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Creation of Parametric BIM Objects from Point Clouds Using Nurbs
Abstract
This paper presents an innovative procedure to create parametric building information modelling (BIM) objects from point clouds of complex architectural features. BIM technology requires an advanced parametric representation of the geometry involving spatial relationships, constraints and material properties. The aim of the procedure is a BIM-based reconstruction methodology that preserves the level of detail encapsulated in photogrammetric and laser-scanning point clouds, and relies on non-uniform rational basis splines (NURBS) curves. The particular case of architectural objects with irregular shapes is addressed due to the lack of commercial BIM software able to handle such buildings. An actual case study made up of 7·5 billion points is discussed to demonstrate the use of the proposed procedure with huge point-cloud datasets. © 2015 The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
... Level of Accuracy (LOA) [25,28,29,[48][49][50] LOA 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Performance Time consumed [45,51] Hours and minutes Performance BIM element Yes-No Performance Parameterization [45,46,52,53] Yes-No Performance ...
... The following variable is parameterization, which within the BIM environment represents the degree of adaptability and transformation of the element and its ability to aggregate non-geometric information [45,46,52,53]. The effectiveness of BIM in AEC industry workflow is also related to agility and reproducibility. ...
... After creating the models, the analysis of the results began, and a phase was foreseen in the investigation to validate the developed methodology and measure the efficiency of the algorithms. As mentioned in Section 2 of this article, the validation was carried out based on three main performance concepts, which were the time consumed, geometric fidelity, and element functionality, through variables selected from the conceptual and methodological references used in this study, which were the element type [18,28,46], modeling/approach type [7,15,18,47], point cloud classification and segmentation [18,45], Level of Development (LOD) [18,45,46], Level of Accuracy (LOA) [25,28,29,[48][49][50], BIM element, parameterization/parameter assignment [45,46,52,53], and time saved [45,51]. ...
The integration of 3D laser scanning and digital photogrammetry in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has facilitated high-quality architectural surveys. However, the processes remains constrained by significant costs, extensive manual labor, and accuracy issues associated with manual data processing. This article addresses these operational challenges by introducing automated Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques that minimize manual input through the use of Dynamo for Autodesk Revit. We developed algorithms that efficiently convert point cloud data into accurate BIM models, enhancing productivity and reducing the potential for errors. The application of these algorithms is analyzed in a case study of the Old Lifeguard Station of Fuseta, showcasing notable reductions in modeling time and improvements in accuracy. The findings suggest that automated scan-to-BIM methods could provide a viable solution for enhancing BIM workflows across the industry, with the potential for wider adoption given their impact on efficiency and model quality.
... (1) The deficiency of methods attempting to reconstruct models through the direct interpolation of point clouds or NURBS in BIM software is emphasised by a group of authors [12,[22][23][24]38,48,53,57] according to Table 1. Such methods cannot produce BIM models because BIM requires object-oriented elements for parametric design ( Figure 5). ...
... No specialised software or universally accepted guidelines for scan-to-BIM processes make it challenging to categorise the modelling approaches for such objects [47]. Barazzetti et al. (2015) focus on developing a reconstruction methodology that preserves the level of detail in point clouds obtained through photogrammetric data collection and laser scanning [48]. They provide a method for creating BIM models of non-residential buildings, such as a complex medieval bridge [38]. ...
... No specialised software or universally accepted guidelines for scan-to-BIM processes make it challenging to categorise the modelling approaches for such objects [47]. Barazzetti et al. (2015) focus on developing a reconstruction methodology that preserves the level of detail in point clouds obtained through photogrammetric data collection and laser scanning [48]. They provide a method for creating BIM models of non-residential buildings, such as a complex medieval bridge [38]. ...
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has found applications not only in the planning and designing of new buildings but also in project monitoring, record-keeping, and analyses of existing structures. In addition to its primary application, information modelling spreads to other areas, developing solutions for their specific uses. This study engaged a mixed-method literature review according to the extent of the pool of knowledge for two research steps between three concepts—from point cloud to NURBS and then from NURBS to BIM. In the first step, the keywords point cloud and NURBS were analysed using scientometric methods. In the second step, a systematic analysis of the content of works obtained with the keywords NURBS and BIM is presented, extracting problems and proposed solutions for information transfer technology. The results of a quantitative analysis identified major trends, (1) research is distributed in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary areas and historical (heritage) modelling is the highlighted one, (2) development of technologies for object surveying, and (3) the application of data in different engineering fields, while a qualitative analysis points at problems in (1) model building, (2) interoperability, and (3) automatization. Solutions such as mixed models, multi-layered models, a mix of formats, or bridging elements (semantics, proto-model) are proposed.
... To this end, Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerges as a highly effective tool. BIM is renowned for its ability to manage complex building projects and facilitate detailed visualization in both 2D and 3D formats throughout the construction process [15]. Its capacity for fostering active collaboration among project stakeholders has been well-documented, and its role in construction health and safety risk management has been increasingly recognized [15,16]. ...
... BIM is renowned for its ability to manage complex building projects and facilitate detailed visualization in both 2D and 3D formats throughout the construction process [15]. Its capacity for fostering active collaboration among project stakeholders has been well-documented, and its role in construction health and safety risk management has been increasingly recognized [15,16]. By leveraging the advanced technological capabilities of BIM, its high visualization potential, and its widespread application in the construction industry, we have developed a specialized Revit plugin. ...
... BIM brings forth a myriad of advantages, notably in enhancing stakeholder collaboration, boosting production efficiency, and elevating revenue generation [24]. An extensive review of pertinent literature [15,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30] underscores numerous endeavors to amalgamate various BIM functionalities for the effective management of health and safety risks. The salient benefits derived from integrating health and safety risk management within BIM frameworks are concisely summarized in Table 4. Recent years have witnessed the evolution of health and safety management systems grounded in BIM technology. ...
The construction industry is notable contributors to atmospheric dust particulate emissions. The particulate matter (PM) produced in construction processes contains a range of chemically hazardous substances, posing significant health risks (HR) to individuals. The occupational health hazards research in construction has become a focal point of interest internationally. Initiated in the early 2000s, there has been a growing demand within the construction research community for the creation of a unified PM database that encapsulates a wide array of construction activities. Previous studies have endeavored to establish a PM database for various construction contexts, yet they have fallen short in thoroughly addressing the diversity of construction materials and the levels of toxic substances (TS) within the PM. This study validates the proof of value that HR associated with construction processes can be measured using PM and TS datasets generated from various work processes using a variety of construction materials. This was accomplished through a semi-automated Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based plugin, which streamlines the assessment of occupational HR in construction projects alongside ongoing work processes. To validate the practicality of the Health Risk Index (HRI) determination via this BIM plugin, a case study on a real renovation project was executed. This system provides construction supervisors with a tool to visually assess the HR of daily operations, thereby facilitating the adoption of preemptive measures to protect the health of construction workers.
... This is because the model is not created prior to construction and needs additional elements in the workflow for creation. For historic buildings, laser scanning is used to accurately capture complex and unique geometry (Barazzetti et al. 2015) [6]. This produces a 3D point cloud. ...
... This is because the model is not created prior to construction and needs additional elements in the workflow for creation. For historic buildings, laser scanning is used to accurately capture complex and unique geometry (Barazzetti et al. 2015) [6]. This produces a 3D point cloud. ...
... The point cloud is a series of points with coordinates and Red Green Blue (RGB) values. As a result, they provide visual but not parametric BIM representation [6]. Point Clouds can be imported into BIM softwares such as Autodesk Revit. ...
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been mandated for construction works since 2016 in the United Kingdom. Its benefits are well understood and accepted for new builds but there are unique difficulties in relation to production of as-built BIM models for historic structures. Ongoing historical projects are being altered and require the production of BIM models, resulting in issues with complexity and the variety of building elements. In the context of previous constructed buildings, a survey is carried out with a 3D Laser Scanner, and this produces a visual representation for the building. However, it lacks parametric BIM representation which accurately describes the geometric or material properties of the element. In new builds, this data is added during the design phase but for existing buildings this data must be manually interrogated from point cloud or other survey data and manually input into a BIM model. The research further presents novel experimental means of creating parametric BIM objects of historic buildings from point cloud data for Gothic Arch structures using both manual and automated Plug-in processes while comparing their accuracy. The case study uses gothic arch windows above a door in the 17th century St Columbs Cathedral in the city of Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It produces a workflow for manual creation of the Gothic Arch families and compares these to two proprietary as-built plugins: Leica CloudWorx for Revit and Faro As-Built for Revit. Findings indicate that the manual method is more accurate and is required for the plugins to function correctly.
... Splines are a precise mathematical representation of curves and surfaces whose shape is defined by control points (Barazzetti et al., 2015). The use of these points allowed a simplified modification of the shape and allowed a great interoperability between the different 3D modelling software. ...
... It is also possible to create surfaces by direct interpolation of the point cloud, but this method turns out to be less accurate than passing through curves. Indeed, by using the direct passage, the edges of the surface will not be well defined and will be of poor quality (Barazzetti et al., 2015). SUBD surfaces: Subdivision surfaces, known as SUBD surfaces, are a hybrid way of creating smooth surfaces based on the structure of NURBS curves and the detail of a mesh. ...
... The 3D mesh approach is the simplest approach from a computational point of view, because it is based on the creation of a set of triangles all around the object to be modeled. The HBIM approach has been used in several studies (Diara and Rinaudo, 2020), (Barazzetti et al., 2015(Barazzetti et al., , 2016. The creation of surfaces following an HBIM approach allows the modelling of surfaces via a NURBS creation process. ...
Schwarzenburg Castle is one of the few Alsatian castles that can be dated with precision. The Schwarzenbourg family, taking advantage of a favourable historical and political context, built the castle in 1261 on the municipal boundary of the town of Munster. Initially intended for residential use, the castle passed through the centuries from family to family, and shortly becoming a ruin. The first major renovation was realized in the 15th century, but for military purposes rather than for housing. This was the only one, as the castle was quickly abandoned at the end of the same century. It was only during the First World War that the castle was used by the German army, which built a bunker in the upper courtyard. Schwarzenbourg castle is, therefore, an original in Alsace, both in terms of its history and its characteristics, which have no regional equal. The objective of this modelling project is twofold. On the one hand, to model the current state of the castle, i.e., an advanced state of ruin for certain elements, and, on the other hand, to model the reconstruction of the castle as it was when it was built in 1261. This double objective comes up against several problems, mainly technical. Indeed, how to move from a point cloud of a certain density and quality to a surface model allowing a realistic rendering? How to limit the influence of the noise on the quality of the surface model? How to remain faithful to the cloud while simplifying the geometric primitives to make the rendering more efficient? Or what technique should be used to reconstitute the castle as it was when it was built? The objective here was to realize the transformation from a consolidated and geo-referenced point cloud to a surface model allowing for a photo-realistic rendering.
... A reliable reproduction of complex three-dimensional forms that arise from compositional origin, transformational events, or structural instabilities, requires complex procedures; these imply the availability of point-cloud management software, and platforms exclusively oriented towards graphic representation or the use of plugins for the semi-automatic creation of parametric objects from numerical data. For example the vaults of Castel Masegra in Sondrio, Italy, were rendered by means of Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines Modelling (NURBS) curves and surfaces, built on Rhinoceros (TML Inc, 2024) and subsequently exported to Revit (Barazzetti et al., 2015); the resulting three-dimensional volumes were generated in the BIM environment from adaptive surface-based models assigned to the Basic Wall family (Fig. 4). ...
