Exploring the application of heritage building information modelling (HBIM) for heritage conservation: insights from industry practitioners

Knowledge about heritage buildings and structures is interesting for a wide variety of stakeholders,
\nranging from architects to operators or the public administration. Such knowledge includes a large
\nvariety of physical and functional characteristics of the building. Laser scanning allows efficient and
\naccurate 3D digitalization of heritage sites and subsequent data processing towards the creation of
\ngeometrically and semantically rich models.
\nParameterization and semantic enrichment of heritage building representations towards the creation
\nof Heritage Building Information Models (HBIM) generally involves the use of point clouds
\nand images as templates for manual mapping procedures in commercial software. Indeed, the information
\nto include in BIM models depends on the requirements of the application it is intended to
\nserve. In view of that, the applications presented in this chapter pertain to automated techniques
\nthat were implemented to parameterize point clouds towards models suitable for energy analysis
\npurposes.
\nThe challenge in automating the reconstruction of heritage buildings is to deal with their geometrical
\ncomplexity and irregularity, meaning that the methodologies selected should be robust and
\nefficient under these conditions. The resulting 3D semantically rich model enhances the knowledge
\nof the heritage building, complementing other representations of the facility such as point clouds or
\nhandmade HBIM. The procedure is implemented and validated in a real case study: the Ducal Palace
\nin Guimarães (Portugal).

Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) is increasingly utilized to develop accurate and semantic-rich databases for the representation, preservation, and renovation of cultural heritage. A critical factor in successful HBIM delivery is the intended uses of the model, which need to be established by stakeholders at the onset of the program. Despite the greater application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies to HBIM workflows, the discipline continues to lack clarity regarding information requirements from a tenant perspective. The first stage of this research was a review of 26 published HBIM case studies to extract information including HBIM workflows, level of development (LOD) models in the field, and the stakeholders’ participation in the HBIM program. The findings from the case studies conclude that most HBIM methodologies did not seek to understand the needs of assumptive stakeholders and lacked a clearly defined objective. Ten interviews with proprietors of ten different historic courthouses in the southeastern United States were also included in the study, which were used to identify the priorities of HBIM programs from a built heritage stakeholder’s standpoint. These priorities were used in conjunction with reviewed field standards to develop LOD supplement guidelines applicable for HBIM, which were then validated through a case study. The findings of this research conclude that the creation of LOD guidelines for HBIM application is both achievable and advisable, as they allow stakeholders to identify their priorities for HBIM projects. Such guidelines would assist in standardizing the HBIM discipline and disseminating its usefulness to historic building managers. This research also provides standards that allow cultural heritage stakeholders to make informed decisions about potential HBIM programs and maximize the use of resources to implement such programs. Moreover, the methodology implemented in this research offers a valuable example for future studies on HBIM guidelines and regulations.

Over the past four decades, building modeling has taken numerous forms utilizing available technologies and software. Building information modeling (BIM) has significantly developed with the continuous advancements in the information technology and hardware industries. The evolution of BIM has attracted many researchers to explore its possible applications in modeling buildings and facilities with a humanitarian heritage value. However, researches have not been limited to that, as they later expanded to test the applicability of BIM in progressing the fields of maintenance and rehabilitation, operation and management, and even checking the durability of such buildings against varying circumstances and usability as well. As a result of a deep literature review, this research is developed to provide a critique of the previous studies conducted on the fields of heritage building information modeling (HBIM), the relevant software and equipment used in those studies, as well as case studies and applications used to demonstrate HBIM capabilities. Also, two case studies of Qasr Al Farid and Al-Bugiry buildings in KSA were implemented in this research to demonstrate the capabilities of HBIM in preserving the heritage value of historic buildings and monuments and to provide possible means of archiving the heritage value of those buildings utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. This study is expected to aid governments and decision makers of heritage buildings in understanding the positive impacts of including the HBIM in their management and operational processes, and will also act as a beneficial guiding tool for academic researchers to identify the gaps and limitations in previous studies to work towards overcoming them.

