Load testing of cultural heritage structures and sculptures: unconventional methods for assessing safety

0574142 - ÚTAM 2024 RIV CH eng J - Journal Article
Drdácký, Miloš - Urushadze, Shota
Load testing of cultural heritage structures and sculptures: unconventional methods for assessing safety.
Heritage. Roč. 6, č. 7 (2023), s. 5538-5558. E-ISSN 2571-9408
Grant - others:AV ČR(CZ) StrategieAV21/23
Program: StrategieAV
Institutional support: RVO:68378297
Keywords : proof load test * ambient vibration * historic structure * frequency analysis
OECD category: Construction engineering, Municipal and structural engineering
Impact factor: 1.7, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access
https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6070292

The paper presents the results of static and dynamic experimental tests conducted on historical heritage structures and sculptures. In recent years, there was an increasing need to address the behaviour of these types of structures due to several reasons. Diagnosing the actual condition of a historical structure involves not only identifying the cause of a detected defect, but also determining its impact and assessing whether the structure can continue to perform safely. This article utilises unconventional loading methods to generate measurable mechanical responses. In one case, a lifting procedure is employed to study strains in a composite structure, while in another example, the mass and movement of people are used as a form of loading. Proof load tests conducted on a monumental sculpture allowed for the determination of load distribution among its heterogeneous structural components, namely a bronze shell and an iron reinforcing frame. Furthermore, the static and dynamic loading of a ceiling supported by a masonry vault demonstrated its ability to withstand anticipated loads resulting from unconventional use as a temporary exhibition space.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0344483