Terrestrial laser-scanning point clouds for modeling masonry vaults

The paper addresses some issues related to the acquisition of points clouds by Terrestrial Laser-Scanning, TLS and their elaboration with the aim to create structural models of masonry vaults. This structural system, existing in several artifacts and historical buildings, presents the advantage of having a good static and functional behavior, reduced weight and good requisites of insulation and aesthetic quality. TLS technique is well suited for the survey of geometric forms of monumental complexes, often realized with very irregular materials and forms. As case-study we illustrate a geometric model of an ancient masonry church, having naves characterized by cross vaults, and its use as input values for a structural analysis based on the Thrust Network Analysis, TNA technique, a recently formulated methodology for studying the limit equilibrium of masonry vaults. As the numerical results show, the actual "geometry" of these structures significantly influences their safety degree.