Digital Twin: Research Framework to Support Preventive Conservation Policies

Abstract

Preventive strategies for the conservation of heritage sites have gradually been preferred to curative approaches because of their ability to maintain their significance. Furthermore, most experts now agree that conservation management of heritage places based on a common understanding of their cultural values is essential to address all the particularities of their contexts. Recently, significant research has demonstrated the potential of Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) for the collaborative data management in conjunction with conservation projects. The recent development of HBIM web platforms illustrates the value of strengthening the link between the digital model and the physical realm of heritage assets. This paper advocates the application of Digital Twin’s (DT) principles, using HBIM models as a digital replica, to support the preventive conservation of heritage places. Based on an extensive literature review, a comprehensive framework that integrates the DT into the management plan process for the preventive conservation of built heritage is proposed. Several recommendations for its implementation are finally discussed, such as the identification of tangible features of significance, the threats associated with their integrity and the corresponding mitigation strategies, with particular emphasis on the value assessment process. The result is a data model for structuring information on preventive conservation strategies. This framework provides the basis for future implementation and demonstrates the need for a DT approach in this context.

The Role of Information Management for the Sustainable Conservation of Cultural Heritage

“…[57] and a powerful tool for the generation of dissemination products [58], as well as for pooling information on sensors (e.g., weather conditions, movements, visits) installed all over the monument in the context of the monitoring necessary for preventive conservation [59,60]. Likewise, it allows for conducting scientific studies and simulations over the model, in line with the concept of a "digital twin" [61]. Nevertheless, though they can be efficient tools, there are some challenges regarding the use of HBIM for preventive conservation; the following should be noted in particular:…”

Applications of Stratigraphic Analysis to Enhance the Inspection and Structural Characterization of Historic Bridges

“…In conclusion, the modeling and representation tools for the creation of digital replicas (GIS, semantic three-dimensional models, and HBIM) will be integrated to validate complex digital models. Therefore, data from water level monitoring systems, located on more fragile and exposed structures, will become essential to complement HBIM and transform it into digital twin [78,79]. This will guarantee the multilevel use of built heritage data, interoperability, and accessibility, also due to Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications for visual inspection.…”

Using Citizen Heritage Science to monitor remote sites; a comparison of two methods

“…Digital documentation is a vital part of preventative conservation and offers a sustainable and scalable approach to the registration and management of conservation information [28]. While pioneering activities such as the RAE project in Scotland [29] and HeritageCare [30] in southern Europe are leading examples of large-scale digital conservation methodologies, they rely heavily on professionals providing all documenting and monitoring data.…”