R–C–C fusion classifier for automatic damage detection of heritage building using 3D laser scanning

Abstract

The automatic damage detection in buildings using 3D laser scanning is a non-invasive approach to monitoring heritage buildings, especially in places like Liverpool, where the temperature can vary drastically during a year and these changes can damage the components of the buildings. In this paper, the St Luke’s Church mostly known as the Bombed-out Church, an important heritage building, was scanned using a 3D laser scanner. This paper proposed the R–C–C fusion classifier to detect the damage on the heritage building automatically. Utilizing the Roughness method (R) and the CANUPO classification (C) in small sections of the façade, it was possible to determine the shape and the location of the damages (cracks, anomalies, stone decay, stone peeling, etc.) on the surface of the walls, and then, the analysis was carried out to the whole building. Utilizing the R–C–C method was possible to locate and isolate the cracks and anomalies for future reference in monitoring this heritage building. This non-invasive technique for monitoring heritage building has demonstrated that it is possible to detect damages on the surface of buildings using a classifier which will dramatically reduce the computing time.