... These restitution processes are rather onerous and sometimes incompatible with operational practice; in the professional sphere, point clouds are often used as a direct reference for tracing the geometries of elements, rectifying three-dimensional volumes, reducing the complexity of the model, and delegating the recording of accurate information to different systems. Even in geometrically reliable representations, recurring simplifications are sometimes discovered: the approximation of similar wall thicknesses by means of an average value is, for example, a common expedient, aimed at avoiding the multiplication (Barazzetti et al., 2015). The properties associated in this table with the parametric object describe its identity, physical characteristics and graphic attributes (name, description, keywords, type of masonry, pattern, finish etc.) of family types and thus induced by the very definition of the IfcWall class 4 . ...
The essay aims to explore the applications of BIM to design regarding historic buildings, which will become mandatory in Italy from 2025 for public works above €1 million. Despite the advantages in coordinated data management and information sharing among the actors involved in contracts, problems related to the geometric representation and semantic definition of the virtual entities that populate the models have been recognized by the scientific community. Critical issues that have emerged from the study of significant experiences can be traced back to the difficulty of adapting tools designed for the projects of new buildings to the characteristics of the cultural heritage. In particular, the complexity of proposing congruent categorisations and parameterisations seems related to only partial correspondence between historical building components, IFC classes and BIM software categories. These limitations often lead to the identification of contingent solutions and expedients, which solve only the problems of geometric representation. In contrast, the ability to adequately share information stored in databases, interoperable through the IFC format, is conveyed by an appropriate semantic description. Formal representation in the BIM environment effectively refers to standardized industrial production, reproducibility of building elements and, more generally, to the goals of globalisation. Thus, the proposed reflections aim to encourage a conscious use of these tools and to outline implementation perspectives useful to bring the digital environment closer to the concrete reality of historical architecture, unique and irreproducible in origin and transformation, often realized through artisanal processes and anchored to specific contexts in multiple aspects.
... Diversi studi propongono, inoltre, la generazione semiautomatica di superfici NURBS convertite poi in "masse" per la riproduzione di texture fotogrammetriche rese come decalcomanie in Autodesk Revit [22][23][24]. D'altra parte, le NURBS, generate tramite software di modellazione esterni, possono essere agevolmente importate in ambiente BIM tramite script VPL sviluppati con applicazioni come Dynamo for Revit o McNeel Grasshopper [10,25,26]. ...
... Nevertheless, there are several studies concerning the semi-automated generation of NURBS surfaces for their subsequent trasformation into "masses" capable of accommodating photogrammetric textures applied as decals in Autodesk Revit [22][23][24]. On the other hand, the NURBS, generated via external modelling software, can also be imported into the BIM environment via a VPL script developed through applications such as Dynamo for Revit o McNeel Grasshopper [10,25,26]. ...
Il presente contributo propone una riflessione sulla definizione di sistemi di monitoraggio cooperativo e informativo (ECO-Sistemi) a partire da dati di rilievo digitale integrato per la gestione del patrimonio costruito. Si illustra una procedura
algoritmica per la standardizzazione dei processi Scan-to-BIM e Mesh-to-BIM.
This paper proposes a reflection on the definition of Monitoring Enriched COoperative Systems (ECO-Systems) based on integrated digital survey data aimed at the management of the built heritage. An algorithmic procedure is presented for the standardisation of Scan-to-BIM and Mesh-to-BIM processes.
... Because 3D reproduction in a BIM enables a tour of the model via real-time visualization systems [4], end users (for example, municipalities cultural institutions, universities and so on) will be able to access the model in AR and interact with it, by applying theoretical knowledge for improvement. In comparison to the techniques and instruments typically used for new projects, information on existing structures requires one to rethink levels of knowledge, which is frequently hard to detect due to the absence of designs and solid information [5]. ...
... In relation to the segmentation phase of the point cloud necessary to extract the parts of interest, as explained in the diagram, a technology was used that includes voxelization, construction of global graph, global graph-based clustering, and .obj primitives that can be imported into the BIM software (EDIFICIUS) [5,[18][19][20]. The software processes the segmented and categorizes point clouds to create meshes and 3D models in .obj ...
In this paper, we want to propose an investigation and a re-reading of the “Conventazzo” of San Pietro di Deca in Torrenova (ME), through the use of geomatics techniques (laser scanner, UAV—Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-photogrammetry and BIM—Building Information Modeling) and a reconstruction and representation of different morpho-typological phases that highlight the numerous changes that this structure has undergone over the years. Particular attention was given to the BIM/HBIM (Heritage BIM) construction, bearing in mind that, in particular, the use of HBIM software for cultural heritage cannot perfectly represent old buildings with complex notable and particularly detailed architecture. Specifically, a new methodology is presented in order to replicate the complex details found in antique buildings, through the direct insertion of various 3D model parts (.obj) (point cloud segmentation from laser scanner and UAV/photogrammetry survey) into a BIM environment that includes intelligent objects linked to form the smart model. By having a huge amount of information available in a single digital model (HBIM), and by including all the information acquired during the survey campaign, it is possible to study the morphotypological evolutions of the building without the need to carry out subsequent survey campaigns. The limit of the proposed methodology, compared to the most used methodologies (despite the good results obtained), is that it requires the use of many types of software and is very slow. The proposed methodology was put to the test on the reconstruction of the “Conventazzo” in San Pietro di Deca, Torrenova (Messina).
... Different workflows have been used in the Mesh-To-BIM methodology. Barazzetti et al. [10] developed a methodology to transform the mesh into primitive NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis-Splines) geometries and import them into BIM environment. [5,10,11]. ...
... Barazzetti et al. [10] developed a methodology to transform the mesh into primitive NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis-Splines) geometries and import them into BIM environment. [5,10,11]. Santagati et al. [11] and Yang et al. [12] explored more straight-forward procedures importing directly the mesh using CAD formats and programming tools, respectively. ...
Bridges constant assessment, monitoring and retrofitting are key aspects to prevent inadequate damage situations. Considering the importance of these processes, a new official guideline for Bridge evaluation, classification and monitoring has been issued in Italy. The usage of BIM methodology comes as a logical solution to store and manage all information related to the bridge surveillance process and create a unique database. In the present work, HBIM methodologies are implemented for the creation of a damage database and new approaches are tested for the application of the guidelines directly on the BIM environment. Using the dismantled structures of Largo Grosseto bridge as a case study and damage information previously recovered as input data, HBIM models are created using two different methodologies: Parametric modelling and Mesh-to-BIM process. Moreover, the utility of the database created is expanded thanks to the usage of visual programming tools. The evaluation of the modelling processes highlights the effectiveness of BIM for infrastructure monitoring and classification. The results obtained demonstrate the way towards a new BIM monitoring standard procedure for infrastructure surveillance processes.
... The process of creating a digital representation of an object involves collecting data in a database that creates a model containing all relevant information about that object. The paper [22] presents a case study in which a point cloud of 75 billion points was used to create a BIM model. This shows the amount of data that we can deal with when developing point clouds. ...
This article presents the use of the building information modeling (BIM) methodology during the inventory of a residential building called “Trzonolinowiec” located in Wroclaw, Poland. The use of BIM methodology makes it possible to obtain more accurate two-dimensional (2D) documentation based on the three-dimensional (3D) model of the surveyed object. The article additionally discusses the possibility of extending the conducted inventory with new technologies (including laser scanners, unmanned aerial vehicles, and virtual reality [VR]). Laser scanners make it possible to take fast and accurate measurements in the form of point clouds, based on which it is possible to make accurate 3D models and then 2D projections. Unmanned aerial vehicles make it possible to inspect in hard-to-reach places and to make a point cloud (once the scanner is connected) of the facade and roof. VR was presented as a technology that allows immersive viewing of a virtual environment – a 3D model. The article discusses the scope prepared for the expertise and possible future directions during subsequent inventories. A 3D model of the inventoried building was prepared, mapping the building’s geometry and its location in the local geodetic system as an example of the capabilities of the proposed technologies. The paper discusses the scope prepared for the expertise, possible future directions during subsequent inventories, and the current limitations of the proposed solutions.
... Similarly, novel strategies for the Mesh-To-BIM procedure are also documented [27][28][29]. The most common technique for this methodology involves transforming the triangulated mesh into primitive NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines) for integration into the BIM environment [30,31]. Other methods, such as importing the 3D mesh into BIM platforms via CAD formats and programming tools, have also been explored [32,33]. ...
Risk assessment of long-existing infrastructure has become one of the main challenges in civil engineering. Major efforts have been made in recent years to develop new techniques for rapid damage identification and ensure proper management of these structures. This paper presents a data management approach utilizing BIM methodology to create a digital database for bridge monitoring procedures. Initially, two BIM methodologies for creating a damage database are introduced, focusing on beams from a dismantled urban viaduct. Subsequently, the most suitable methodology is applied to an existing bridge in Turin, Italy. Through the chosen methodology a damage identification and classification process based on a triangular mesh is performed, assisted by a convolutional neural network (CNN) for automatic damage detection. Additionally, the paper outlines a digitalization process within a BIM environment, integrating official guidelines for bridge risk evaluation, classification, and monitoring in Italy. By employing programming tools, all data required by the guidelines is efficiently incorporated into the database. The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of remote sensing applications for bridge inspection and the possibility of merging BIM methodology into the inspection process to enhance the damage assessment of existing structures.
... When selecting an approach, it is essential to consider the desired level of detail for the model as well as the additional functionalities that may be leveraged. Ref. [11] suggest using the MEL scripting language to have access to many parameters, while [12] utilise parametric techniques with NURBS curves to create complex surfaces from point clouds. A more comprehensive study of parametric modelling methods for heritage conservation is presented by [13]. ...
Recent advances in 3D modelling have greatly improved the digital reconstruction of historic buildings. Traditional 3D modelling methods, while accurate, are very time-consuming and require a detailed focus on complex architectural features. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, adapted to historic buildings as Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM), has made the modelling process easier. However, HBIM still struggles with a lack of detailed object libraries that truly represent the diverse architectural heritage, due to the unique designs of these ancient structures. This article presents a new method using Blender software, focusing on Geometry Nodes and modifier tools for parametric modelling. This method aims to efficiently reconstruct the Rhine region’s castles, which are part of Europe’s most heavily fortified areas with a history that goes back to the XIth century. Many of these castles, over 500 years old, are now ruins. Our method allows for quick changes and detailed customization to meet the specific needs of archaeologists and heritage researchers. Developed as part of the Châteaux Rhénans-Burgen am Oberrhein project, funded by the European Interreg VI programme, this approach focuses on digitizing and promoting the Rhine castles’ heritage. The project aims to fill some gaps in parametric modelling by providing a flexible and dynamic toolset for heritage conservation.
... Recently, significant progress has been made in data integration within Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), establishing itself as a viable option for managing and visualising information generated in architectural heritage documentation and preventive conservation activities. This methodology facilitates the interrelation between different analyses and promotes a deeper understanding of these types of buildings (Angulo-Fornos & Castellano-Román, 2020; Barazzetti et al., 2015;Vitali et al., 2021). The HBIM approach allows for creating schematic geometric models designed to incorporate multiple levels of information. ...
