THE USE OF LASER SCANNING IN CIVIL AND EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING

Tülay Ercan

(Thesis Supervisor: Eser Çaktı)

ABSTRACT

Laser scanning technology is one of the most efficient solutions for generating three-dimensional data. Besides its use in areas such as archaeology, biology, geology, architecture, it has been used for various purposes in civil engineering. While conven- tional methods are limited in describing the current state of a structure as they mostly involve point specific measurements, the geometry of a structure can be rapidly de- scribed by analyzing three-dimensional point clouds to a high precision. Laser scanners can be also used as a tool for structural monitoring. Structural deformations/damage caused by earthquakes, or due to other static or dynamic mechanisms can be mon- itored. Moreover, realistic structural models reflecting the actual geometry can be created for engineering purposes. In this study, the results of the laser scanning sur- vey carried out in the Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque are presented. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was built in the period of 1562-65 by Architect Sinan and has a spe- cial importance among his work because of its exceptional geometry. The first laser scanning survey of the mosque was performed in 2015 and has been repeated annually since then. The current deformation/damage state is investigated with the help of the point cloud data. Three-dimensional structural model of the dome of the Mosque was created from point cloud data and results are presented. It is believed that this study will positively contribute to the use of laser scanning in civil/earthquake engineering and to the preservation of this important architectural heritage building.