Definition of the material properties is particularly difficult in historical masonry structures because of inability to perform destructive tests and the high scatter in material properties.

Operational Modal Analysis is repeatedly used by Senso for defining the material properties of masonry historical buildings to be used in finite element analyses. The approaches and the output schemes developed by Senso allow engineers to update their computer models. This approach is suitable for all types of historical masonry structures provided that enough number of sensors is used in the measurements. Senso has vast experience in this domain.

Three buildings of Yildiz Palace in Istanbul were measured prior to the extensive restoration works. The measurements were then used for calibrating computer models, that allowed engineers and the restaurateurs to avoid destructive material tests on the historical structure.