Challenges in modelling complex geometry in historical buildings for numerical simulations

Abstract

This paper focuses on the generation of complex geometrical models with solid elements in historical masonry buildings, suitable for structural simulations. The complexity of the system is addressed by dividing it into parts following the typical observed hierarchy, e.g. (a) pier, (b) walls, (c) nodal zones, (d) vaults, etc. Automatic procedures are developed to model the most complex parts of the structural system such as the masonry vaults or the nodal zones. The result is to generate the solid geometry of the structure using a parametric model, with the advantage of significant reduction of the modelling time and better meshing for numerical simulation purpose. The developed models according to the proposed automatic reconstruction procedure can be used for the creation of the geometric model as well as the structural model.