentes templos con una geometría inédita hasta el momento.</span>

Terrestrial Laser Scanner for the Formal Assessment of a Roman-Medieval Structure—The Cloister of the Cathedral of Tarragona (Spain)

The use of massive data capture techniques in architectural heritage has enhanced the development of new methodologies that have an important impact on their conservation and understanding. The research proposes the study of formal anomalies in the cloister of the Cathedral of Tarragona (c. 12th century). It is a relevant Gothic construction in Catalonia, with the special singularity that part of its structure is raised over an important pre-existing Roman wall. The investigation is based on a point cloud obtained with a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) and the systematization of the 3D analysis methodology of the point cloud through different reference shapes. In general terms, the construction is in good condition, so the discrepancies between real construction and the shapes of reference are small, with some exceptions. Nevertheless, the different approximations used allowed us to identify some relevant features, such as the variability of the form of rib vaults, and the influence of the criteria used in the definition and location of reference forms.

Geometry and Construction of the Eight-Loop Ribbed Vault

The evolution process of Gothic construction techniques towards the Renaissance implied a remarkable change in the design of ribbed vaults. The advance from pointed designs towards curved forms gave rise to the appearance of models with multiplied ribs. This meant a great variety and diversity of forms and the incorporation of curved ribs. The Manuscript Ms. 12686 of the National Library of Spain, the oldest of the Hispanic stonecutting texts, contains a drawing of a starry ribbed vault with eight loops. This tracing stands out for its marked practical nature, contrary to the theoretical models of greater simplicity included in other contemporary and later treatises. The main research core of this work is the geometric analysis about the design process of this tracing and its constructive application in similar vaults built in Spain during the sixteenth century.

The cross-cultural interaction in the Baltic region in the fifteenth century: the vaults of the Faceted Palace in Novgorod the Great and Brick Gothic architecture

ABSTRACT Novgorod as a Hanseatic town took part in cross-cultural interaction in the Baltic region. The so-called Faceted Palace is a unique example of cooperation between German and local builders. The vaults generally receive little attention in the historiography on Brick Gothic architecture in the Baltics. This article introduces new data about the construction technique obtained during recent restoration of the Faceted Palace and proposes reconstruction of the vaults. Comparison with analogues in the Baltic region highlights the local interpretation of the complicated rib vaults and provides information on the origins of the builders.

A Gothic-Renaissance Synthesis in a Diego de Riaño Vault

The aim of this article is to explain the design and construction processes employed in the ribbed vault prolonged by translation which Diego de Riaño (†1534) built in the antesacristy of the church of Santa María in Carmona. The vault represents an outstanding synthesis between the Late Gothic diagonal ribs and severies and the emerging systems that adopt the form of orthogonal grids and tend towards a unitary volumetric composition. The work reflects the coexistence of two different architectural languages in Andalucía in the first half of the sixteenth century, a transitional situation which, in our view, Riaño deliberately embraces in his design. Based upon rigorous photogrammetric mapping, this paper analyses the formal and geometric characteristics of this exceptional work. The analysis conducted reveals that this was not simply an experiment with form, because beneath their singular appearance the geometric designs point to the investigation of new solutions.

REMOTE SENSING DATA AS BASIS FOR THE MODELLING AND REASSEMBLY OF DISMANTLED HERITAGE STRUCTURES

Abstract. Remote sensing techniques are invaluable for the documentation and preservation of built heritage. The techniques facilitate fast documentation of highly complex heritage structures with improved accuracies. Furthermore they improve the degree of detail substantially. This is extremely useful for the restoration of collapsed elements or the reassembly of dismantled structures. These entities are often challenging to puzzle back together. Moreover, the differential settlements of the elements over time heavily influence the relative position and orientation of the remaining pieces, further complicating the reconstruction. Digital modelling solutions with a 3D model of the current situation as take-off, are desperately needed by the industry to tackle the present obstacles. In this work, a framework is proposed that facilitates a more accurate reassembly of dismantled heritage elements. It consists of three major phases starting with the accurate recording of the current situation as well as the preserved components. Subsequently, the new design is dititally modelled, reducing the necessary time for the reassembly of the structure, which is the last step in the rebuilding workflow. The presented framework allows for an efficient and comprehensible reconstruction of the structure. A key aspect in the approach is the detection of missing components and the estimation of their dimensions for the production of accurate replicas. The potential is showcased by means of two case studies on the reassembly of flying buttresses and rib vaults of the Saint-James church in Leuven, Belgium, which is currently undergoing major stabilisation works. The presented approach allows heritage experts to gain better oversight over their reassembly project and work more efficiently.

FROM LIDAR DATA TOWARDS HBIM FOR STRUCTURAL EVALUATION

Abstract. In HBIM processes, the extraction of geometric components from 3D point clouds data can sometimes be a complex process. The so-called Scan to BIM process has been widely utilized: deriving 3D models from point clouds often a local modelling of geometric components is necessary. This leads in most cases to use external modelling tools or complex local modelling processes. In both cases, we often get a model that cannot be reused for other items belonging to the same category, contravening the BIM philosophy. Vaulted systems are a typical example of complex elements that we can find in historical architecture. The paper presents the first results of an ongoing research on geometric modelling and structural evaluation of masonry ribbed vaults. An algorithm is developed to generate a NURBS surface of masonry vaults that, starting from the data extrapolated from the point cloud, allows to obtain an HBIM family. The research aims to overcome the inability to reference to standardised objects in local modelling of historical architecture elements. Directed to a standardization in the geometric modelling process of 3D laser scan data, the developed workflow is a possible alternative to commonly used workflows. Particular attention is focused on a case study of stellar vaults, a special class of masonry ribbed vaults whose three-dimensional geometry features a star-shaped projection on the horizontal plane. The work is carried out to verify that this family can be used for the structural analysis of stellar masonry vaults.