At-Turaif world heritage site – Environmental and structural monitoring for preservation
Join the Move Solutions newsletter
Stay updated on product releases, news, and upcoming webinars.
Project background
At-Turaif is the birthplace of the first Saudi state and a premier example of Najdi mud-brick architecture. Earthen walls are sensitive to moisture, temperature changes, and wind erosion. National conservation programs have stabilized and opened much of the site to visitors, increasing the need for ongoing monitoring. This campaign establishes baseline data for displacement, cracking, and environmental conditions, enabling preventive conservation and long-term risk management.
Monitoring objectives
The monitoring plan was designed to:
- Track structural displacement and crack propagation in mud-brick walls.
- Monitor temperature, humidity, and wind parameters to evaluate environmental impacts on structural integrity.
- Provide continuous data to inform conservation strategies for this UNESCO site.
Monitoring technology deployed
The wireless monitoring solution deployed by Move Solutions included:
- 15 Tiltmeters – For angular displacement and stability monitoring.
- 5 Accelerometers – For vibration detection from environmental or anthropogenic sources.
- 5 Environmental Devices – To log temperature, humidity, and weather data.
- 81 Communication Nodes – For targeted, localized measurements and equipped with various sensors, including crack meters, soil and masonry moisture sensors, light sensors, and solar radiation sensors.
- Gateway – For real-time data transmission to the MyMove platform.
- MyMove IoT platform – Cloud platform for live monitoring and data insights.
Results and impact
The system provided real-time structural and environmental data during the first monitoring phase, enabling conservation teams to:
- Detect early signs of deterioration in earthen walls.
- Correlate environmental variations with structural changes.
- Prepare the site for the implementation of a permanent long-term monitoring system.
The monitoring campaign reinforced the commitment to heritage protection through innovative technology, ensuring that At-Turaif’s unique architecture can be preserved for future generations.
Other projects
Bridge of the Gods: wireless structural health monitoring for a historic Columbia River crossing
Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi – Structural monitoring during construction
Transforming bridge safety with real-time structural health monitoring in West Virginia
Wireless Monitoring of the Zambeccari Bridge in Tuscany
Subscribe to Updates
Stay informed about our latest innovations and insights.