The article presents a methodology for integrating data into 3D Heritage Building Information Modeling (3D-HBIM) digital models, specifically focusing on the Chapel of the Holy Chalice case study in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Valencia. This approach is oriented towards efficiently managing and visualising crucial information for conserving architectural heritage. The methodology begins with data acquisition through terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), an advanced technique that enables the acquisition of an accurate and detailed point cloud of the architectural environment. Following data acquisition, a meticulous process of segmentation and processing is undertaken. This phase involves the use of various machine learning algorithms, including Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) and K-Means, for data classification. These algorithms play a crucial role in identifying and classifying points based on their geometry and chromatic characteristics. A key feature of the approach is the use of colorimetry-based classification, which detects significant changes in the RGB values of the points, thereby aiding in the identification of patterns and potential deterioration in construction materials.
The processed data are seamlessly integrated into BIM environments, enabling the incorporation of detailed alphanumeric data and the comprehensive visualisation and analysis of three-dimensional models. This integration is pivotal for the
accurate representation and analysis of heritage architecture, providing a robust foundation for decision-making regarding its conservation and maintenance.
The article examines the benefits of the proposed methodology, highlighting how the combination of advanced data acquisition techniques and digital
processing can significantly enhance the representation and analysis of historical
architectural structures.
... To date, the conversion of survey data into NURBS remains an IT problem that has not yet been completely solved and automated. In the field of BIM heritage, several semi-automatic procedures have been proposed, in which through special programs the NURBS surfaces are lastly manually built following the point cloud [15][16][17]. Various studies show that, with such approaches, it is even possible to obtain parametric models of complex shapes that can be implemented in a BIM environment [18] or to take into account the major cracks present on an element [19]. However, this means losing many details and the advantages of an automatic procedure, without any control over the quality of the mesh that defines the NURBS surface. ...
This contribution proposes workflows that allow the transition from photographic and laser surveys to point clouds and geometric meshes designed for structural analysis. The process is complex and, even today, is typically handled using uncontrolled methods. These methods are often unregulated, relying on the transfer of data across multiple software tools. Such unsupervised workflows frequently jeopardize the accuracy and reliability of the final outcomes. Two experimental tests, a slab of concrete and a small-scale frame structure of steel, are reported in this paper to show the provided pipelines and check the relevant performances through state-of-the-art software. The proposed comparison between the pipelines serves to highlight key considerations for effectively managing the transformation to develop an accurate digital twin of the specified structure. Retopologization and interoperability with BIM environments are also discussed.
... In this case, given the purpose, it was deemed unnecessary and fruitless effort, both productive and time-consuming, to process the main hall model totally in a BIM environment through the creation of a large number of custom families. For this reason, and relying on the results of many other research strands on the topic [18][19][20], it was established that the model would be created primarily through Nurbs modeling techniques, since the goal was to obtain only the interior surface, which is solely responsible for the acoustic response of the theater, leaving instead the Autodesk Revit BIM software with the only task of implementing the information data (materic and acoustic). ...
paper intends to present a series of experimental HBIM applications conducted as a follow-up on some of the results obtained within the European project "AURA - Auralisation of Acoustic Heritage Sites Using Augmented and Virtual Reality" co-funded since 2021 by the Creative Europe Programme and concluded at the end of 2022.
This project was aimed at exploring new horizons of use of the Acoustic Heritage of sites related to the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI), such as theaters and concert halls, by investigating the potential of auralization - a technique of simulating the acoustics of a real environment within 3D models - and combining it with visual representations of the virtual environment based on accurate digital surveys.
In order to achieve this goal, three emblematic European case studies were thus examined: the Konzerthaus in Berlin (DE), the Opera House in Lviv (UA) and the Teatro del Maggio in Florence (IT). Within this paper, a solution based on Nurbs-to-BIM modeling and data-enrichment techniques in an HBIM environment is tested for the Florentine case study, with the aim of obtaining informative 3D assets on which to develop VR systems capable of virtually simulating not only the visual aspects of the model, but also the acoustic behavior of the environment.
The acoustics theme is indeed an increasingly debated topic in the field of documentation and virtual fruition of Cultural Heritage. Besides AURA, in fact, a number of research projects focusing on the acoustic and virtual reconstruction of architectures, such as the Greek theater of Tindari or Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, have been carried out over the past few years.
As for these, within AURA, a methodology including first a digital survey using TLS, was planned. The data obtained then became the basis on which to develop, through Nurbs modeling, the architectural and furniture elements. For each of these, semantically and materially subdivided, specific acoustic parameters were then identified, and by which, an acoustic database was developed to support subsequent auralization processes.
The present research aims to take a further step forward in the field of HBIM, starting from the results obtained for the Teatro del Maggio, and proposing a methodology based on the virtualization of the case study through Nurbs-to-BIM-to-VR processes.
This first involved the implementation of morphologically reliable assets into the HBIM environment, but also - and more importantly - their informatization both materially and acoustically.
For the development of the subsequent auralization and virtualization processes, the Unreal Engine platform was used, which allows via plugins perfect interoperability with the information metadata of the BIM models, as well as excellent potential from the point of view of ArchViz and VR.
Within this research, therefore, an investigation was made to translate the experience of listening to and experiencing theatrical environments into virtual perspectives, proposing a replicable methodology that exploits the HBIM information potentials for the development of acoustic simulation processes and multisensory VR experiences, in order to identify new opportunities for communication and documentation of the Acoustic and Architectural Heritage.
... Still, their applicability is limited to specific software [14,15]. However, the manual development of these parametric 3D objects for comprehensive data analysis data can be time-consuming [16,17]. NURBS and other Explicit Surfaces techniques [18] are more widely used in the field of HBIM than implicit techniques. ...
Accurate three-dimensional (3D) models for Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) remain a significant challenge. This paper proposes a methodology that combines the Poisson Surface Reconstruction (PSR) technique with open-source management software to address this issue. The methodology uses automatically generated mesh models to produce reality-based 3D models of historical buildings. These models are enriched with geometric and semantic parameters according to BIM standards. The resulting methodology, Scan to MesHBIM, is an open 3D interface allowing experts to analyze and create a detailed set of properties adhering to construction rules. To test the workflow, we selected two case studies of different vaulting types: the Renaissance barrel vault with cloister heads and lunettes from the Ducal Palace in Urbino (Italy) and the Gothic ribbed vault from St. André Cathedral in Bourdeaux (France). The use of implicit surfaces proved to be an efficient means for obtaining accurate 3D objects; then, the enrichment of the 3D models ensures a better understanding and more in-depth management in the field of Cultural Heritage (CH).
... Most of the published research focuses on the geometric modeling of HBIM, such as parameterizing historical building elements (Dore & Murphy, 2017) and modeling irregular shapes from the point cloud datasets (Barazzetti et al., 2015). The current scan-to-BIM process can reach a semiautomated level where a limited number of objects can be automatically extracted and modeled from point cloud data. ...
... To breathe new life into the surveyed data by 146 transforming them into design opportunities, adopting the retrofitting strategy requires transcribing the acquired 147 data into abacuses and databases extracted from as-found models. For this purpose, graphical forms derived 148 from meshes polished with Basic-Spline geometries offered reliable and valuable support to control the 149 modification around remarkable points, lines, and surfaces [17]. ...
Architecture responds to the social dynamics of uses, articulating the nature of the environment in which it is projected with the complex nature of human needs. In the present case, the culture handed down is based on the tectonic ingenuity and creativity of the designer who interprets and merges the concept of resistance (effective) with that of enveloping (affective) in the case study. The embrici we find on the domes of Vietri (Italy), or the architectural completion elements mentioned in this article, are examples that anticipate the adaptation of brickwork. The result is an unprecedented correlation between place, form, and material. This article describes the path from the survey of the Solimene façade to the governing of some acquired parameters. The pair of Vitruvian memory decor/distributio proposes a methodological approach for the geometric-compositional reconfiguration of the same typological family of brick infill walls. In continuity with the development of local tradition, the modification of the wall texture is managed to meet local needs and provide customised functional and aesthetic solutions.
... BIM brings forth a myriad of advantages, notably in enhancing stakeholder collaboration, boosting production efficiency, and elevating revenue generation [24]. An extensive review of pertinent literature [15,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30] underscores numerous endeavors to amalgamate various BIM functionalities for the effective management of health and safety risks. The salient benefits derived from integrating health and safety risk management within BIM frameworks are concisely summarized in Table 4. Recent years have witnessed the evolution of health and safety management systems grounded in BIM technology. ...
Construction work sites and the surrounding built environments are notable contributors to atmosphere dust particulate matter (PM) emissions. PM produced in construction processes contain a range of chemically hazardous substances, posing significant health risks (HR) to individuals. As such, the evaluation of occupational HR in construction has become a focal point of interest internationally. Initiated in the early 2000s, there has been a growing demand within the construction research community for the creation of a unified PM database that encapsulates a wide array of construction activities. Previous studies have endeavored to establish a PM database for various construction contexts, yet they have fallen short in thoroughly addressing the diversity of construction materials and the levels of toxic substances (TS) within the PM. This research introduced a comprehensive PM and TS dataset and conducted a case study to measure the HR associated with diverse construction processes. This was accomplished by implementing a semi-automated Building Information Modeling (BIM) version 2020-based plugin, which streamlines the assessment of occupational HR in construction projects. This system provides construction supervisors with a tool to visually assess the HR of daily operations, thereby facilitating the adoption of preemptive measures to protect the health of construction workers.
... Baik used Jeddah HBIM to produce complete engineering information and drawings to digitally document heritage architectural, structural, and construction components and create a method for the preservation of historical buildings [11]. Barazzetti generated 3D parametric components from point clouds of complex architectural features involving three-dimensional relationships, constraints, and material properties [12]. The 3D BIM model was converted into multiple parametric BIM objects with parametric intelligence and relationships to other objects and attributes. ...
The primary objective of this research is to address the research gap in the conservation of heritage buildings in Canada by integrating Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) as a tool. The proposed study aims to develop an enhanced framework for the preservation of historical buildings through the utilization of HBIM and 3D-scanning technology. As a result, the research aims to generate a comprehensive database comprising various families of models while also incorporating strategies for point-cloud clustering data. The significance of this research lies in its potential to contribute to the conservation and restoration process of historical buildings. Currently, there are a lack of standardized approaches and comprehensive databases for accurately documenting and reproducing historical buildings. By integrating HBIM and 3D-scanning technology, this research will enable the creation of highly accurate three-dimensional virtual models, consisting of millions of points, which will serve as a comprehensive dataset for the restoration of heritage buildings. The findings of this research will benefit multiple stakeholders. Preservation architects, conservationists, and heritage professionals will gain a valuable tool for documenting and analyzing historical buildings with a high level of precision. The comprehensive database and framework proposed in this study will facilitate decision-making processes during the restoration and preservation phases, ensuring that the original architectural elements and materials are faithfully reproduced. Additionally, policymakers and governmental organizations involved in heritage conservation can use the outcomes of this research to establish standardized guidelines and regulations for the preservation of historical buildings in Canada. Ultimately, the broader community will benefit from the enhanced preservation efforts, as it will contribute to the cultural and historical identity of the nation, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the past.
... This method, known as C2M and implemented through CloudCompare, has been used by several researchers [42,68,69] in the context of Cultural Heritage. The direct geometric model is the result of the process of creating static 3D models with simple or complex surfaces [70]. In the field of archaeology, most of the time complex or very complex surfaces are involved, which means that field tests for their evaluation require more complete processes. ...
