Ambient vibration tests on New Zealand unreinforced masonry churches using low cost sensors
Churches are an important part of New Zealand's architectural heritage, and the extensive damage observed in stone and clay brick unreinforced masonry churches after the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes has highlighted the need to appropriately describe their dynamic characteristics. Dealing with historical structures, characterized by a high level of uncertainty affecting both material properties and structural schemes, and given the paramount need of non-destructive investigation techniques, ambient vibration tests can be considered an effective tool.