3D laser scanning project at the University of Antioquia, Medellín

The 3D laser scanning project at the University of Antioquia (Medellín) aimed to perform a pathology analysis with architectural survey detailed description of a 3-level heritage building, cloisters and facades, in a total built area estimated at 10,000 m².

Echeverrimontes won a call organized by the Medellín Metro, in which it sought specialists in heritage intervention to analyze a pattern of deterioration in the Auditorium building. This pattern began to be more apparent shortly after the Metro carried out infrastructure works on the road and public space lateral to the building, an early 19th century cloister restored in the 1990s that today serves as headquarters for the University of Antioquia. Specifically, cracks began to be observed in walls and floors on the three levels, and it was immediately assumed that the cause was in the works carried out by the Metro.

However, through our diagnostic work we were able to establish that this deterioration pattern It had been occurring since the 1990s, particularly due to the way in which groundwater control was resolved, draining wastewater and lowering the table to much lower levels. At the time, the waters were causing great damage to the constitutive structure of the original rammed earth and adobe walls of the construction. 

The holistic analysis allowed us to understand the problem in all its complexity (accentuated by the fact that the building was intervened at different times in its development with different construction techniques). Through the implementation of digital tools, we were able to precisely define the deterioration pattern and model the historical process from the perspective of the building, the soil and its settlement process.

The concept we built and the recommendations we gave allowed us to solve the problem for our client to the extent that we were able to demonstrate that the deterioration process was not a result of the project and the intervention for the tram works, but rather were originated in a change in soil conditions, partly the result of a improvement in the city's infrastructure and wastewater collection, and partly because the drainage strategies implemented during restoration advanced in the 90s. For the Medellín Metro, this meant avoid legal proceedings against you by responsibilities after development tram works.

Thomas Elejalde, general manager of Metro Medellín, highlighted the work done and mentioned that By clarifying responsibilities, the origin of the deterioration pattern was clarified, which represented an achievement for our team, underlining that the investment made in our consultancy was widely supported by the results thrown and the information verified through the technological implementation of analytical models.