Guide for the Structural Rehabilitation of Heritage ... - Test Input

Particular attention will also be given to check the existence of embankments and to theidentification of the drainage system of the building.The adequate characterisation of the foundation soil sometimes needs undisturbed samples tobe taken and tested in the laboratory. Penetrometer tests are also of great value, allowing for thestratification to be assessed and for a reduction in the number of samples needed.3.5.6 Field measurementsThe detailed assessment of a building can also include the measurement of deformations instructural elements of the building, such as the inclination of columns and the lateraldeformation of walls. Sometimes, it includes, simply, the measurement of the width of cracksin building elements (Fig.17).It can still include the detailed survey ofthe geometry of the building, in order toallow for its modelling, so as to supportthe diagnosis, and for the structuralassessment of the building.The measurement of deformations instructural elements of the building usuallyuses topographic techniques, such asprecision levelling, etc.In the measuring of the dimensions of thebuilding elements, the topographictechniques are also used, in addition tothe common means of measuringdimensions in the field. Usually,advantage is taken of the installation ofany special means used for the visualinspection, to carry out this survey.Figure 17: Ruler measuring the width of cracks in walls(21)For the measurement of the thickness of the elements a method commonly used is radar.However, as this technique is not very accurate, it has to be complemented by other means,for example, with the drilling of small holes through some elements, for calibration.In the case of monuments or other complex structures, the photogrammetric technique canalso be very useful for the survey of the geometry of the building, as well as for the register ofthe defects in the building (Fig. 18a).More recently, the “laser” sweeping technique has appeared, which allows for the obtainingof a “cloud” of coordinated points in “3D”, from which it is even possible to construct anumerical model of the building (Fig. 18b).22/48