For over 100 years, Ulm Minster has been regularly surveyed in order to detect changes at an early stage. In his master's thesis, Jonathan Hiller is further developing this monitoring concept using modern surveying methods. The thesis is being written in close cooperation with the City of Ulm and the Ulm Minster Building Guild.
Even though Ulm Minster has been standing for quite some time, it is necessary to examine this historic building at regular intervals to check its stability and geometric deformations. This allows countermeasures to be taken in good time if necessary, should any observed deformations pose a threat to the structure.
For over 100 years, the city of Ulm has therefore carried out monitoring measurements at regular intervals, using various measuring instruments and methods in accordance with the current state of the art.
Jonathan Hiller is studying for a master's degree in surveying and, as part of his master's thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr Gerrit Austen, is taking on the task of analysing the existing measurement concept and optimising it in line with the current state of the art so that reliable monitoring of the cathedral can be guaranteed in the future.
An important part of the master's thesis is also looking beyond Ulm Minster. The measurements taken to date will be compared with studies on comparable buildings such as Cologne Cathedral in order to better categorise and further develop the methods used.
The work is being carried out on behalf of the city of Ulm and in close collaboration with the Ulm Minster Building Lodge.