Cirebon City is an old city which is rich in heritage buildings from the Dutch colonial era which still survive today, one of which is the Cirebon City Hall building. As a cultural heritage building, based on the results of field visits, the City Hall building does not have complete drawing documents and material specifications. This is thought to be experienced by most other cultural heritage buildings. In answering the above problems, along with the development of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction technology, the planning process to building maintenance and repair can be managed digitally using a variety of Building Information Modeling (BIM) based tools. In the case of cultural heritage buildings, the principle of BIM technology used is Heritage / Historical Building Information Modeling or H-BIM. H-BIM is used for heritage and archeology, documentation, research, conservation, renovation, and asset management as digital information data on cultural heritage buildings. This research begins by conducting a survey of building geometry measurements and identifying building materials, then compiling the information based on the principles of HeritageBuilding Information Modeling (H-BIM). The documentation resulted in a digital model of building reconstruction complete with other non-geometric information of more than 1500 building elements. This information is organized based on the classification of building elements in the BIM. The data in the BIM format is used as a cultural heritage building document asset which can then be used in making maintenance and restoration plans for the building. Besides that, the 3dimensional geometry model of the building can be used as a virtual museum for cultural heritage buildings

To ensure the longest and most efficient operation of the building, it is necessary to use the necessary construction equipment correctly and to detect and eliminate all errors and deficiencies in a timely manner. Maintenance of building represents a combination of technical, administrative and managerial activities during the operation of buildings, the priority objective of which is to maintain the required function. Innovative methods and tools supporting the facility management of buildings are increasingly being used in the management and maintenance of buildings. Such innovative technologies also include building information modelling (BIM). BIM provides users with important information and data that help simplify planning, implementation and maintenance of buildings throughout their life cycle. Precisely in the management and maintenance of historical buildings, sufficient data and information are key aspects to eliminate the occurrence of many faults and damage to historical buildings of the monument fund, which is caused by simple neglect of care or inappropriate maintenance. For this purpose, the principles of Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) are increasingly applied in construction practice. As part of the research, will be analysed the current situation in the field of facility management of historic buildings and the current level of knowledge of the term HBIM.

The development of a digital management system to support historical building assets’ management process based on public participation is the latest innovation in preservation, conservation, and restoration activities of historical buildings. In line with the importance of applying Good Governance principles in the 4.0 Industrial Revolution in Malang city government, it is essential to develop a Governance Digitalization system to support sustainable tourism in heritage tourism management. This study aims to establish a digital management framework system for Tangible Culture Heritage based on HBIM to manage historical building assets in Malang. This system focus on the cultural heritage assets of Malang City that represents the three developments in the Dutch Indies architectural style. The BIM capability implemented in historical buildings in Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) terminology can bring complexity and depth of information to historical buildings towards a sustainable lifecycle heritage management framework. This research implements the 3D modeling automatic reconstruction method (3D Laser scanner) processed with Building Information Modeling (BIM) based software. The process consisted of 3 (three) stages: identifying and mapping Historical Landmark Buildings, developing 3D content models, and generating HBIM data viewer application. This study’s results reveal that using 3D laser scanning technology can accelerate the recording process and object modeling of the HBIM library, offering high accuracy and efficiency in recording complex structures and architectural elements. The final result of HBIM modeling is translated into interactively present the 3D model and 2D documentation of Historic Building Information Models through the HBIM mobile data viewer.

<strong>Although architectural heritage reflects the evolution of human civilization throughout history, nevertheless, civilized and social changes of heritage areas in many countries led to their degradation. Historical building management and planning conservation raise two important issues: the restoration and improvement of historical areas features and adopting a framework of sustainable development in heritage regions. Recently a number of processes have arose to aid in the aforementioned problems, namely the heritage building information modelling (HBIM) and the cyber-physical systems approach (CPS), where the latter is believed to achieve great potentials hereby integrating virtual models and physical construction and enabling bidirectional coordination. Since HBIM has recently been investigated through a number of recent research and application, the aim of this paper is to explore the potentials offered by the CPS, to move from 3D content model to bi-dimensional coordination for achieving efficient management of built heritage. To tackle the objective of this paper, firstly, a review of the BIM use in the field of cultural heritage was undergone, Secondly, reporting the existing BIM/HBIM platforms, analyzing cyber-physical systems integration in extant heritage buildings and in planning conservation were performed. Results of this paper took the form of detailed comparative analysis between both CPS and HBIM, which could guide decision makers working in the field of heritage buildings management, in addition to shedding light on the main potentials of the emerging CPS.</strong>