The protection of heritage sites is one of the keys that our civilisation presents. That is why great efforts have been invested in order to protect and preserve movable and immovable property with a certain historical value, as is the case of archaeological sites scattered throughout the territory of southern Iberia (Spain) in the form of dolmens and negative structures dug into the ground, constituting a good sample of the megalithic culture in southern Spain. To study, manage and preserve these archaeological monuments, considered a set of cultural assets, various techniques and methodologies are required to facilitate the acquisition of three-dimensional geometric information. The Scan-to-BIM approach has become one of the most up-to-date work exponents to carry out these objectives. The appearance of LiDAR techniques, and recently their incorporation into smartphones through integrated sensors, is revolutionising the world of 3D scanning. However, the precision of these techniques is an issue that has yet to be addressed in the scientific community. That is why this research proposes a framework, through experimental measurement, comparison and knowledge of the limitations of this technology, to know the precision of the use of these smartphones, specifically the iPhone 13 Pro, as a measurement element to establish points of control with the aid of photogrammetry by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in archaeological sites. The results demonstrate a residual uncertainty of ±5 mm in the capture of GCPs from the mobile phone’s LiDAR light detection and ranging sensor, and there was a deviation of the measurements in a range between 0 and 28 m of distance between the GCPs of (0.021, 0.069) m.
... Especially for those bridges and tunnels which were built by SMR, the implementation of HBIM will change the forepassed conservation situation, which lacks first-hand data. Based on some recent research which focuses on important infrastructure monuments, for instance, Ízbor Bridge (1860) in Spain (León-Robles et al., 2019), and Azzone Visconte in Lecco, Italy (Barazzetti et al., 2016), applying HBIM to record stone arch bridges along the CER seems to be a feasible plan in the following study based on current the research of the NURBSbased modelling (Barazzetti et al., 2015). Besides, since there is only little relevant research focused on the HBIM for 20thcentury steel structures (Morganti et al, 2019), the research on the reconstruction and scanning of steel bridges such as truss bridges and plate girder bridges is also an important part of the following study. ...
The infrastructure heritage is the symbol of the highest standard of the technical construction and design methodologies of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER). As an important component of the cultural heritage of the CER, their conservation hasn’t attracted more attention than the architectural heritage part. However, some heritage infrastructure components have been already demolished while others were threatened by urban expansion and natural degradation during the past hundred years. In this study, we have analysed structural features based on the original drawings and fieldwork for the reconstruction of the vanished and invisible parts of CER. HBIM will be used to support the conservation of the surviving elements. In addition, we collected geographical coordinates of the heritages using on-site GNSS records and Google Earth®. We propose a method to facilitate the preservation of this historical infrastructure by building a database that integrates HBIM and GIS, including information about historical data and the status quo. In this way, this database will not only be useful for planning purposes by the government and the conservation agencies, but also it will benefit the entire society and the public through its online display and information collection.
... On the other hand, scan-to-BIM is still mainly a time and effortconsuming manual process (Rocha et al., 2020), usually employing the generation of specifically developed parametric objects (Chiabrando et al., 2017). Therefore, several experiments concerning automatic surface recognition (Romero-Jarén and Arranz, 2021; Sun et al., 2022) and NURBS modelling of historic architectural decorative apparatuses (Acosta et al., 2022;Barazzetti et al., 2015) can be found in the literature. This kind of application additionally entails a certain degree of automatisation, variously employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms for automatic segmentation and semantisation of the survey database (Teruggi et al., 2021). ...
The present contribution falls within the framework of the actions envisaged by the "SMART Bethlehem – Sustainable Management And Renewal of Technology in the City of Bethlehem" (2022 – ongoing) research project, scientifically coordinated by the University of Pavia and co-founded by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS). Among the main objectives of the cooperation project is the sustainable urban and territorial development of the Bethlehem area by means of multi-scalar activities, mainly focusing on refurbishment and energy optimisation of a few relevant municipality buildings. A test case implementation of the HBIM methodology was then carried out on the Peace Center, an iconic building facing the "Manger Square" in close proximity to the "Nativity Church", aiming to validate the proposed systematisation of a scan-to-BIM approach focused on the development of an optimised data repository for the planned operation and maintenance activities. An ECO-Systemic workflow is presented, organised in five recursive steps. Starting from a SLAM-TLS integrated digital survey (3DS), the federated sub-models that comprise the overall project are geo-referenced (GEO) within a shared coordinate system (FSC) environment, thereby providing the basis for the subsequent architectural modelling of the built asset (ARC) and the associated enhancement of the level of information (LOI).
... However, the modelling of the arches was not simulated accurately since the shortage of Autodesk Revit ® , which is a popular commercial BIM platform. Some research groups have started to exploit the NURBS -Based method to solve this lack and successfully applied to some complex objects' reconstruction (Barazzetti et al., 2015;Banfi, 2019). Furthermore, the research on the reconstruction of iron/steel structure of bridges or buildings are almost an unexploited field in both Italy and China, but the group from the University of L'Aquila has tried to exploit and made a workflow for modelling with HBIM (Morganti et al., 2019). ...
Large-scale infrastructure is typically regarded as a symbol of technological and engineering development during its construction time. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the infrastructure heritage along the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) Main Line. However, the conservation of this crucial component of the CER, which is an important cross-culture and linear heritage in China, has received little attention, with conservation methods remaining relatively traditional. Due to threats posed by human and natural factors, the remaining infrastructure heritage is at risk of being lost. Additionally, the vanished part, including the infrastructure and technical heritage applied during construction, cannot be revealed. To address this issue, new technologies and management methods, such as BIM/HBIM and GIS, should be introduced to reconstruct the vanished part and record the status quo of what still remains. We propose building a database that integrates HBIM and GIS to facilitate the preservation of this historic infrastructure and analyse the feasibility of this method. Our research aims to establish an accurate, efficient, and collaborative method for integrating historical data and preserving the infrastructure heritage along the Main Line of the CER.
... This contains 3D coordinates (polygonal lines and points), which are eventually converted into an IFC file. Another is that of Barazzeti et al. ( [22]), who present a semi-automatic procedure that deals with buildings with complex geometries, and which is particularly focused on the reconstruction of historical and heritage building models on the basis of NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines). The procedure provides a formatted BIM.RTE file. ...
... The geometry documentation of the theatre is presented in Fig. 10. While the perfect geometry replication can be produced from laser scanner and photogrammetry survey (Fig. 10a, b), respectively, the HBIM model can be considered as an interpretation of the object or building [25]. However, both technologies integrated, may allow the production of a 3D model (Fig. 10c, d), complying with the standard requirements of the technical architectural documentation. ...
Valorisation of heritage buildings can greatly be benefited from the update of the existing documentation. BIM (Building Information Modelling) can create a model able to be enriched by new information according to the dynamism of the historical building over time. This work aims to update the documentation of the iconic José de Alencar theatre (Fortaleza city—Brazil). The methodology consisted of three main steps: the cataloguing of existing drawings and old pictures; the performing of a digital survey and the development of a 3D BIM model of the theatre. An integrated approach using a laser scanner and UAV photogrammetry technology was performed. From the results, an update of the documentation of the theatre over time and a 3D BIM model, with a higher level of information and details, were obtained. Such complete updated graphical information of the heritage building may be useful for future maintenance and restoration projects.
... Because of these problems, many researchers have opted for customised parametric object modelling based on point clouds imported through plug-ins within the Autodesk Revit's family editor. There is no shortage of studies concerning the semi-automated generation of NURBS from transforming masses capable of hosting photogrammetric textures applied as decals in Revit (Barazzetti et al., 2015;Sun et al., 2019), as well as plug-ins developed through Revit's programming interface (API), such as GreenSpider, capable of recognising points and curves from surveyed points. The most recent research mainly addressed restoration interventions aiming at identifying areas affected by degradation phenomena, determined according to shared protocols, which are based on the projection of photogrammetric orthophotos on BIM objects which, although geometrically accurate, are not parameterised. ...
The proposed application of the HBIM methodology for digitising a productive-industrial structure is based on the integration of data from different sources. An aerial photogrammetric survey (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - UAV) was considered the most appropriate technique for the case. Therefore, a Scan-to-BIM modelling was carried out, keeping in mind a subsequent texturisation of the smart objects employing the photogrammetric images obtained from the UAV survey. Currently, applying the BIM methodology to the built environment is still a challenge; indeed, three-dimensional modelling based on survey point clouds is not automatic. Any BIM software is designed for new constructions, whereas the existing Heritage is characterized by unique and distinctive shapes, where each element has a specific and variable inclination, shape and thickness; therefore, it is necessary to adapt the available tools. Creating intelligent parametric objects capable of representing the unique and singular shapes and geometries of historic architecture is a significant challenge of HBIM modelling. A workflow for the acquisition, processing and management of the survey data and the consequent modelling in a BIM environment of a disused industrial plant previously used as a tobacco factory was formalised. The aim was, therefore, to develop a model that is as close as possible to the real one and, at the same time, still keeps the informative aspects in order to promote the conservation and possible refurbishment of the cultural heritage through the use of photorealistic visualisation tools in real-time. The results confirm the proposed strategy hypotheses and seem to lead to promising future developments.
... The 3D data scanner is used to measure the point data of physical sample. The inverse reconstruction method is uesd to achieve the reverse modeling and error detection analysis of the digital model [11,12]. ...
In recent years, high-altitude aerostats have been increasingly developed in the direction of multi-functionality and large size. Due to the large size and the high flexibility, new challenges for large aerostats have appeared in the configuration test and the deformation analysis. The methods of the configuration test and the deformation analysis for large airship have been researched and discussed. A tested method of the configuration, named internal scanning, is established to quickly obtain the spatial information of all surfaces for the large airship by the three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning technology. By using the surface wrap method, the configuration parameters of the large airship are calculated. According to the test data of the configuration, the structural dimensions such as the distances between the characteristic sections are measured. The method of the deformation analysis for the airship contains the algorithm of non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS) and the finite element (FE) method. The algorithm of NURBS is used to obtain the reconfiguration model of the large airship. The seams are considered and the seam areas are divided. The FE model of the middle part of the large airship is established. The distributions of the stress and the strain for the large airship are obtained by the FE method. The position of the larger deformation for the airship is found.
... This software has proved to be very useful as it can be used both for Boolean modelling (operating with simple extrusions or rotations around generative axes) and, above all, for the generation of NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis-Splines) [48,49]. With NURBS surface, a mathematical-based representation, it is possible to accurately define all those geometrical entities with a complex shape, using lines and control points defined directly from the point clouds. ...
The progress in information technology allows an innovative transformation of practices commonly involved in the engineering and construction field, especially in relation to the existing architectural heritage's control and management activities. The proposed methodology takes advantage of an integrated 3D metric survey as a basis for an HBIM (Historic Building Information Modelling) model to be exploited for the definition of a Finite Elements Model (FEM). This paper aims to show the applicability of a digital process, stemmed from the integration in Rhinoceros 3D of a BIM structural model, leading to the dynamic simulation of the analytical FEM through PRO_SAP® (a PROfessional Structural Analysis Program). The described workflow investigates the interoperability issues, along with the difficulties in the Scan-to-HBIM processes, demonstrating how HBIM models can anyhow support operations aimed at maintaining and preserving existing historical assets, also from a structural point of view, even if with still persistent criticalities.
