Daniel Contreras
The content of this news item has been machine translated and may contain some inaccuracies with respect to the original content published in Spanish.
Dr. Rafael Aguilar and Mag. Daniel Torrealva, both lecturers in our Engineering Department, are participating in the restoration of the Ica Cathedral, which was severely damaged as a result of the 2007 earthquake. This initiative is part of the Earthquake Resistant Stabilisation Project, which began in 2010 led by the Getty Conservation Institute in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering of the University of Bath (UK) and the Faculty of Science and Engineering of our University.
In addition to the cathedral, the Seismic Resistant Stabilisation Project also includes the restoration of the Cuño Tambo church in Cuzco, and two historic mansions in Cuzco and Lima.
To date, no masses have been celebrated in the Cathedral of Ica since the earthquake. Its vaults have collapsed, the entire roof system is deteriorated, there is serious damage to the towers and there is a disconnection between the walls of the nave of the church. "Getty wants to update the previous study. As the cathedral has been unused, there have been some more recent collapses," explains Dr Rafael Aguilar, who heads the Engineering and Heritage Research Group, which is dedicated to the application of modern engineering tools, such as 3D technology and augmented reality, to conserve historical heritage.
"We are experts using special, non-destructive techniques for the study of heritage, where we can assess the building and its materials without damaging it.
Director of the Engineering and Heritage Research Group
Aguilar's knowledge and experience prompted Getty to contact him. "We are experts using special, non-destructive techniques for the study of heritage, where we can evaluate the building and its materials without damaging it," Aguilar explains.
These techniques are part of the 'minimum intervention' concept, which aims to restore buildings while guaranteeing long-term efficiency and sustainability. "What we are looking for is a systematic study that starts by making a good diagnosis of the current state and proposes more effective techniques in case of earthquakes," Aguilar adds.
"Through trials, we have provided the technical support that traditional reinforcement solutions needed.
Researcher and lecturer in the Engineering Dept.
In addition, it was necessary for the project to test traditional reinforcement techniques, which are typical of old buildings in Peru but uncommon elsewhere. "Through testing, we have provided the technical support needed for the traditional reinforcement solutions," says Daniel Torrealva.
The project aims to serve as a global model for heritage interventions on land. As Torrealva explains, the techniques used as part of the 'Earthquake Resistant Stabilisation Project' are compatible with any historic structure of similar architectural configuration.
For Aguilar, the main challenge now is to understand the magnitude of the problem. "To the extent that we do, we will be able to come up with effective measures to ensure structural safety," he says.
Rafael Aguilar also explains how they will help to guarantee the structure's resistance to possible seismic events: "We are developing an experimental campaign that will allow us to characterise the damage condition and, based on that, make predictive analyses on the possible behaviour in the event of an earthquake.
This will be followed by the intervention phase to implement the proposed solution. During this period, Aguilar and his team plan to continue carrying out studies to ensure that the restoration is being carried out efficiently, as well as an additional control phase once the intervention is completed to avoid any problems that may arise during the useful life of the structure.
All this means putting engineering at the service of a greater good, such as heritage conservation. "It has been a very interesting process. Getty has a lot of experience working with academics, and recognises the contribution we make in these large collaboration schemes," says Rafael Aguilar, adding: "When the results and how they have been achieved are disseminated, I hope that people will understand how engineering contributes directly to preserving this type of construction.
The director of the Engineering and Heritage Group also stresses how important it is for our University to participate in these international alliances: "Preserving our heritage is of great significance, and being part of very powerful international collaborative networks recognises the work we do and strengthens us as an institution".
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