Sixense provides a wide range of structural recognition and investigation methods, combining field surveys and laboratory testing. These approaches enable the collection of all data required for structural assessments, regardless of the construction materials or structural typologies involved.
The scope of investigations includes:
- Geometric and dimensional surveys
- Reconstruction of reinforcement and prestressing layouts
- Characterisation of material mechanical properties
- Evaluation of material condition and conservation state
Our areas of expertise in structural recognition
Reinforced concrete structures
- Survey of construction principles and potential pathologies
- Reconstruction of reinforcement plans (identification of reinforcement type, positioning and diameter)
- Geometric modelling
- Reconstruction of load-bearing structures and construction principles
- Sampling of concrete test specimens to determine mechanical characteristics in the laboratory
Pre-stressed concrete structures
- Analysis of anchorage types and identification of prestressing processes
- Reconstruction of sheath and cable positioning
- Measurement of residual tension in prestressing cables (post- or pre-tensioning)
- Identification of specific defects (e.g. injection defects, corrosion)
- Sampling materials for laboratory testing (e.g. prestressing steel, injection grout, fossil water)
Metal structures
- Survey of the geometry of steel frame elements
- Identification of assembly types (riveted, bolted or welded)
- Identification of bracing principles
- Survey of defects and measurement of residual metal thickness
- Sampling steel for tensile testing in a laboratory
Masonry structures
- Identification of materials (e.g. bricks, stones and mortar)
- Reconstruction of the overall geometry
- Recognition of the internal geometry (e.g. vault thicknesses and openings)
- Identification of stress distribution patterns and load-bearing principles
- Core sampling for compression testing of composite materials (blocks and joints)
Wooden structures
- Geometric surveys and 3D modelling
- Survey of construction principles and assembly types
- Identification of wood species
- Mechanical characterisation through visual inspection, sampling for laboratory testing or in-situ measurements
- Identification of defects and characterisation of condition