... To facilitate this process, many researchers have opted for custom parametric modelling of objects, based on point clouds imported via plug-ins within the Autodesk Revit family editor [28]. Nevertheless, there are several studies concerning the semi-automated generation of NURBS from transforming them into "masses" capable of accommodating photogrammetric textures applied as decals in Revit [26,29,30], as well as plug-ins developed via Autodesk Revit's Application Programming Interface (API), such as GreenSpider, which was created to recognise points from surveyed points and interpolate them to generate curves and surfaces [31]. The built heritage typically has complex (non-uniform, thus difficult to parametrise) geometries that turn their digitisation through conventional methods into imprecise and time-consuming processes. ...
The potentialities of the use of the UAV survey as a base for the generation of the context mesh are illustrated through the experiments on the case study, the Crotone Fortress, proposing a systematic general methodology and two procedural workflows for the importation of the triangulated model, maintaining its real geographical coordinates, in the Autodesk Revit environment through a Dynamo Visual Programming script [VPL]. First, the texturisation of the mesh of the urban context was experimented with, using the real-sized photogrammetric orthoimage as Revit material; therefore, the reproduction of the discretised detailed areas of the urban context was tested. They were imported via Dynamo by reading the coordinates of the vertices of every single face that constitutes the triangulated model and associating to each of them the corresponding real colorimetric data. Starting from the georeferenced context of the photogrammetric mesh, nine federated BIM models were produced: the general context models, the detailed models and the architectural model of the fortress.
... There is an increasing interest in developments which expand the capabilities of HBIM, such as element modelling (Barazzetti, Banfi, Brumana, & Previtali, 2015), HBIM element library experiments (Baik, Alitany, Boehm, & Robson, 2014), information mapping (Chiabrando, Lo Turco, & Rinaudo, 2017), mixed-reality applications (Banfi, 2021), the development of generative modelling methodology (Brumana et al., 2018), and even the illustration of a road map for holistic conservation practices (Brumana et al., 2020) and building archaeology (Banfi et al., 2022). Despite these significant attempts, using HBIM for data-driven conservation actions remains an open field of study. ...
Highlights: This paper illustrates the potential of scan-to-HBIM notion for heritage sites by employing an innovative data-driven approach to conservation actions. This research offers an HBIM workflow for the sophisticated representation of heterogenic archaeological datasets. This study creates a digital twin of the archaeological building remains and offers a method tailored for future monitoring and conservation. Abstract: Digital surveying tools provide a highly accurate geometric representation of cultural heritage sites in the form of point cloud data. With the recent advances in interoperability between point cloud data and Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital heritage researchers have introduced the Heritage/Historic Information Modelling (HBIM) notion to the field. As heritage data require safeguarding strategies to ensure their sustainability, the process is closely tied to conservation actions in the architectural conservation field. Focusing on the intersection of the ongoing trends in HBIM research and the global needs for heritage conservation actions, this paper tackles methodological pipelines for the data-driven management of archaeological heritage places. It illustrates how HBIM discourse could be beneficial for easing value-based decision-making in the conservation process. It introduces digital data-driven conservation actions by implementing a novel methodology for ancient building remains in Erythrae archaeological site (Turkey). The research ranges from a) surveying the in-situ remains and surrounding stones of the Heroon remains with digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning to b) designing a database system for building archaeology. The workflow offers high geometric fidelity and management of non-geometric heritage data by testing out the suitability and feasibility for the study of material culture and the physical assessment of archaeological building remains. This methodology is a fully data-enriched NURBS-based (non-uniform rational basis spline) three-dimensional (3D) model-which is integrated and operational in the BIM environment-for the holistic conservation process. Using a state-of-the-art digital heritage approach can be applied from raw data (initial stages) to decision-making about an archaeological heritage site (final stages). In conclusion, the paper offers a method for data-driven conservation actions, and given its methodological framework, it lends itself particularly well to HBIM-related solutions for building archaeology. Keywords: building archaeology; digital archaeology 3D heritage database; conservation decisions; Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM); NURBS (non-uniform rational basis splines); scan-to-HBIM Resumen: Las herramientas topográficas digitales proporcionan una representación geométrica muy exacta de sitios patrimoniales en forma de datos (nubes de puntos). Con los avances recientes de interoperabilidad entre nubes de puntos y modelado de información de la construcción (BIM), los investigadores en patrimonio digital han introducido la noción de modelado de información de la construcción patrimonial/histórica (HBIM) en este campo. Como los datos patrimoniales requieren estrategias de salvaguardia que garanticen su sostenibilibidad, el proceso está íntimamente ligado a acciones de conservación en el campo de la conservación arquitectónica. Teniendo en cuenta las últimas tendencias en investigación HBIM y las necesidades globales de las acciones de conservación patrimonial, este artículo afronta el flujo metodológico de la gestión basada en datos de sitios patrimoniales arqueológicos. Se introducen acciones de conservación basadas en datos que implementan una metodología novedosa en los restos edificados del sitio arqueológico de Erythrae (Turquía). La investigación aborda tanto la fase desde a) el topografiado in situ de los restos y las piedras circundantes de los restos de Heroon con fotogrametría digital y escaneado láser terrestre, hasta b) la fase del diseño del sistema de bases de datos en arqueología de la arquitectura. El flujo de trabajo ofrece alta fidelidad geométrica y de gestión de datos patrimoniales no geométricos; también prueba la idoneidad y viabilidad de cara al DATA-DRIVEN CONSERVATION ACTIONS OF HERITAGE PLACES CURATED WITH HBIM Virtual Archaeology Review, 13(27): 17-32, 2022 18 estudio de la cultura material y a la evaluación física de los restos de edificios arqueológicos. El modelo tridimensional (3D) enriquecido con datos basados en NURBS ('non-uniform rational B-splines'), se demuestra que es operativo en el proceso de conservación integral; este trata desde los datos sin procesar hasta la toma de decisiones sobre un sitio arqueológico-patrimonial, utilizando un procedimiento digital puntero. En conclusión, el artículo presenta un método orientado a acciones de conservación basadas en datos y, dado su marco metodológico, se presta particularmente bien a soluciones relacionadas con HBIM en arqueología de la arquitectura. Palabras clave: arqueología de la arquitectura; bases de datos patrimoniales 3D; decisiones de conservación; modelado de información de la construcción histórica (HBIM); NURBS (B-splines racionales no uniformes); escaneado-a-HBIM
... The geometric survey is the main basis for HBIM geometric modelling and also serves as the most accurate source of geometric information on the building (especially point clouds), since any model is, regardless of its complexity, inherently a simplification [42] . Currently, it is possible to generate very meticulous geometric surveys with limited costs. ...
Conservation and valorisation practices of built heritage can greatly benefit from Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) workflows. The use of HBIM as an information management process is not fully established yet, also due to the focus on industrialised architecture typical of the most common BIM tools. Capitalising on the benefits of the BIM process in the field of built heritage requires pursuing a continuous trade-off between geometric accuracy, semantic richness and parametric behaviour. This research aims to present an HBIM workflow that, as compared to other, more specific pipelines, is general in scope to support the planning and implementation of maintenance and conservation activities of built heritage, emphasising the representation of the building construction systems. The workflow is structured in five phases (model planning, data collection, geometric survey, breakdown structure and HBIM modelling), recursive and flexible to influence one another and to adjust to the information available and the development of the work over time. Each phase of the workflow is presented with a general outline and a methodological insight to help operators in developing the HBIM process most suitable for specific cases. The results of the application of this methodology on a complex and massive historical building (The National Archaeological Museum of Naples – MANN) show that the workflow is both versatile and sufficiently flexible to accommodate a heterogeneous range of objectives while guiding experts to select and document the most appropriate course of action.
... Polygonal meshes describe surfaces by a list of vertices and tri-or quadrangular faces. There is a wide range of approaches and much to convert between those formats, e.g., to create polygonal meshes from (digitized) point clouds (e.g., [400,401]) or describe mathematical shape (e.g., [402]). ...
Digital 3D modelling and visualization technologies have been widely applied to support research in the humanities since the 1980s. Since technological backgrounds, project opportunities, and methodological considerations for application are widely discussed in the literature, one of the next tasks is to validate these techniques within a wider scientific community and establish them in the culture of academic disciplines. This article resulted from a postdoctoral thesis and is intended to provide a comprehensive overview on the use of digital 3D technologies in the humanities with regards to (1) scenarios, user communities, and epistemic challenges; (2) technologies, UX design, and workflows; and (3) framework conditions as legislation, infrastructures, and teaching programs. Although the results are of relevance for 3D modelling in all humanities disciplines, the focus of our studies is on modelling of past architectural and cultural landscape objects via interpretative 3D reconstruction methods.
... At present, the most accurate method for repairing holes in the point cloud is the combination of multiple collections or multi-source data. The Castel Masegra located in Sondrio (northern Italy) was reconstructed by combining a Faro Focus 3D laser scanner and calibrated cameras, and its BIM was further constructed [19]. Martín-Lerones et al. [20] obtained the facade and top point cloud of Castle Torrelobatón through TLS and photogrammetry. ...
The integrity of point cloud is the basis for smoothly ensuring subsequent data processing and application. For “Smart City” and “Scan to Building Information Modeling (BIM)”, complete point cloud data is essential. At present, the most commonly used methods for repairing point cloud holes are multi-source data fusion and interpolation. However, these methods either make it difficult to obtain data, or they are ineffective at repairs or labor-intensive. To solve these problems, we proposed a point cloud “fuzzy” repair algorithm based on the distribution regularity of buildings, aiming at the façade of a building in an urban scene, especially for the vehicle Lidar point cloud. First, the point cloud was rotated to be parallel to the plane XOZ, and the feature boundaries of buildings were extracted. These boundaries were further classified as horizontal or vertical. Then, the distance between boundaries was calculated according to the Euclidean distance, and the points were divided into grids based on this distance. Finally, the holes in the grid that needed to be repaired were filled from four adjacent grids by the “copy–paste” method, and the final hole repairs were realized by point cloud smoothing. The quantitative results showed that data integrity improved after the repair and conformed to the state of the building. The angle and position deviation of the repaired grid were less than 0.54° and 3.25 cm, respectively. Compared with human–computer interaction and other methods, our method required less human intervention, and it had high efficiency. This is of promotional significance for the repair and modeling of point cloud in urban buildings.
Il restauro del pavimento della Basilica del Santo Sepolcro ha costituito un’occasione unica per testare un approccio alla conservazione basato sulla digitalizzazione dell’informazione, un sistema - l’HBIM, Historical Building Information Modelling – che mira a strutturare i dati attorno ad una copia 3D digitale dell’oggetto architettonico in modo da renderli efficienti, accessibili ed interoperabili.
L’aver progettato un intervento di restauro del pavimento e la serie di operazione connesse mediante l’approccio informativo, ha significato sia raccogliere informazioni molto diverse nella struttura (disegni, testi, immagini, schemi, ecc.) e nel contenuto (storico, chimico, fisico, dimensionale) sia progettare e costruire una struttura di dati adatta all’intervento, ma che tenesse in considerazione anche l’eccezionalità del caso studi e tutte le diverse maestranze coinvolte nell’intervento. La sperimentazione affianca il cantiere nelle sue diverse fasi e, finora, sta dimostrando che il sistema HBIM ha la capacità di rispondere correttamente alle esigenze dell’ambito del restauro, anche in casi così eccezionali.
