Digital Twin: A Hbim-Based Methodology to Support Preventive Conservation of Historic Assets Through Heritage Significance Awareness

Abstract

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> During preliminary phases of conservation projects, a considerable amount of heterogeneous datasets are produced, gathered, analysed and interpreted. Abundant researches have gradually proven that Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is a relevant alternative for the collaborative management of information related to existing structures. Apart from the obvious benefits of HBIM for information exchange among stakeholders during conservation project, the potential of such processes to support preservation strategies should not be neglected. Moreover, the recent developments of HBIM web-interfaces illustrate the need for additional investigation in strengthening the relationships between the digital model and the real-world to better support preventive conservation of heritage places. Besides, values-based approaches for the elaboration of conservation strategies have been gradually adopted in the last decades, both in academic and professional sector. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive methodology to structure and integrate the cultural significance of tangible and intangible elements into HBIM models to be further taken into account in the analysis and simulation of data. This article suggests the application of Digital Twin (DT) principles to support site managers in the preventive conservation of their assets. Based on the analysis and simulations of data captured by onsite sensors, threats to the site integrity and corresponding preventive solution can be predicted in the DT environment. The integration and structuration of Heritage Values in HBIM models allow further evaluation process to estimate the impact of each suggested interventions on the conservation of features of significance.</p>

Digital Twin: Research Framework to Support Preventive Conservation Policies

“…This phenomenon can be illustrated by the significant amount of research focussing on the development of the third dimension in Geographic Information System (GIS) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) environments. At the same time, researchers in the field of Cultural Heritage have progressively considered Building Information Model/Modelling/Management (BIM) and its interoperable exchange format (Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)) as a relevant alternative for the management of information [14] related to immovable heritage. Rather than being in conflict, BIM and GIS can be considered to be complementary [42], because they deal with different issues and scales, and even though no existing commercial software has yet proposed a fully integrated BIM-GIS solution, the current state of the research seems to indicate the progressive merging of both.…”

“…This method makes it possible to capture the entire complexity of heritage information with all the interplay and relationships between the different data and enables stakeholders to extract key information by performing complex queries. Additionally, it has been suggested that the Internet of Things appears to be the next important challenge as it spreads within the construction sector [40], and it has been proposed to take advantage of these infrastructures to support preventive conservation of immovable heritage [14,51]. Considering the previous considerations and V. Heras' recommendation to focus future research on "how these technologies (ICT tools in heritage conservation) can improve and support heritage planning and management", the concept of the Digital Twin and its possible applications in the field of Cultural Heritage will be discussed in the next section.…”

“…In this regard, the complex management of information related to the documentation of heritage places involves critical reflection on the adoption of an appropriate Heritage Information system (HIS). The need for 3D visualization in Geographic Information System (GIS) to enable better visualization and analysis of complex issues related to elements of significance [7] has led researchers in the field to progressively consider HBIM as a relevant alternative [14][15][16]. Although most of the research work related to HBIM initially focussed on the difficult three-dimensional reconstruction of geometrically complex built heritage elements [17,18], growing attention is being paid to linking the semantic of Heritage places to their HBIM models [19] and to the development of HBIM web platform [20].…”

“…In view of previous concerns, the capacity of HBIM to support stakeholders in implementing preventive conservation activities based on the recognition of its multi-layered significance should be investigated [14]. The integration of these dimensions in HBIM process appears to be crucial as it addresses two major issues in the field of the heritage documentation.…”

“…In addition, the recent development of HBIM web interfaces illustrates the need for further research to strengthen the relationship between the digital model and the real world in order to better support the preventive conservation of historic places. The application of "Digital Twin" principles to support such an approach has been suggested in a previous work [14].…”