Objectives: The research aims to develop and promote the HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modeling) methodology for the conservation of architectural heritage. A dissemination model is proposed to share knowledge and good practices, with a view to improve the integrated management of cultural properties and reduce the risks of deterioration. In addition, it seeks to raise awareness among various stakeholders, including professionals and institutions, on the importance of the application of HBIM in heritage preservation. Theoretical Framework: Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a methodology that facilitates the creation and management of digital information of historic buildings, integrating geometric, geospatial and material data. The application of HBIM in heritage projects has gained recognition for its benefits in documentation, collaboration and accuracy in conservation interventions. However, it faces challenges due to the diversity and complexity of historic buildings, as well as the lack of specific regulations. Method: The methodology is based on a comprehensive review of the existing literature on BIM applied to heritage. Academic articles, theses and technical papers have been analyzed to consolidate a robust theoretical framework and establish best practices for the conservation of historic buildings. This review identified trends and challenges, and generated recommendations for effective HBIM implementation. Results and Discussion: The findings highlight the potential of HBIM to transform architectural heritage conservation. The methodology allows the creation of detailed 3D models, integrating information on geometry, materials and construction processes, facilitating the understanding of the structure and condition of buildings. However, challenges include the high cost of detailed models and the need for heritage-specific standards, which limits the adoption of HBIM in certain contexts. Research Implications: At the theoretical level, this research enriches knowledge on the integration of advanced technologies in heritage conservation. In practice, HBIM makes it possible to anticipate material aging problems and to prioritize sustainable conservation actions, which underlines the need to train professionals in these technologies. The adoption of HBIM implies developing technical skills in the conservation sector. Originality/Value: This paper highlights the innovation of HBIM in architectural heritage management through the use of advanced technologies such as laser scanning and photogrammetry. The ability to create detailed digital models enables accurate and sustainable interventions in historic buildings to be documented and planned. In addition, HBIM facilitates a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technology, history and architectural conservation to effectively and sustainably preserve cultural heritage.

Building information modeling (BIM) has recently become more popular in historical buildings as a method to rebuild their geometry and collect relevant information. Heritage BIM (HBIM), which combines high-level data about surface conditions, is a valuable tool for conservation decision-making. However, implementing BIM in heritage has its challenges because BIM libraries are designed for new constructions and are incapable of accommodating the morphological irregularities found in historical structures. This article discusses an architecture survey workflow that uses TLS, imagery, and deep learning algorithms to optimize HBIM for the conservation of the Nabatean built heritage. In addition to creating new resourceful Nabatean libraries with high details, the proposed approach enhanced HBIM by including two data outputs. The first dataset contained the TLS 3D dense mesh model, which was enhanced with high-quality textures extracted from independent imagery captured at the optimal time and location for accurate depictions of surface features. These images were also used to create true orthophotos using accurate and reliable 2.5D DSM derived from TLS, which eliminated all image distortion. The true orthophoto was then used in HBIM texturing to create a realistic decay map and combined with a deep learning algorithm to automatically detect and draw the outline of surface features and cracks in the BIM model, along with their statistical parameters. The use of deep learning on a structured 2D true orthophoto produced segmentation results in the metric units required for damage quantifications and helped overcome the limitations of using deep learning for 2D non-metric imagery, which typically uses pixels to measure crack widths and areas. The results show that the scanner and imagery integration allows for the efficient collection of data for informative HBIM models and provide stakeholders with an efficient tool for investigating and analyzing buildings to ensure proper conservation.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has radically changed the design and documentation processes in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. BIM coupled with Light Detection and Ranging Technology (LiDAR) technologies revolutionized the built environment documentation methods. Many efforts were directed toward utilizing these technologies in the documentation and restoration of heritage buildings, adopting Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM). Heritage documentation is the basic step of any restoration project. LiDAR technology depends on high-speed 3D laser scanners, which send laser beams to the scanned objects in great intensity. HBIM is the heritage layer add-in library that is attached on top of traditional BIM applications. It poses all the power and benefits of BIM along with historical/heritage information. Generating heritage buildings/structures in a 3D HBIM environment are of substantial benefits, such as: remote visualization of the interior and exterior of structures; better understanding of the geometry of the structure; a repository of geometric and historical information; better evaluation of renovation strategies. This chapter presents a framework that integrates LiDAR technology with HBIM in the field of heritage documentation to achieve the following objectives: (1) identifying optimum laser scanner positions, (2) performing structural analysis, and (3) optimizing thermal and visual comfort. The main features of the proposed framework are demonstrated through an actual study.KeywordsHeritage building information modelling (HBIM)Laser scanningStructural analysisThermal and visual comfort

Building information modeling and complementary technologies in heritage buildings: A bibliometric analysis

