Research Laboratory for the diagnostic recording and conservation of the heritage
Contacto:
626-2000 annex 4659
626-2000 annex 4659
The research laboratory was created in 2014 thanks to the support of INNOVATE Peru, the Department of Engineering and the Vice Rectorates of Research and Administration of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. The laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment for structural diagnosis and monitoring of existing and heritage buildings. It develops innovation specifically in the areas of non-destructive testing and instrumentation of buildings, seismic instrumentation, vibration control, geophysics, 3D reconstruction, numerical modeling and advanced structural analysis.
Engineering and Heritage is a research laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. This laboratory and the undergraduate, master's and doctoral research assistants that work there allow it to have capabilities to act in different fields such as:
Head of laboratory and Director of the research group:
Rafael Aguilar Vélez
Teachers:
We have a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (quadcopters and octocopters), equipped with high-resolution digital cameras and specialized software, which will capture images and videos that will later be used for the geometric and topographic survey, as well as for the corresponding 3D reconstruction.
We have a state-of-the-art laser scanner that is used for the detailed and automated geometric survey of buildings. The data acquired with the scanner is processed by software, which allows to join the collected data, create animations and design 3D digital models. In addition, post-processing software allows direct manipulation of the scanner data and the generation of solid models.
We also have geophysical auscultation equipment, such as a georadar with a full range of antennas, ranging from 100Mhz to 2Ghz, which can be used to explore surfaces ranging from 30m to 30cm deep. With this equipment it is possible to generate three-dimensional models of the analyzed area, which allows, with proper interpretation, to identify objects buried or embedded in structural elements. In addition, the laboratory has capacity for the development of geophysical tests (MASW, seismic refraction and micro trepidations) and for geotechnical exploration.
A series of data acquisition systems and highly sensitive acceleration transducers are available for in situ dynamic testing of existing buildings. These systems provide the capacity to study all types of phenomena related to vibrations and seismic instrumentation, as well as the possibility of integrating and developing permanent monitoring solutions.
The laboratory also has a series of equipment for non-destructive testing and diagnosis of heritage buildings. For example, it has systems for measuring the internal condition of wooden elements, a thermography diagnostic system and an ultrasound system for characterizing materials.
Finally, we have the capacity to develop structural models with advanced analytical tools that study the behavior of large deformations and even collapse states, which is of special interest when studying heritage buildings. In this way, predictive models can be developed to estimate the behavior of this type of constructions; this, integrated to the information gathered in the field with the techniques shown above, allows their appropriate diagnosis and the development of optimized intervention proposals.
The Engineering & Heritage research group was created with the objective of developing innovative technologies for the conservation and monitoring of heritage buildings, with the multidisciplinary collaboration of professors and undergraduate and graduate students of Civil Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Archaeology. The future vision of Engineering & Heritage is to generate knowledge to conserve our heritage and to bequeath it to future generations.
Capabilities
Sources of financing