A Fuzzy Logic Approach to Preventive Conservation of Cultural Heritage Churches in Popayán, Colombia

Abstract

From a decision-maker’s perspective, the management of cultural heritage is a challenging task because of different objectives pursued, the public/private nature of heritage constructions studied, the wide variety of associated values (artistic, historical, cultural, economic) and diverse interests of different stakeholders. Careful consideration of environmental, social and economic factors is crucial in order to predict the functional service life of heritage constructions. This study outlines a new fuzzy system approach based on expert knowledge, which focuses on the serviceability of heritage buildings using a Mamdani fuzzy model. The method input considers 10 intrinsic variables directly related to the vulnerability of buildings and 9 external hazards, classified according to static-structural features and environmental hazards, which are considered useful for defining emergency programs in historical centres in South America (Colombia). The automation of inspection programs similar to the one described here may reduce the consumption of natural resources and benefit a more rational management of future maintenance actions. In general terms, this type of fuzzy logic model approach is designed to serve as an indicator for the future evolution of the functionality of buildings. This research contributes to the study of new service life models applied to heritage buildings in South America.