In recent years, various advancements have been made in the implementation of digital model into HBIM as a valid option for managing and visualizing the information generated in the documentation of heritage architecture and preventive conservation actions. However, there is a set of analyses often ignored due to a lack of knowledge about the documentary value they can provide. These encompass geometric, compositional, and metrological analyses in preliminary studies of heritage architecture. This contribution presents a protocol for conducting geometric, compositional, and metrological analyses within the context of heritage buildings using an HBIM framework. It incorporates a comparative study between theoretical models and the actual state extracted from point clouds generated by 3D laser scanning. All of this is aimed at deriving insights into the immediate visualization of the design process carried out by the master builder, as well as the variations experienced by the analyzed elements, both during the construction process and over their life cycle. For this purpose, the vaulted spaces of the bell tower at Valencia Cathedral serve as a test laboratory.
The umbrella vault of the castle in Sondrio, with its frescoes dated back to the 16th century, presents several aspects requiring to be investigated through different competences. On one hand, the stratigraphic interpretation of the wing of the building hosting the vault, inserted in a articulated system of volumes that from defensive fortress changed its function along the time, on the other one the definition of its geometrical characteristics, presenting signs of disruption, required a study in depth of the structure from a multidisciplinary point of view. The relationship among the authors of this “plot” took origin through the analysis of this masonry vault, despite its assessment presented several limits. The direct inspection of the structure was indeed difficult, due to its displacement, the artistic relevance of the decorations and the accessibility of the extrados. Thus, a clear relationship between the observed damages and the composing building techniques constituted an issue. The complementary investigations here presented show the development of that knowledge path characterizing all the efforts addressed to conservation of the architectural heritage. The advanced geometrical survey, used for the crack pattern and the structural analysis, supported also the implementation of numerical models able to provide reliable verifications on the damage development, according to the vulnerabilities of the constructive system.
The benefits of using BIM in the construction sector are now widely recognised. From this awareness comes the aspiration to have the same advantages for the Cultural Heritage (CH) sector, to obtain more sustainability in the process. Indeed, research in recent years has been orientated in this direction. Attempts to use BIM tools to CH have shown the limits of the ability to correctly represent and transmit information, especially on cultural value and conservation activities, and on the presence of available objects, due to the lack of specific content in IFC, which means a lack of interoperability. The provision of ontologies is necessary to allow interoperability. Ontologies permit the conceptualisation of a representative model of reality by defining classes, attributes, and relationships that describe a domain. The research experiments and proposes a flowchart to connect a specific ontological model for Cultural Heritage in a BIM environment. Using Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS), it is possible to modify, improve, and adapt the functions according to the specific needs of users. In addition, this paper analyses the interconnectivity among three software in the BIM environment: FreeCAD, ArchiCAD and Revit, and the steps for an exchange of information between the geometric model and its semantic properties are established. The decorated umbrella vault of Masegra Castle in Sondrio was selected as a case study to show the application of the method and your tool.
Considering the growing attention on the architecture of the second half of the 20th century and the rising issue of its documentation and interpretation, an operative methodology is presented to support knowledge production activities and conservation. Post-war architectural lexicon materialized spatial narratives from the ’50s up to the present. These spatial narratives can be visualized through analogic or digital drawing to gain in-depth knowledge and support interpretation and analysis. The proposed documentation strategy emphasizes the opportunities for digital representation in revealing and interpreting the post-war architectural lexicon. The potential advantages of employing digital survey and representation techniques for information visualization and management are being discussed in relation to the Strutt House, designed by Canadian architect James W. Strutt between 1951 and 1957. The study encompassed a thorough examination of primary and secondary sources, a comprehensive survey, and the experimentation with various modeling approaches in the SCAN to BIM procedure, with the final aim of comprehending the significance, purpose, and cultural value of documented characteristics. The adopted approach exploits the opportunities of geometric 3D modeling to visualize complex structures and semantic enrichment in an HBIM environment to support the knowledge, interpretation, and preservation of this outstanding example of Canadian Post-war architecture.
Valorisation of heritage buildings can greatly be benefited by the update of the existing documentation. BIM (Building Information Modelling) can create a model able to be enriched by new information according to the dynamism of the historical building over time. This work deal with the update of the documentation of the iconic José de Alencar theatre (Fortaleza city – Brazil). A few existing drawings and graphic documents encompassing pictures, original illustrations, and 2D AutoCAD model were catalogued. A digital survey with an integrated approach using laser scanner and UAV photogrammetry technology was performed. 3D model based on existing documentation and digital survey was developed. From the work, an update of the documentation of the theatre over time and a reliable 3D BIM model, with a higher level of information and details, were obtained.
Limit analysis is currently one of the most used approaches for the stability assessment of masonry arches and vaults. The lower and upper bound theorems allow easy and practical identification of the load-bearing capacity, the stress pattern, and the mechanism at the collapse. Novel lower and upper bound numerical approaches based on an exact representation of curved geometries via NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline) are here described. The presentation is enriched with some numerical examples concerning masonry arches and historical vaults.KeywordsLimit analysisNURBSMesh adaptationHistorical masonry vaults
This work presents a method for retrieving 3D building contours usable in facade retrofitting projects, which uses a parametric modeling workflow that utilizes a point-cloud slicing method to retrieve such 3D contours. Since current commitments by European governments seek to reduce energy consumption as a means to reduce carbon emissions from building stock by 2050, facade retrofitting appears as an alternative for addressing operational and embedded building emissions. Within such a context, the main contribution of this work consists of a workflow and a 3D reconstruction solution that uses a parametric environment for capturing building topology and bypassing ground-level occlusions. A real case study and a strategy for converting 3D building contours into Industry Foundation Classes entities, directly from the parametric modeling environment, served as a scenario for testing the capabilities of a Grasshopper solution and open new perspectives for this approach.
With the wide application of modern information technologies such as laser point cloud and photogrammetry, it is more convenient to obtain the three-dimensional model of architectural cultural heritage. However, the complex shape and heterogeneous characteristics of architectural heritage conflict with the standardization procedure of architectural information model (BIM), resulting in the lack of extensive research on heritage architectural information model (HBIM). It is necessary to systematically sort out BIM + cultural heritage research. Firstly, through bibliometric analysis, this paper combs the research context of HBIM, the evolution of research topics and the spatial distribution of cases. Secondly, it reviews from three aspects: HBIM 3D model collection, HBIM and GIS integration, HBIM and virtual scene generation. Finally, combined with the trend of fine management of heritage protection, this paper points out four possible research directions in the future: ① the combination of HBIM and user behavior analysis; ② building environment change monitoring, environmental analysis and simulation based on HBIM; ③ project construction management based on HBIM; ④ HBIM based operation and smart museum. This paper provides a reference for relevant research and practice at home and abroad.
A restoration and conservation project for a building with heritage values requires an increasingly efficient and sustainable methodology. Based on a collaborative ‘Teamwork’ HBIM (Historic Building Information Modelling) project, this paper aims to describe the technical processes applied to a 16th-century historic building to support an open and interoperable workflow between the participating agents. The process is transparent and controllable by operators and disciplines, ensuring direct and continuous access to project data. The study focuses on implementing effective procedures for the identification and classification of heritage architecture.
The first stage comprises the analysis of the geometry and materiality of the existing architecture, using data acquisition technologies such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry. The information modelling of the historic building begins with a medium level of knowledge, based on the metric survey and enriched by the materiality of the textures deriving from the point cloud. This enables a modelling approach that fits building components to the real geometry of the historic building, considering the deformations and irregularities that occur over time.
In the next phase, the BIM project is developed through the analysis of the construction characteristics, materials, and architectural structuring in the historical evolution of the building. The difference between intervening in architectural heritage and new construction lies in the search for the transposition of construction techniques in walls with a long history, thus requiring classification and sectorisation of the various systems used. It is then required to segment the construction systems based on a semantic study of the walls that make up the envelope of the historic architecture. Programming objects in Python within the BIM platform enables the automated identification processes.
The method is applied in the identification of the integrating elements of a larger construction entity, such as the stone ashlars of the masonry wall, and the classification by their construction-temporal dating. The main novelty of this research is the use of the object-oriented programming language (OOP), which automates operations based on an open-source structure and allows the operability of cataloguing, classification, and reuse characteristics.
This paper addresses an important aspect of the built heritage documentation, which concerns encoding information about a building in a formal way, making it available for reuse by the research community. Formal ontologies allow structuring and integrating information from heterogeneous sources without loss of semantic information. In the field of Cultural Heritage (CH), the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CRM) ontology is well known and widely accepted as it provides definitions and a formal structure to describe the implicit and explicit concepts and relationships used in the CH documentation. One of its extensions, the CRMba model, has been specifically designed to document information on a built structure and its components. In this work, we have applied the CRMba model to the documentation of Roman architectures, in particular Roman amphitheatres, demonstrating how the semantic model allows encoding information about the structure of the building and its evolution over time and space, stressing on the concepts of ”empty spaces” and ”functional spaces” defined by form, and focusing on the relationship between form and function. The aim of the work is to explore the potentiality of the model and to provide, through a series of examples supported by graphs, standard encoding procedures to be reused by scholars dealing with similar case studies.
In the last few years, energy retrofit of the existing building stock has quickly positioned itself centre stage of research and application, with several European directives and countries’ legislations focusing the topic in pursuit of sustainability and economic goals. Similarly, as a prominent topic within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has risen in importance in scientific and practical communities, morphing itself from a futuristic scholar concept into a vital core piece of the industry. With an increasing overlap of both areas, researchers and practitioners focused the As-Is BIM Energy Analysis (AIBEA) of a building as an answer to the slow progress of retrofitting the existing building stock, enabling the quick analysis of a building’s energy consumption and the exhaustive comparison of constructive solutions to increase its efficiency. However, several obstacles still hinder the overall productivity and accuracy of this process, with multiple scientific works denoting a growing need to swiftly and automatically acquire accurate, structured, and semantically enriched three-dimensional digital models of existing buildings.
To this end, the present thesis aims to contribute with an answer to this problem by tackling it from two perspectives: (1) the development of supporting documentation and tools for an accurate and swift AIBEA, and (2) the integration and automation of the scan-to-BIM process. To achieve this goal, the author relies on two primary technologies: laser scanning and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These are applied to accurately acquire the as-is building geometry and automate the resulting point cloud segmentation, classification, and modelling within a BIM authoring environment.
Initially, this thesis starts by reviewing the state of the art and theoretical basis on AIBEA and scan-to-BIM, exploring multiple related topics as existing legislation and supporting documentation for the AIBEA workflow; as-is building geometric and energy-related data acquisition; existing software tools and interoperability; AI; deep learning approaches to point cloud segmentation and classification; as well as automated BIM modelling and subsequent data enrichment. Afterwards, the thesis’ contributions are presented and divided into five unique modules, allowing for a thorough exploration of each contribution. The modules are: (1) identification of AIBEA requirements; (2) as-is building data acquisition; (3) point cloud segmentation and classification; (4) automated BIM modelling; and (5) BIM model enrichment and exportation to energy analysis software. Together, the modules comprise a methodology for an enhanced AIBEA. This methodology is then applied in five different experiments to evaluate its performance and identify its advantages and limitations. Based on the achieved results, relevant conclusions regarding the thesis’ contributions and applied technologies are retrieved. The experiments achieved successful results, justifying its continuous development in future works.
