3D Heterogeneous Dataset for Structural Analysis of Historic Buildings. A Discussion on Process Pipelines

This paper presents a methodology for creating a comprehensive heterogeneous 3D database for the structural evaluation of a historic building by using both non-destructive and destructive surveys combined with historical information. The availability of adequate data on the actual conditions is crucial when assessing the seismic vulnerability and structural behavior of a historic building and validating the results. A reliable 3D database must accept different kinds of data, e.g., the results of destructive/non-destructive surveys, historical information, etc. It must also be interrogated and enriched at any time. Therefore, creating such a 3D database may present several challenges in terms of data-gathering pipeline, comprehensiveness/redundancy, interpretation, organization, and integration with other heterogeneous data. The methodology we present in this paper includes 3D laser scanning, thermal imaging, and endoscopy combined with information regarding the state of conservation, construction history, materials, and techniques. We tested such methodology to create a database that was later used for Finite Element Modeling (FEM) to assess the seismic vulnerability of Diotti Palace, a neoclassical building that has been the seat of the Prefect of Milan since 1859. The results are analytically presented here. In conclusion, we highlight the pros and cons of the proposed methodology by means of a comparative discussion with the state of the art about 3D documentation pipelines for historic buildings and sites

Metric survey and possible representations of Historic Architectural Heritage: the case of the Santa Giustina Abbey

The semi-automatic metric survey techniques developed in the past years allow the recording of 3D models with an ever-increasing level of details and accuracies. The 3D database, usually georeferenced in a cartographic system, opens the floor to different kind of representations (e.g. 2D drawings, 3D models, digital animations, AR/MR applications etc.) conceived to satisfy different requirements at different graphic scales and aimed to increasing the knowledge of Cultural Heritage. The paper introduces some different representations that can be extracted from a 3D database: the “as built” representations, which put in evidence all the irregularities of a real building, as it today appears because of anthropic interventions and endogenous/exogenous events happened during its life. Starting from this 3D database the main task of the representations is interpreting and synthesizing the collected information aiming to recognize the architectural values of the building, the geometric matrices of the shape, the modularity of the composition, and the relationships between architecture and decoration. The Romanesque abbey of Santa Giustina in Sezzadio (Italy), a well preserved building, which considerable dimensions, constructive accuracy, and rich decorations testifying its territorial importance, is a significant case study for these purposes. It is a less documented architecture where metric survey and representations has been produced as a first step to support future researches

Classification of geometrical objects by integrating currents and functional data analysis. An application to a 3D database of Spanish child population

This paper focuses on the application of Discriminant Analysis to a set of geometrical objects (bodies) characterized by currents. A current is a relevant mathematical object to model geometrical data, like hypersurfaces, through integration of vector fields along them. As a consequence of the choice of a vector-valued Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) as a test space to integrate hypersurfaces, it is possible to consider that hypersurfaces are embedded in this Hilbert space. This embedding enables us to consider classification algorithms of geometrical objects. A method to apply Functional Discriminant Analysis in the obtained vector-valued RKHS is given. This method is based on the eigenfunction decomposition of the kernel. So, the novelty of this paper is the reformulation of a size and shape classification problem in Functional Data Analysis terms using the theory of currents and vector-valued RKHS. This approach is applied to a 3D database obtained from an anthropometric survey of the Spanish child population with a potential application to online sales of children's wear

The changing perception in the artefacts used in the design practice through BIM adoption

When CAD (Computer Aided Design) was generally adopted in the early 1990’s, the hand drawn process was replaced with the CAD drawing but the nature of the artefacts / deliverables and the exchanges of information between disciplines remained fundamentally the same. The deliverables remained 2D representations of 3D forms and Specifications and Bill of Quantities. However, the building industry is under great pressure to provide value for money, sustainable design and construction. This has propelled the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is a foundational tool for a team based lean design approach. It can enable the intelligent interrogation of design; provide a quicker and cheaper design production; better co-ordination of documentation; more effective change control; less repetition of processes; a better quality constructed product; and improved communication both for the architectural practice and across the supply chain. As BIM enables a new of working methodology, it entails the change in perceiving artefacts used and deliverables produced in the design and construction stages. In other words, defining what the informational issues are, who does what and who is responsible for what and the level of detail required at each stage in design and construction is critically important to adopt and implement BIM in the construction sector. This paper presents the key findings through the action research methodology about the change in the nature of artefacts and deliverables resulting from the BIM adoption in the KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) project undertaken by the University of Salford and John McCall Architects