Multi-criteria diagnostics of historic buildings with the use of 3D laser scanning (a case study)

The protection and use of historic buildings is a difficult and costly task. Most often, these objects are under conservatory protection and any interference in their structure requires appropriate consent. On the other hand, conducting construction works on historic buildings carries a high risk of their damage or even destruction. Therefore, proper prior diagnostics is an extremely important factor affecting the scope and manner of works to be conducted. The paper presents the use of 3D scanning to determine the deflection of the ceiling under the Column Hall of the historic Palace, the floor of which showed elasticity, recorded during changing service loads. After identifying the places with the greatest deflections, based on data from 3D laser scanning, test holes were made and wood samples from the ceiling were taken to perform moisture content and mycological tests. An endoscopic inspection camera was inserted into test holes, providing the basis for recognizing the structure of the ceiling, i.e. arrangement of layers as well as dimensions and spacing of ceiling beams. Strength calculations were made with the limit state method resulted in the determination of the maximum permissible service load on the ceiling. The presented course of action in diagnostics of the analysed historic building may be an example of a preliminary procedure to be taken before deciding on changes in the manner of use of historic buildings or the functionalities of their individual parts.