Heritage Site Rebuild Monitoring
The Challenge
It was a complex task to restore the iconic Christchurch Cathedral after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes shook Christchurch, New Zealand. Beca, a leading engineering consultancy, partnered with Viotel to ensure precise monitoring and surveying during the historic Christchurch Cathedral’s reinstatement. By leveraging Viotel’s advanced wireless tiltmeters and vibration sensors, Beca was able to monitor and assess structural movements throughout the rebuild in real time. This delivered precise, continuous data in a challenging and dynamic construction environment.
The Solution
Viotel's wireless IoT monitoring system played a critical role in stabilising the earthquake-damaged Christchurch Cathedral.
The result? A 50% reduction in the need for on-site inspections and vastly improved decision-making capabilities through real-time alerts and detailed reporting.
Viotel's wireless sensors provided real-time structural monitoring during global stabilisation (steel frames/foundations) and local stabilisation (heritage fabric supports), while tracking movements during critical processes like wall pinning, concrete reinforcement, and base isolation work. The system enabled safe interior access for salvage operations and supported collaborative decision-making through accurate data visualisation.
“The adoption of this cutting-edge technology has not only revolutionized the monitoring and reconstruction of the Christchurch Cathedral but has also set a new standard for data-driven insights during rehabilitation projects.”
- Bentley Systems, “Rising from the Rubble: Christ Church Cathedral’s Journey of Restoration”
This collaboration between Viotel and Beca didn’t just ensure smooth project execution, it helped safeguard one of New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks.
Reliable monitoring proved essential for preserving heritage elements during the cathedral's seismic upgrades, balancing historical preservation with modern safety requirements. Our wireless IoT devices streamlined the flow of information across multiple project stakeholders. With Viotel’s advanced data analysis and visualisation features, safety and operational efficiency were significantly enhanced.
If you’re ready to elevate your project’s monitoring capabilities with real-time data, seamless integration, and industry-leading insights, contact Viotel today and discover how our solutions can help you achieve optimal performance.