3D Laser Scanning Data and Finite Element Analysis of Wat Phra Ram

Abstract

Wat Phra Ram was built in the early Ayutthaya period. It is one of the famous Thai historic sites in the Ayutthaya historical park. The main pagoda is the corn-cob shape influenced by the ancient Khmer style of the Lawo Kingdom. Precise physical data and in-depth knowledge of structural behavior are essential to preserving this significant historical building. Consequently, this paper aims to present the application of 3D laser scanning technology and the finite element analysis of Wat Phra Ram. The 3D point cloud data from the 3D laser scanner is applied to develop the simplified 3D solid model of Wat Phra Ram's main pagoda. From the result show that height of the main pagoda is 40.54 meters. The inclination angle of Wat Phra Ram is 0.34 degree in southwest direction. The primary materials of the pagoda are ancient brick and laterite, which is a challenging problem in structural analysis. Therefore, the finite element method is applied to evaluate the pagoda's stress distribution and free vibrations behaviors. The maximum tensile stress and the maximum compressive stress due to static analysis are 233.80 kPa and 1241.02 kPa respectively. Finally, the pagoda stress distribution, the possible damage pattern, the natural frequencies, and corresponding mode shapes are presented. The comparison of using two materials' properties in the finite element model on the finite element solutions is also investigated.