Throughout the thesis, multiple topics of further interest to the literature are expanded, promoting the research of existing scientific and industry problems, and proposing original methods for the identification of contractual requirements and quality verification parameters for the scan-to-BIM process; analysis of laser scanner parameters and its influence over the final point cloud information; optimal placement of laser scanner stations; artificial training of deep learning algorithms; and identification of construction materials through laser scanning.
In 2011, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) embarked on a comprehensive rehabilitation of the historically significant West Block of Canada’s Parliament Hill. With over 17 thousand square meters of floor space, the West Block is one of the largest projects of its kind in the world. As part of the rehabilitation, PWGSC is working with the Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) to develop a building information model (BIM) that can serve as maintenance and life-cycle management tool once construction is completed. The scale and complexity of the model have presented many challenges. One of these challenges is determining appropriate levels of detail (LoD). While still a matter of debate in the development of international BIM standards, LoD is further complicated in the context of heritage buildings because we must reconcile the LoD of the BIM with that used in the documentation process (terrestrial laser scan and photogrammetric survey data). In this paper, we will discuss our work to date on establishing appropriate LoD within the West Block BIM that will best serve the end use. To facilitate this, we have developed a single parametric model for gothic pointed arches that can be used for over seventy-five unique window types present in the West Block. Using the AEC (CAN) BIM as a reference, we have developed a workflow to test each of these window types at three distinct levels of detail. We have found that the parametric Gothic arch significantly reduces the amount of time necessary to develop scenarios to test appropriate LoD.
This paper presents a complete methodology for HBIM generation based on NURBS derived from a set of point clouds. NURBS combined with profiles and anchor points allow one to model the shape of complex historical objects surveyed with laser scanning techniques. As NURBS are mathematical functions defined through mathematical vectors, they can be converted into BIM objects in order to add semantic information.
In the last few decades various conceptual models, methods and techniques have been studied to allow 3D digital access to Cultural Heritage (CH). Among these is BIM (Building Information Modeling): originally built up for construction projects, it has been already experimented in the CH domain, but not enough in the archaeological field. This paper illustrates a framework to create 3D archaeological models integrated with databases using BIM. The models implemented are queryable by the connection with a Relational Database Management System and sharable on the web. Parametric solid and semantic models are integrated with 3D standardized database models that are finally manageable in the public cloud. The BIM application’s work-flow here described has been experimented on the Roman structures inside the Crypt of St. Sergius and Bacchus Church (Rome). The experiment has highlighted capabilities and limitations of BIM applications in the archaeological domain.
This paper describes the use of BIM models derived from point clouds for structural simulation based on Finite Element Analysis
(FEA). Although BIM interoperability has reached a significant level of maturity, the density of laser point clouds provides very
detailed BIM models that cannot directly be used in FEA software. The rationalization of the BIM towards a new finite element
model is not a simple reduction of the number of nodes. The interconnections between the different elements and their materials
require a particular attention: BIM technology includes geometrical aspects and structural considerations that allow one to
understand and replicate the constructive elements and their mutual interaction. The information must be accurately investigated to
obtain a finite element model suitable for a complete and detailed structural analysis. The aim of this paper is to prove that a drastic
reduction of the quality of the BIM model is not necessary. Geometric data encapsulated into dense point clouds can be taken into
consideration also for finite element analysis.
In order to improve the framework for 3D modeling, a great challenge is to obtain the suitability of Building Information Model (BIM) platform for historical architecture. A specific challenge in HBIM is to guarantee appropriateness of geometrical accuracy. The present work demonstrates the feasibility of a whole HBIM approach for complex architectural shapes, starting from TLS point clouds. A novelty of our method is to work in a 3D environment throughout the process and to develop semantics during the construction phase. This last feature of HBIM was analyzed in the present work verifying the studied ontologies, enabling the data enrichment of the model with non-geometrical information, such as historical notes, decay or deformation evidence, decorative elements etc. The case study is the Church of Santa Maria at Portonovo, an abbey from the Romanesque period. Irregular or complex historical architecture, such as Romanesque, needs the construction of shared libraries starting from the survey of its already existing elements. This is another key aspect in delivering Building Information Modeling standards. In particular, we focus on the quality assessment of the obtained model, using an open-source sw and the point cloud as reference. The proposed work shows how it is possible to develop a high quality 3D model semantic-aware, capable of connecting geometrical-historical survey with descriptive thematic databases. In this way, a centralized HBIM will serve as comprehensive dataset of information about all disciplines, particularly for restoration and conservation. Moreover, the geometric accuracy will ensure also reliable visualization outputs.
In this paper the current findings to date of the Historic Building Information Model (HBIM) of the Four Courts in Dublin are presented. The Historic Building Information Model (HBIM) forms the basis for both structural and conservation analysis to measure the impact of war damage which still impacts on the building. The laser scan survey was carried out in the summer of 2014 of the internal and external structure. After registration and processing of the laser scan survey, the HBIM was created of the damaged section of the building and is presented as two separate workflows in this paper. The first is the model created from historic data, the second a procedural and segmented model developed from laser scan survey of the war damaged drum and dome. From both models structural damage and decay simulations will be developed for documentation and conservation analysis.
Today, we need 3D models of heritage buildings in order to handle more efficiently projects of restoration, documentation
and maintenance. In this context, developing a performing approach, based on a first phase of building survey, is a necessary
step in order to build a semantically enriched digital model. For this purpose, the Building Information Modeling is an
efficient tool for storing and exchanging knowledge about buildings. In order to create such a model, there are three
fundamental steps: acquisition, segmentation and modeling. For these reasons, it is essential to understand and analyze this
entire chain that leads to a well- structured and enriched 3D digital model. This paper proposes a survey and an analysis of
the existing approaches on these topics and tries to define a new approach of semantic structuring taking into account the
complexity of this chain.
Whether a house of worship or a simple farmhouse, the fabrication of a building reveals both the unspoken cultural aspirations of the
builder and the inevitable exigencies of the construction process. In other-words, why buildings are made is intimately and inevitably
associated with how buildings are made. Nowhere is this more evident than in vernacular architecture. At the Carleton Immersive
Media Studio (CIMS) we are concerned that the de-population of Canada's rural areas, paucity of specialized tradespersons, and
increasing complexity of building codes threaten the sustainability of this invaluable cultural resource. For current and future
generations, the quantitative and qualitative values of traditional methods of construction are essential for an inclusive cultural
memory. More practically, and equally pressing, an operational knowledge of these technologies is essential for the conservation of
our built heritage. To address these concerns, CIMS has launched a number of research initiatives over the past five years that
explore novel protocols for the documentation and dissemination of knowledge related to traditional methods of construction. Our
current project, Cultural Diversity and Material Imagination in Canadian Architecture (CDMICA), made possible through funding
from Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), explores the potential of building information modelling
(BIM) within the context of a web-based environment.
In this paper, we discuss our work-to-date on the development of a web-based library of BIM details that is referenced to ''typical''
assemblies culled from 19C and early 20C construction manuals. The parametric potential of these ''typical'' details is further refined
by evidence from the documentation of ''specific'' details studied during comprehensive surveys of extant heritage buildings. Here,
we consider a BIM of the roof truss assembly of one of the oldest buildings in Canada's national capital – the Commissariat
Building and current home to the Bytown Museum – as a case study within the CDMICA project.
Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is a novel prototype library of parametric objects based on historic data and a system of cross platform programmes for mapping parametric objects onto a point cloud and image survey data. The HBIM process begins with remote collection of survey data using a terrestrial laser scanner combined with digital photo modelling. The next stage involves the design and construction of a parametric library of objects, which are based on the manuscripts ranging from Vitruvius to 18th century architectural pattern books. In building parametric objects, the problem of file format and exchange of data has been overcome within the BIM ArchiCAD software platform by using geometric descriptive language (GDL). The plotting of parametric objects onto the laser scan surveys as building components to create or form the entire building is the final stage in the reverse engineering process. The final HBIM product is the creation of full 3D models including detail behind the object's surface concerning its methods of construction and material make-up. The resultant HBIM can automatically create cut sections, details and schedules in addition to the orthographic projections and 3D models (wire frame or textured).
The theory of using Building Information Modelling "BIM" has been used in several Heritage places in the worldwide, in the case of
conserving, documenting, managing, and creating full engineering drawings and information. However, one of the most serious
issues that facing many experts in order to use the Historical Building Information Modelling "HBIM", is creating the complicated
architectural elements of these Historical buildings. In fact, many of these outstanding architectural elements have been designed and
created in the site to fit the exact location. Similarly, this issue has been faced the experts in Old Jeddah in order to use the BIM
method for Old Jeddah historical Building. Moreover, The Saudi Arabian City has a long history as it contains large number of
historic houses and buildings that were built since the 16th century. Furthermore, the BIM model of the historical building in Old
Jeddah always take a lot of time, due to the unique of Hijazi architectural elements and no such elements library, which have been
took a lot of time to be modelled. This paper will focus on building the Hijazi architectural elements library based on laser scanner
and image survey data. This solution will reduce the time to complete the HBIM model and offering in depth and rich digital
architectural elements library to be used in any heritage projects in Al-Balad district, Jeddah City.
Building Information Modeling: BIM in Current and Future Practice stretches the boundaries of BIM. The chapters cover a range from theoretical research that can inform future BIM -- performance based design to commentary on current issues in BIM such as “single BIM” versus “multiple BIMs” including my chapter on Analytical BIM: BIM Fragments, Domain Gaps, and Other Impediments. Leading academic BIM thought leaders contributed reviewed research papers that provide clarity and direction for thinking about the current practice and the future directions of BIM, instigating commentary by foremost thinkers about both research about BIM and speculation into the future of BIM. Selected professionals (Morphosis, AECOM, CO Architects, and others) submitted digital material. Professor Chuck Eastman (the highly respected expert in this field) provided the Forward.
Building Information Modeling (BIM), also called n-D Modeling or Virtual Prototyping Technology, is a revolutionary development that is quickly reshaping the Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry. BIM is both a technology and a process. The technology component of BIM helps project stakeholders to visualize what is to be built in a simulated environment to identify any potential design, construction or operational issues. The process component enables close collaboration and encourages integration of the roles of all stakeholders on a project. The paper presents an overview of BIM with focus on its core concepts, applications in the project life cycle and benefits for project stakeholders with the help of case studies. The paper also elaborates risks and barriers to BIM implementation and future trends.
