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In the last decade, in the field of conservation of historic buildings, several research projects have shown the potential of applying BIM technology to architectural heritage. However, the use of BIM for historic buildings (HBIM) is still evolving. This paper presents an application of Building Information Modelling targeted to the development of a restauration proposal for the ex-church of San Quirico all'Olivo in Lucca, Tuscany. Following a brief review of the state-of-the-art of BIM applied to architectural heritage, the paper shows the results of a study that included 3D architectural survey with Structure-from-Motion methodology, critical analysis of historical archival and bibliographic sources, analysis of the conservation status of the building, proposal for its conservation and enhancement. HBIM methodology has been critically applied to all the phases of the project. This study also explores the possibility of organizing the BIM model into temporal phases, integrating documentation in a structured and easily accessible way. In our study, we also chose to link the 3D point cloud to the model, in order to increase the level of information; the 3D survey, therefore, is both the starting point for modelling, and represents a source of information within the model, to be recalled when required.

In the architecture, engineering and construction sectors, Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based procedures have become adopted more and more. In fact, the development of suitable BIM models facilitates the management of the design and construction phases and improves the efficiency of the maintenance policies during the life cycle of the building. Although the BIM method is mostly implemented in the building industry for new constructions, in recent years, the deployment of this technology has also attracted increasing attention for existing structures to rebuild their geometry and gather relevant data, especially for historical buildings; in this case, we refer to Heritage BIM (HBIM). A HBIM procedure requires a multidisciplinary approach involving not only historical, conservation, and restoration considerations but also suitable maintenance and repair plans, duly balancing the structural needs with the preservation of the historical value of the building and its content. Although the integration of the structural assessment in the HBIM process would be highly beneficial, its practical implementation is often in the early stages. In the paper, an original parametric procedure for the assessment of existing masonry buildings is proposed in the BIM environment. The procedure combines E-PUSH, a software program for the structural analysis of masonry structures under seismic and non-seismic actions with an appropriate BIM approach, so improving the management of gathered data through cognitive phases. The assessment process is, thus, simplified since data required for the structural analysis are directly retrieved from the BIM model, and the structural analyses and verifications are performed without using external programs. The proposed BIM workflow is finally illustrated and discussed referring to a relevant case study, the seismic vulnerability assessment of the “Bernardo Rucellai” school in Florence (Italy).

<p>BIM-based processes are becoming increasingly relevant in architecture, engineering and construction industries, especially for design of new engineering works. Implementation of this technology for existing buildings, Heritage BIM (HBIM), mainly focuses on the reconstruction of geometries and the collection of historical documentation, while areas of structural analyses and verifications are currently less developed.</p><p>In this context, a parametric procedure in BIM environment for the structural assessment of existing masonry buildings is proposed, starting from an innovative analysis method previously developed by the authors (E-PUSH). Combining this structural analysis program with the advantages of the BIM methodology, the management of the data is improved and the assessment process is simplified.</p><p>The proposed BIM workflow will be illustrated in detail with reference to a real case study, showing benefits of the BIM approach in the process of seismic risk assessment.</p>

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