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Integrated structural condition assessment of an ancient Mayan Temple
Carlos Ventura  1, *@  , Tomás Núñez  1, *@  , Mehrtash Motamedi  1, *@  , Victor Hernandez  2, *@  , Stephanie Hernandez, Dagoberto Bautista@
1 : University of British Columbia
2 : University of San Carlos in Quetzaltenango
* : Corresponding author

The Temple of the Masks, also known as Temple II, is a significant funerary and ceremonial structure built by the Maya around 700 AD. Located in Tikal, the largest city of the Classic Maya period in the Petén region of northern Guatemala, its preservation is crucial. Given the delicate nature of archaeological sites, continuous monitoring of the temple's structural and dynamic properties is essential to protect its integrity and ensure long-term conservation. This study presents a detailed assessment of the temple using ambient vibration field measurements to identify modal frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes. These parameters establish a structural baseline essential for detecting future changes that could indicate damage or deterioration. In addition, the study considered a 3D laser scanner of the temple to complement these evaluations. This high-resolution, non-invasive technique captured precise geometric data through a cloud point, enabling assessment of any misalignment in the structure that might signal underlying issues. Following the geometric survey, a simplified model was calibrated, integrating the structure's dimensions, dynamic properties, and results from sclerometric tests, which measured the mechanical strength of the temple's stone material. This multifaceted approach demonstrates the importance of using a combination of monitoring tools to preserve archaeological structures effectively. This study provides a robust framework for conserving the Temple of the Masks by uniting ambient vibration analysis and precise geometric modelling. The calibrated model created from this data serves as a valuable tool for ongoing stability assessments and underscores the role of advanced, complementary technologies in heritage monitoring, offering a technically robust strategy to protect and preserve culturally significant structures like Temple II at Tikal.


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