In the architecture, engineering and construction sectors, Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based procedures have become adopted more and more. In fact, the development of suitable BIM models facilitates the management of the design and construction phases and improves the efficiency of the maintenance policies during the life cycle of the building. Although the BIM method is mostly implemented in the building industry for new constructions, in recent years, the deployment of this technology has also attracted increasing attention for existing structures to rebuild their geometry and gather relevant data, especially for historical buildings; in this case, we refer to Heritage BIM (HBIM). A HBIM procedure requires a multidisciplinary approach involving not only historical, conservation, and restoration considerations but also suitable maintenance and repair plans, duly balancing the structural needs with the preservation of the historical value of the building and its content. Although the integration of the structural assessment in the HBIM process would be highly beneficial, its practical implementation is often in the early stages. In the paper, an original parametric procedure for the assessment of existing masonry buildings is proposed in the BIM environment. The procedure combines E-PUSH, a software program for the structural analysis of masonry structures under seismic and non-seismic actions with an appropriate BIM approach, so improving the management of gathered data through cognitive phases. The assessment process is, thus, simplified since data required for the structural analysis are directly retrieved from the BIM model, and the structural analyses and verifications are performed without using external programs. The proposed BIM workflow is finally illustrated and discussed referring to a relevant case study, the seismic vulnerability assessment of the “Bernardo Rucellai” school in Florence (Italy).

In the conservation of monumental heritage, the collection and utilization of information are of primary importance. The Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) procedure harnesses the potential of three-dimensional models, offering significant advantages in accessing documentation, interoperability, multidimensionality of intervention design, cost evaluation, and maintenance management. Our attention here is focused on the Certosa di Pisa (Italy), a large historical complex built in the 14th century as a monastery of the Carthusian Order, currently in a state of deterioration and in need of restoration and re-functionalization. The multifaceted nature of this monumental complex, with its intricate interplay of architectural elements spanning different historical periods and featuring diverse techniques, poses a significant challenge for structural safety assessment. This case study presents an opportunity to explore an HBIM approach to streamline the diagnostic process and facilitate the intervention design phase. The goal is achieved by utilizing an accurate 3D model enriched with data from multiple sources and automating certain operations for a simplified safety assessment of masonry structures under both gravity and seismic loads. The usefulness of the HBIM methodology is highlighted as a valuable tool in the realm of cultural heritage structures for both practitioners and scholars alike.

Protecting cultural heritage buildings poses significant research challenges. Effective damage prevention hinges on a thorough understanding of structural behavior and the continuous monitoring of its changes over time. Advanced visualization tools are essential to provide adequate awareness of the monitoring systems installed over the years while guaranteeing a quick, basic analysis of their data. This paper addresses a crucial gap in structural health monitoring (SHM), particularly in managing complex structures and systems, by responding to the growing need for tools that not only represent 3D models enriched with heterogeneous data and metadata but also facilitate detailed analysis of sensor recordings. In response to this challenge, it proposes the integration of a 3D informational model and an interactive web-based platform for monitoring data, creating a comprehensive management tool. Piazza del Duomo UNESCO Site in Pisa serves as an ideal test case due to its historical significance, structural complexity, and the wealth of monitoring data collected over time. With their interactive architecture, the two developed integrated visualization tools that could offer an effective solution for data management and visualization in other heritage contexts, particularly in cases where the monitoring system consists of numerous sensors and has evolved substantially over the years.

The structural diagnosis of monumental buildings necessitates organizing diverse cross-disciplinary data. The H-BIM procedure employs 3D digital models to create a comprehensive virtual repository, offering advantages in documentation access, interoperability, intervention design, cost evaluation, and maintenance management. This work proposes an approach to combining different models while addressing interoperability challenges by best exploiting their positive characteristics. After evaluating the advantages and limitations of textured-mesh and NURBS-based models, and virtual reality environments based on specific comparison criteria, an integrated system of these models within the H-BIM framework is proposed. The latter is applied to study the relevant case of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Pisa, Italy. The integrated H-BIM model is designed primarily to facilitate the structural diagnosis of the monument, and illustrates how combining different 3D representations, each providing multiple information with different levels of detail, enhances its capabilities. This integration results in a more effective tool for the multidisciplinary conservation of cultural heritage, accommodating a wide range of data beyond structural aspects, thus fostering collaboration among professionals from various fields of expertise.