The ancient Mayan city of Tikal, located in Guatemala, is home to a series of deteriorating structures that hold immense historical and cultural significance. Among these monuments is Temple II, one of the iconic pyramids currently facing the threat of structural decay. To address this challenge, a team from UBC Civil Engineering has been collaborating with San Carlos University, the National University of Guatemala, and the Guatemalan Ministry of Culture and Sports to assess and preserve these ancient temples using advanced structural health monitoring techniques.
The team from UBC Civil Engineering including Dr. Mehrtash Motamedi, led by Dr. Carlos Ventura, recently deployed their Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Vibration-Based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methods at Tikal. Unlike traditional methods that might involve invasive procedures, NDT allows for the evaluation of the temple’s structural integrity without damaging the ancient stonework. This approach enables archaeologists and engineers to assess the “health” of the structures, identify weaknesses, and determine the best methods to protect and preserve them.
SHM, a key focus of this project, involves analyzing the dynamic behavior of a structure by using integrated sensors that can detect even the slightest vibrations. During their visit to Tikal, the team utilized nine wireless portable seismometers to record the micro-vibrations of Temple II. The data collected was then analyzed to identify the temple’s dynamic properties, providing valuable insights into its structural stability and how it might respond during an earthquake.
UBC Civil Engineering has developed advanced methods of vibration-based SHM techniques over the years for assessing large civil engineering structures. Dr. Nemy Banthia and Dr. Tony Yang have also contributed significantly to research in this area, positioning UBC as one of the leaders in the field of structural health monitoring.
The success of these initial tests has drawn the interest of the Guatemalan government, which has authorized the UBC team to expand their assessment to other temples and pyramids within Tikal. The next phase of testing is scheduled for the spring of next year, and it aims to include more of these historical monuments to ensure their preservation for future generations.
The ultimate goal of this collaboration is not just to protect the archaeological sites of Tikal but also to develop techniques that can be applied globally. As earthquakes and other natural disasters threaten heritage sites around the world, these innovative methods could become essential tools for preserving cultural monuments.