Structural deformation monitoring using UAV photogrammetry to assess slender historic buildings

Abstract

This research paper proposes a structural assessment methodology based on the deformation monitoring of slender, tower-type historic buildings. On the basis of the real three-dimensional model of the building, obtained by photogrammetric technique by means of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the form of a point cloud, the study and analysis of the research object are conducted by elements, levels and elevations. In order to do this, the point, axes and reference planes are generated, from which virtual control planes (comparison and section planes) are created, which is intended to obtain results that show the events and construction stages that are identified in the existing historical documentation (collapses, differential settlements, twists, eccentricities, and even building corrections), in addition to knowing their current structural state. A deep knowledge of the historical structures makes it possible to implement appropriate intervention and maintenance strategies that guarantee the correct execution of the construction, and hence, the conservation of the architectural heritage.