Terrestrial Laser Scanning for the University of Melbourne
Overview
The University of Melbourne undertook redevelopment work to its site. In particular, the Old Commerce Building was demolished. Due to its façade being of significant heritage value, it needed to be retained whilst the remainder of the building was demolished. It was imperative that the construction works did not cause any movement and potential damage to the façade during the demolition of the building and the erection of a façade retention structure.
The Challenge
Woolpert was commissioned to provide a solution to this potential problem. To ensure that any façade movement is detected, monitoring works were proposed as a requirement for this project. Through discussion with the client, Woolpert installed three tilt meters at the top of the façade. To alleviate any concern about the façade movement, measurement data was recorded every 5 minutes via radio link to the monitoring station utilising Leica GeoMOS software. Leica GeoMOS software allows for the setting of acceptable tilt status limits, and the SMS, email or phone contact at any change of ‘status’ to relevant personnel (as set out by the client’s monitoring specification). Therefore, real-time monitoring results in client confidence that any movement will be detected instantly and, if appropriate, corrective measures can be implemented. In the event that movement was detected, Woolpert could quantify this through Laser Scanning acquisition and supply engineers with a complete and clear understanding of any building movement.
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The Solution
Woolpert proposed undertaking Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) acquisition on monthly basis. Acquisition by TLS produces a ‘point-cloud’ which contains millions of measured points on the building’s façade; therefore providing a broader and more complete dataset than conventional target measurements at individual locations. A visual analysis of overlaying the point-cloud data could be used to determine the exact location and nature of façade movement or deformation.
The Results
Woolpert implemented various modes of detecting any façade movement immediately to ensure a timely and reliable response for the client.