THE INTEGRATION OF A SCAN-TO-HBIM PROCESS IN BIM APPLICATION: THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADD-IN TO GUIDE USERS IN AUTODESK REVIT

Abstract

In recent years, the generative process of building information modeling (BIM) digital models oriented to the digitisation of heritage buildings has been supported by the development of new modeling tools, able to integrate the point cloud data produced by laser scanning and digital photogrammetry in major modeling software applications such as Autodesk Revit and Graphisoft Archicad. Architectural and structural elements of churches, castles, and historical monuments such as complex vaults, arches, decorations and ornaments, irregular walls with a variable section and wall stratigraphy require higher levels of detail (LOD) and information (LOI) than new buildings. Consequently, the structure of a BIM model oriented to represent heritage buildings (HBIM) required the definition of a new digital process capable of converting the traditional techniques to the generation of 'unique' digital models able to connect different type of information. Consequently, the generation of 'new' 3D objects able to follow the constructive logic of the detected artefact has required the establishment of new grades of generation (GOG) and accuracy (GOA) to reduce the time and cost of the scan-to-BIM process. The main challenge of this research was the integration of these new modeling requirements in BIM software through the development of an add-in for one of the most used BIM software (Autodesk Revit). Through the generation of the complex vaulted system of the Basilica of Collemaggio (L’Aquila, Italy) and one of the most famous monuments of northern Italy (Arch of Peace in Milan, Italy), the following research shows how it was possible to support users in the HBIM generation, reducing the modeling impact of complex shapes from point cloud data and increasing information sharing for different BIM-based analysis, disciplines and users.