HBIM-Based Digital Surveying Challenges: The Larraín Palace Case

Abstract. This research addresses the challenges of applying the Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) methodology for the digital documentation of built heritage in the Chilean context. The case study focuses on the Larraín Mancheño Palace (LMP), an iconic structure of the 19th-century Belle Époque that blends Baroque and Art Nouveau elements. Its complex geometry represents a significant challenge for modeling in BIM platforms, specifically Revit. 
The digital survey methodology involved the use of non-specialized drones and photographic cameras to generate a point cloud, which served as the basis for modeling its façade. A hybrid approach was adopted, employing Revit for standard geometric components and Rhinoceros for complex geometries. This interoperability was achieved through the Rhino.Inside.Revit plugin, facilitating the workflow between both environments. This study critically examines the limitations and advantages of HBIM in creating a centralized information model for conservation purposes. 
The results highlight persistent limitations in HBIM workflows, such as the rigidity in representing complex ornamental elements, software interoperability issues, and the documentation of material deformations. The study emphasizes the need for investment in training and specialized technology to overcome these technical challenges, aiming to develop more efficient methods for the preservation and digital analysis of complex heritage structures in Chile.