PurposeThis article presents a case study on the Heritage Building Information Modeling (H-BIM) application in a historic village in Bursa, Turkey. The study addresses how tailor-made and highly structured H-BIM approaches can effectively be implemented in preservation applications for historic vernacular buildings in the rural architecture context.Design/methodology/approachUsing inexpensive digital photogrammetry techniques tightly combined with an object-oriented BIM ontology, parametric meta-modeling and object/system propagation methods, the study employed a holistic H-BIM approach for capturing the materiality, building object behaviors and indigenous construction principles of a characteristic vernacular house that were synthesized in a parametric H-BIM model. The followed stages, steps and connected methods were systematized and articulated in a prototypical H-BIM implementation framework.FindingsThe study findings suggested that the developed parametric H-BIM approach can return effective results with the combined use of low-cost and practical digital photogrammetry with BIM methods. The flexibility and adaptability of the parametric H-BIM implementation framework facilitated the synthesis of a comprehensive H-BIM model and allowed an in-depth evaluation of local architectural heritage with its physical, spatial and environmental characteristics. The proposed H-BIM approach also provided significant documentation and system-specific assessment benefits for preserving the vernacular examples which are prone to extinction especially due to structural and systemic deterioration.Originality/valueThe study proposes a feasible, practical and replicable H-BIM implementation methodology for vernacular preservation applications. The knowledge-embedded H-BIM approach, flows and techniques presented in this study provide a holistic and systematic H-BIM framework – with the integrated use of digital photogrammetry and parametric meta-modeling methods – that has the potential for the democratization of H-BIM applications in education and practice.

Many projects concerning the protection, conservation, restoration, and dissemination of cultural heritage are being carried out around the world due to its growing interest as a driving force of socio-economic development. The existence of reliable, digital three-dimensional (3D) models that allow for the planning and management of these projects in a remote and decentralized way is currently a growing necessity. There are many software tools to perform the modeling and complete three-dimensional documentation of the intervened monuments. However, the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector has adopted the Building Information Modeling (BIM) standard over the last few decades due to the progress that has been made in its qualities and capabilities. The complex modeling of cultural heritage through commercial BIM software leads to the consideration of the concept of Heritage BIM (H-BIM), which pursues the modeling of architectural elements, according to artistic, historical, and constructive typologies. In addition, H-BIM is considered to be an emerging technology that enables us to understand, document, advertize, and virtually reconstruct the built heritage. This article is a review of the existing literature on H-BIM and its effective implementation in the cultural heritage sector, exploring the effectiveness and the usefulness of the different methodologies that were developed to model families of elements of interest.

This study investigates the pivotal role of Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) in conservation of cultural heritage buildings. Utilizing a systematic literature review and in-depth analysis of 59 studies within 2013–23 period, the study underscores HBIM's capacity to document, analyze, and manage heritage structures. It delineates the workflow from data acquisition through laser scanning and photogrammetry, to the modeling of historic fabric, highlighting the integration of digital technologies in conservation practices. The paper identifies key challenges in HBIM adoption, including technical limitations, the need for specialized skills, and the complexity of accurately modeling historical details. It proposes avenues for future research focused on enhancing data acquisition techniques, improving the interoperability of HBIM with other digital tools, and developing standards for the effective documentation of heritage sites. The findings advocate for a collaborative approach, leveraging HBIM to foster interdisciplinary partnerships between architects, historians, and conservationists, for sustainable preservation of cultural heritage.

Abstract. The preservation of historic buildings can often be particularly difficult due to the lack of detailed information about architectural features, construction details, etc.. However, in recent years considerable technological innovation in the field of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) has been achieved by the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process. BIM was developed as a methodology used mainly for new construction but, given its considerable potential, this approach can also be successfully used for existing buildings, especially for buildings of historical and architectural value. In this case, it is more properly referred to as Historic – or Heritage – Building Information Modeling (HBIM). In the HBIM process, it is essential to precede the parametric modeling phase of the building with a detailed 3D survey that allows the acquisition of all geometric information. This methodology, called Scan-to-BIM, involves the use of 3D survey techniques for the production of point clouds as a geometric “database” for parametric modeling. The Scan-to-BIM approach can have several issues relating to the complexity of the survey. The work aims to apply the Scan-to-BIM approach to the survey and modeling of a historical and architectural valuable building to test a survey method, based on integrating different techniques (topography, photogrammetry and laser scanning), that improves the data acquisition phase. The “Real Cantina Borbonica” (Cellar of Royal House of Bourbon) in Partinico (Sicily, Italy) was chosen as a case study. The work has allowed achieving the HBIM of the “Real Cantina Borbonica” and testing an approach based exclusively on a topographic constraint to merge in the same reference system all the survey data (laser scanner and photogrammetric point clouds).