The importance of BIM Technology in historical heritage
The need to digitize information in real time and in a multidisciplinary manner makes the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology a key piece in the AECO sector, as the technology also gives professionals from different areas of the sector the possibility to work collaboratively during all stages of a construction project, and is therefore also essential for the historical heritage sector. In this way,
BIM collaborates with this area in the investigation processes, official guidance, safe and innovative management and also in the management of study and conservation processes.
Combining BIM technology with the heritage science strategy has provided a wealth of industry knowledge and collaborative research-based development by creating
new ways of managing digital data for the historic built environment and also building information models from monitoring and simulation data in historic buildings. Thus, aiming to facilitate the concept of collaboration and resource management between the various players in projects linked to historical heritage,
BIM software integrates multi-dimensional visualization with comprehensive parametric databases, going far beyond 3D by incorporating intelligent data with multiple representations and functions. The process of
digitally illustrating all the elements that make up a building is the result of BIM technology and generally consists of:
- Linked documents and data: Inserting data using BIM technology makes it possible to insert detailed information with technical specifications of products, operation and maintenance manuals, reports, case studies, videos, audios and any digital file and information relevant to the construction object.
- Geometry (2D and 3D): based on metric data that documents the size, position and dimensions of visible surfaces, components and the setting of the historical heritage.
- Non-geometric information: this is everything that pertains to the appearance, the physical characteristics of the construction (materials and conditions) and also includes what is not tangible, such as historical and cultural characteristics, architectural style and time of existence. This amount of BIM information is information that makes the geometric and generic model a specific and personalized object.
Historic heritage buildings are often projects with complex geometry and architectural features that require more time for new construction structures to be depicted in detail. Therefore, the BIM methodology is essential, as it enables precision and eliminates possible discrepancies. The level of detail (LOD) is also considered an important point, as it is through it that all geometric details included in the derived BIM components can be quantified and described.
Historical heritage sites benefit from BIM methodology in several processes, such as evaluating design options, estimating costs, simulating constructions, calculating quantities, detecting incoherent information, managing projects, etc. However, BIM implementation in complex projects related to historical heritage sites must be carried out in parallel with a well-thought-out workflow structure that is coordinated by standards and protocols.
Currently, there are few BIM standards focused on the development of the construction area related to historical heritage, therefore, the adoption of BIM specifications and standards for these types of projects is still not so simple. Therefore, thinking about and bringing improvements to this issue, COTAC has developed important work in relation to standards for the areas of maintenance, conservation and restoration.