FROM LIDAR DATA TOWARDS HBIM FOR STRUCTURAL EVALUATION

Abstract. In HBIM processes, the extraction of geometric components from 3D point clouds data can sometimes be a complex process. The so-called Scan to BIM process has been widely utilized: deriving 3D models from point clouds often a local modelling of geometric components is necessary. This leads in most cases to use external modelling tools or complex local modelling processes. In both cases, we often get a model that cannot be reused for other items belonging to the same category, contravening the BIM philosophy. Vaulted systems are a typical example of complex elements that we can find in historical architecture. The paper presents the first results of an ongoing research on geometric modelling and structural evaluation of masonry ribbed vaults. An algorithm is developed to generate a NURBS surface of masonry vaults that, starting from the data extrapolated from the point cloud, allows to obtain an HBIM family. The research aims to overcome the inability to reference to standardised objects in local modelling of historical architecture elements. Directed to a standardization in the geometric modelling process of 3D laser scan data, the developed workflow is a possible alternative to commonly used workflows. Particular attention is focused on a case study of stellar vaults, a special class of masonry ribbed vaults whose three-dimensional geometry features a star-shaped projection on the horizontal plane. The work is carried out to verify that this family can be used for the structural analysis of stellar masonry vaults.