Proposal of a Sensorization Methodology for Obtaining a Digital Model: A Case Study on the Dome of the Church of the Pious Schools of Valencia

Abstract

The Church of the Pious Schools of Valencia (18th century) has the largest Valencian dome ever constructed, with its 24.5 m span, and it is included among the prestigious great European domes, inspired by the Pantheon and belonging to neoclassicism. Currently, this monument is undergoing a thorough study and restoration process to improve its management, especially to halt its deterioration due to moisture and cracks. An initial study included in the Master Plan (1995) determined that these cracks were caused by thermal effects, but recently, other studies have suggested that these failures originated from the walls. Additionally, environmental impacts and thermal behavior are among the causes, as excessive humidity due to high interior occupancy can cause damage to the dome, which has historic coatings. As a result of this study process, we propose sensorizing the dome of the church in order to enable comprehensive control of the temperature, humidity, and CO2, as well as installing accelerometers to monitor the movements of the structure. With this, after the restoration of the dome, the potential effects of temperature, humidity, and CO2 on the dome’s surfaces will be controlled, in addition to verifying if there is any correlation between the cracks and the temperature.