Digital Twinning for 20th Century Concrete Heritage: HBIM Cognitive Model for Torino Esposizioni Halls

Abstract

In the wide scenario of heritage documentation and conservation, the multi-scale nature of digital models is able to twin the real object, as well as to store information and record investigation results, in order to detect and analyse deformation and materials deterioration, especially from a structural point of view. The contribution proposes an integrated approach for the generation of an n-D enriched model, also called a digital twin, able to support the interdisciplinary investigation process conducted on the site and following the processing of the collected data. Particularly for 20th Century concrete heritage, an integrated approach is required in order to adapt the more consolidated approaches to a new conception of the spaces, where structure and architecture are often coincident. The research plans to present the documentation process for the halls of Torino Esposizioni (Turin, Italy), built in the mid-twentieth century and designed by Pier Luigi Nervi. The HBIM paradigm is explored and expanded in order to fulfil the multi-source data requirements and adapt the consolidated reverse modelling processes based on scan-to-BIM solutions. The most relevant contributions of the research reside in the study of the chances of using and adapting the characteristics of the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard to the archiving needs of the diagnostic investigations results so that the digital twin model can meet the requirements of replicability in the context of the architectural heritage and interoperability with respect to the subsequent intervention phases envisaged by the conservation plan. Another crucial innovation is a proposal of a scan-to-BIM process improved by an automated approach performed by VPL (Visual Programming Languages) contribution. Finally, an online visualisation tool enables the HBIM cognitive system to be accessible and shareable by stakeholders involved in the general conservation process.

A Scalable Approach for Automating Scan-to-Bim Processes in the Heritage Field

“…And, since advanced modelling tools are not embedded in most of the widely used BIM/HBIM platforms (e.g., Revit), when a high-accuracy digital replica is demanded it is necessary to adopt alternative strategies for the generation of the parametric model. A consolidated method relies on NURBS modelling (Barazzetti et al 2016;Spanò et al 2023), which allows the generation of digital models characterised by a high metric accuracy using reverse modelling strategies (e.g., extracting section profiles from a point cloud or a 3D mesh). However, these processes are significantly time-consuming and demanding due to manual human operations.…”

“…In this context, numerous research efforts aim to bridge this gap by generating digital twin models capable of archiving heterogeneous information -geometric and semantic -translated into appropriate classes of the IFC standard. This ensures that these models can meet the requirements of replicability within the CH domain and interoperability concerning the subsequent phases outlined in preservation plans (Spanò et al, 2023;Oostwegel et al, 2022). However, it is essential to underline that before proceeding with an HBIM modelling, the recognition process of elements composing a real scenario in different domains, with automated approaches of semantic classification, is a crucial step (Moyano et al 2021).…”

Digital Strategies to Enhance Cultural Heritage Routes: From Integrated Survey to Digital Twins of Different European Architectural Scenarios

“…In order to structure a modeling strategy that could respond to the multiple descriptive needs mentioned above (knowledge for conservation, informatization, and alternative fruition of the route), different scan-to-modeling processes [26,27], also characterized by different levels of development (LODs), were tested at the urban scale for the methodology of data elaboration.…”