DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE STRUCTURES
AFTER 2013 EARTHQUAKE
Bohol is the 10th largest land mass in the Philippine archipelago and is particularly important for housing a collection of colonial architecture from the 17th century until the early 20th, the focus of which has been the ensemble of monumental church architecture from the Spanish and American periods.
Some of these churches have been declared by the National Museum as National Cultural Treasures (NCTs), and Important Cultural Properties (ICPs) for their Cultural treasure for its cultural, historical and architectural value.
On October 15, 2013, Bohol was devastated by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake destroyed or severely damaged a number of Bohol’s heritage churches including the churches of in the city of Baclayon, Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc, Loay, Dimiao, and Dauis and some of its watchtowers.
On February 10, 2015 the National Museum worked with Digiscript for the Detailed Engineering Studies of Heritage Structures Declared as NCTs/ICPs in Bohol and Samar Affected by Calamities project to assess and evaluate the present condition of the buildings, churches and other structures in Bohol which were damaged by the earthquake.
In order to rapidly document and assess the damage, Digiscript utilized several methods of reality capture technology such as 3D Laser scanning, Unmanned Aerial Survey, and Ground Penetrating Radar. This data was used to provide baseline information in the form of measured drawings and surface condition maps to understand the degree of structural damage. The rapid and detailed information from 3D Laser scanning was able to document areas of collapse and show the extent cracks, fissures, deterioration, and plumbness of walls to show degree of tilt. This data became an integral part for Digiscript’s team comprised of structural engineers, conservation architect, and researchers. Data from other material tests, soil investigation were consolidated and further analyzed to formulate and design the initial recommendations for the structures using conservation principles.
The National Museum, a Trust of the Government, is an educational, scientific and cultural institution that acquires, documents, preserves, exhibits, and fosters scholarly study and public appreciation of works of art, specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts representative of our unique to the cultural heritage of the Filipino people and the natural history of the Philippines.- www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph
National Cultural Treasure: A unique cultural property found locally, possessing outstanding historical, cultural, artistic and/or scientific value which is highly significant and important to the country and nation.