Structural analysis of historic masonry with enhanced finite-element modelling approaches that integrate pathology data

Monitoring and preservation of our architectural heritage are vital aspects of building a sustainable society that fully utilizes its cultural resources. When the preservation and resilience of architectural heritage are in question, the structural condition is one of the primary aspects that must be assessed. It is well known that structural models for the architectural heritage often lack accuracy due to lack of input data. An important improvement in the structural assessment of built heritage can be made if effects of on-site crack patterns and material pathologies can be included in an efficient manner. This PhD will contribute to the CHAI project, Cracking Built Heritage with AI. This project aims to improve the structural analysis and damage prediction of built masonry heritage by enriching structural models with data obtained from AI-enhanced digital surveying and damage mapping. The PhD research focuses on developing advanced structural models for masonry using the finite element approach, experimental testing of masonry, and the on-site investigation of historic monuments. Integrating damage patterns derived from digital surveys is a major challenge of the research and will enhance structural analysis approaches compared to current practices. This PhD will be conducted in close collaboration with the Geomatics Section of the same department at KU Leuven.