HBIM Framework for Rehabilitation of Heritage Buildings

Abstract

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.