Implementing a HBIM approach to manage the translocation of heritage buildings

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present a study which exploited synergies between the fields of Heritage BIM, conservation and building translocation to develop a new approach to support a digitally enabled translocation process. The translocation (or relocation) of buildings or structures is a niche area of the construction sector and much of the significant work in this field has focused on the relocation of heritage buildings. However, hitherto there was a paucity of work between translocation and the process and technology of BIM.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a constructive research approach to analyse the phenomenon of heritage translocation. As part of this approach, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with professionals engaged in heritage translocation projects within the UK, and this was supported by a multi-faceted review of literature within the cross cutting themes of translocation and HBIM. Building on the results, a BIM-enabled process was implemented to support the translocation of a 19th-century timber framed building in the UK.FindingsFollowing analysis of results of semi-structured interviews and supported by findings from prevailing literature in the field of translocation and HBIM, a HBIM for Translocation Conceptual Framework (TransHBIM) was developed. Building on the key constructs of the framework, a HBIM-based workflow was implemented to develop a digitally enabled translocation process, which provided a new approach to managing and documenting heritage translocation where disassembly and reconstruction are utilised. The workflow provided a more effective way of documenting individual elements of the building within a digital environment opening up potential for new simulation of the entire process.Originality/valueCurrent approaches to translocation involve traditional/manual methods of recording the building and cataloguing the key heritage elements for all aspects of the process. This new approach implements BIM technologies and processes along with the use of barcode or RFID tags to create a digital bridge between the physical elements of the building and the BIM database. This provides more accurate recording of the heritage and also opens up opportunities to support the process with additional digital simulation techniques enhancing the efficiency of the entire process.

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“…Furthermore, recent developments in digital technology introduced new tools for capturing and documenting cultural heritage sites, such as Matterport technology (Matterport, 2022). This innovative approach creates immersive virtual tours, capturing high-resolution imagery and spatial data of heritage buildings (Foreman and Liu, 2022;Heesom et al, 2021;Liu et al, 2023Liu and Willkens, 2021). The use of Matterport technology in combination with other RC techniques and HBIM has not been extensively explored, presenting an opportunity for further investigation and innovation in the field of heritage documentation.…”

The Challenge of Rehabilitating Relocated Listed Heritage Buildings: Requirements and Opportunities

“…In areas where built heritage no longer can be preserved at the situated site, one option is relocation. This particularly applies to heritage buildings [46]. However, relocation should only be an option when all other possibilities have been considered and the structure is in danger.…”

An Integrated HBIM Framework for the Management of Heritage Buildings

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