In 2011, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) embarked on a comprehensive rehabilitation of the historically significant West Block of Canada's Parliament Hill. With over 17 thousand square meters of floor space, the West Block is one of the largest projects of its kind in the world. As part of the rehabilitation, PWGSC is working with the Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) to develop a building information model (BIM) that can serve as maintenance and life-cycle management tool once construction is completed. The scale and complexity of the model have presented many challenges. One of these challenges is determining appropriate levels of detail (LoD). While still a matter of debate in the development of international BIM standards, LoD is further complicated in the context of heritage buildings because we must reconcile the LoD of the BIM with that used in the documentation process (terrestrial laser scan and photogrammetric survey data). In this paper, we will discuss our work to date on establishing appropriate LoD within the West Block BIM that will best serve the end use. To facilitate this, we have developed a single parametric model for gothic pointed arches that can be used for over seventy-five unique window types present in the West Block. Using the AEC (CAN) BIM as a reference, we have developed a workflow to test each of these window types at three distinct levels of detail. We have found that the parametric Gothic arch significantly reduces the amount of time necessary to develop scenarios to test appropriate LoD.
a b s t r a c t Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is a novel prototype library of parametric objects, based on historic architectural data and a system of cross platform programmes for mapping parametric objects onto point cloud and image survey data. The HBIM process begins with remote collection of survey data using a terrestrial laser scanner combined with digital photo modelling. The next stage involves the design and construction of a parametric library of objects, which are based on the manuscripts ranging from Vitruvius to 18th century architectural pattern books. In building parametric objects, the problem of file format and exchange of data has been overcome within the BIM ArchiCAD software platform by using geometric descriptive language (GDL). The plotting of parametric objects onto the laser scan sur-veys as building components to create or form the entire building is the final stage in the reverse engi-neering process. The final HBIM product is the creation of full 3D models including detail behind the object's surface concerning its methods of construction and material make-up. The resultant HBIM can automatically create cut sections, details and schedules in addition to the orthographic projections and 3D models (wire frame or textured) for both the analysis and conservation of historic objects, structures and environments. Ó 2012 International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Inc. (ISPRS) Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Purpose
– The purpose of this research is to outline in detail the procedure of remote data capture using laser scanning and the subsequent processing required in order to identify a new methodology for creating full engineering drawings (orthographic and 3D models) from laser scan and image survey data for historic structures.
Design/methodology/approach
– Historic building information modelling (HBIM) is proposed as a new system of modelling historic structures; the HBIM process begins with remote collection of survey data using a terrestrial laser scanner combined with digital cameras. A range of software programs is then used to combine the image and scan data.
Findings
– Meshing of the point cloud followed by texturing from the image data creates a framework for the creation of a 3D model. Mapping of BIM objects onto the 3D surface model is the final stage in the reverse engineering process, creating full 2D and 3D models including detail behind the object's surface concerning its methods of construction and material makeup, this new process is described as HBIM.
Originality/value
– The future research within this area will concentrate on three main stands. The initial strand is to attempt improve the application of geometric descriptive language to build complex parametric objects. The second stand is the development of a library of parametric based on historic data (from Vitruvius to 18th century architectural pattern books). Finally, while it is possible to plot parametric objects onto the laser scan data, there is need to identify intermediate software platforms to accelerate this stage within the HBIM framework.
Purpose
The transformation of cities from the industrial age (unsustainable) to the knowledge age (sustainable) is essentially a “whole life cycle” process consisting of planning, development, operation, reuse and renewal. During this transformation, a multi‐disciplinary knowledge base, created from studies and research about the built environment aspects is fundamental: historical, architectural, archeologically, environmental, social, economic, etc., and critical. Although there are a growing number of applications of 3D VR modelling applications, some built environment applications such as disaster management, environmental simulations, computer‐aided architectural design and planning require more sophisticated models beyond 3D graphical visualization such as multifunctional, interoperable, intelligent, and multi‐representational. Advanced digital mapping technologies such as 3D laser scanner technologies can be enablers for effective e‐planning, consultation and communication of users' views during the planning, design, construction and lifecycle process of the built environment. These technologies can be used to drive the productivity gains by promoting a free‐flow of information between departments, divisions, offices, and sites; and between themselves, their contractors and partners when the data captured via those technologies are processed and modelled into building information modelling (BIM). The use of these technologies is a key enabler to the creation of new approaches to the “Whole Life Cycle” process within the built and human environment for the twenty‐first century. This paper aims to look at this subject.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes the research towards BIM for existing structures via the point cloud data captured by the 3D laser scanner technology. A case study building is used to demonstrate how to produce 3D CAD models and BIM models of existing structures based on designated techniques.
Findings
The paper finds that BIM can be achieved for existing structures by modelling the data captured with 3D laser scanner from the existing world. This can be accomplished by adapting appropriate automated data processing and pattern recognition techniques through applied science research.
Practical implications
BMI will enable automated and fast data capture and modelling for not only in design and planning, building refurbishment, effective heritage documentation and VR modelling but also disaster management, environmental analysis, assessment and monitoring, GIS implementation, sophisticated simulation environments for different purposes such as climate change, regeneration simulation for complexity and uncertainty and so on. As a result, it will increase the capability for fast production of virtual reality models and comprehensive and sophisticated simulation platforms.
Originality/value
The paper provides useful information on BMI for existing structures.
Universitario As Lagoas –Marcosende s/n 36200 Vigo Spain – (belenriveiro, parias, julia, firv, merchisolla)@uvigo.es Commission V, WG V/2 ABSTRACT: This paper describes the project of the Close Range Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Group, University of Vigo, Spain, involving historic arch bridges in Galicia, Spain. The first aim of this Project consists on building a database of the historic arch bridges in Galicia, documenting location, surroundings, geometry, singular characteristics, structural faults, building material and state of conservation. On the other side, a methodology is being designed to optimize measuring and analysing techniques: Close Range Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning as 3D modelling tools for geometry and cracks documentation (Arias et al, 2005), Ground Penetrating Radar for inner material characterization and zones description, and FEM as structural analysis tool to establish stress distribution compatible with the detected damages, allowing identifying its possible causes. This stage includes the development of a procedure to synergize these techniques to obtain more reliable results.The data and results that have obtained until the date are described in detail. Building styles, singular characteristics of the arch bridges in this region, building materials, and the state of conservation are reported. Further, the methodology for the 3D modelling by digital close range photogrammetry of the bridges, which have varying locations, size, geometry and accessibility is also described, including the requirements which have been considered to grant the utility of the 3D models in further stages of the project: GPR analysis and structural analysis by FEM. (B. Riveiro).
The importance of landscape and heritage recording and documentation with optical remote sensing sensors is well recognized at international level. The continuous development of new sensors, data capture methodologies and multi-resolution 3D representations, contributes significantly to the digital 3D documentation, mapping, conservation and representation of landscapes and heritages and to the growth of research in this field. This article reviews the actual optical 3D measurement sensors and 3D modeling techniques, with their limitations and potentialities, requirements and specifications. Examples of 3D surveying and modeling of heritage sites and objects are also shown throughout the paper.
In this paper the main problems and the available solutions are addressed for the generation of 3D models from terrestrial images. Close range photogrammetry has dealt for many years with manual or automatic image measurements for precise 3D modelling. Nowadays 3D scanners are also becoming a standard source for input data in many application areas, but image-based modelling still remains the most complete, economical, portable, flexible and widely used approach. In this paper the full pipeline is presented for 3D modelling from terrestrial image data, considering the different approaches and analysing all the steps involved. © 2006 The Authors. Journal Compilation 2006 The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
A frequent requirement in computer aided design and manufacture is to update or refine an existing CAD model using measured data. Least squares surface fitting is known to suffer from stability problems, caused by an insufficient measurement density in some regions. This is particularly evident in situations involving local surface updating and when knot insertion is applied for local surface refinement. This paper presents a new method to update the CAD model consisting of NURBS surfaces, trimmed or untrimmed, based on a set of unorganised measured points in three-dimensional space. The proposed method overcomes the fundamental problem of singular or ill-conditioned matrices resulting from incomplete data sets. This was achieved by introducing additional fitting criteria in the minimisation functional, which constrain the fitted surface in the regions with insufficient number of data points. Two main benefits were realised by this approach. First, local surface updating can be performed by treating the surface as a whole, without the need to specially identify the regions with insufficient data, nor to re-measure those regions. Second, the quality of the unmeasured regions may be controlled to suit specific needs. The results were found to be highly encouraging and the method was found to be especially useful in situations involving knot insertion and large surface deformations.
This article reports on a multi-resolution and multi-sensor approach developed for the accurate and detailed 3D modeling of the entire Roman Forum in Pompei, Italy. The archaeological area, approximately 150 ? 80 m, contains more than 350 finds spread all over the forum as well as larger mural structures of previous buildings and temples. The interdisciplinary 3D modeling work consists of a multi-scale image- and range-based digital documentation method developed to fulfill all the surveying and archaeological needs and exploit all the intrinsic potentialities of the actual 3D modeling techniques. The data resolution spans from a few decimeters down to few millimeters. The employed surveying methodologies have pros and cons which will be addressed and discussed. The results of the integration of the different 3D data in seamlessly textured 3D model are finally presented and discussed.
Free-form deformation (FFD) is a powerful modeling tool, but controlling the shape of an object under complex deformations is often difficult. The interface to FFD in most conventional systems simply represents the underlying mathematics directly; users describe deformations by manipulating control points. The difficulty in controlling shape precisely is largely due to the control points being extraneous to the object; the deformed object does not follow the control points exactly. In addition, the number of degrees of freedom presented to the user can be overwhelming. We present a method that allows a user to control a free-form deformation of an object by manipulating the object directly, leading to better control of the deformation and a more intuitive interface. CR Categories: I.3.5 [Computer Graphics]: Computational Geometry and Object Modeling - Curve, Surface, Solid, and Object Representations; I.3.6 [Computer Graphics ]: Methodology and Techniques - Interaction Techniques. Add...
This paper presents the photogrammetric pipeline behind the generation of the UAV-based orthophoto of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio (L’Aquila, Italy). The 2009 L’Aquila earthquake caused serious damage to the basilica and a restoration work is currently in progress. A part of the research carried out by the authors was the investigation of UAV technology in urban context for supporting the surveying phase carried out with modern techniques that include total station data, laser scans, and close-range photogrammetry. The image acquisition phase by means of an UAV platform is illustrated and discussed along with the implemented algorithms used to generate an orthophoto with a flight over the whole basilica. We would like to prove that UAV technology has reached a significant level of maturity and image acquisition can be carried out in fully automated way. On the other hand, image processing software today available on the commercial market could be insufficient for accurate and detailed reconstructions. The implementation of ad-hoc algorithms is therefore mandatory to exploit the full potential and automate the photogrammetric processing workflow.
The research presented here is the result of two related theses, carried out in collaboration between PoliMi, (Italy) and NTUA, (Greece). Part of it is carried out within the INTERREG EU project framework, which aims to the valuation and dissemination of the role of the Church of S.Maria di Scaria (Vall' Intelvi) in the international European exchange of skills in the past centuries. It mainly focuses on the Carloni's intervention (XVIII century), a local family of craftsmen, famous across many European cities and regions for the construction of monuments with rich decorations. In this way they managed to send holy gifts and money, but also offered their skills in order to enrich the church of Scaria as a symbol of their success. The laser scanning and photogrammetric surveys have been carried out with the on-site stratigraphic analysis and with the quest for the scarcely available historical documents, in an attempt to study the reconstruction and the main transformations and chronological phases, from the Romanic to the Baroque interventions and to the more recent ones: An integrated BIM approach has been chosen as an experimental way of transmitting a piece of the history of the church life to the local people and also for touristic purposes. In order to disseminate the information on the transformations of the building and on the various decorations in a way that would facilitate the readability and interpretation of the monument by the visitors, a little local museum, co-funded by the EU Interreg programme, is planned to be realized mainly containing the exhibition of the collections of the sacred vessels and furnishings donated to the church in the past. To enhance this aim a 3D object modeling will also be exposed in the multimedia section of the museum. A Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) has been
Building information modeling (BIM) is one of the most promising recent developments in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. With BIM technology, an accurate virtual model of a building is digitally constructed. This model, known as a building information model, can be used for planning, design, construction, and operation of the facility. It helps architects, engineers, and constructors visualize what is to be built in a simulated environment to identify any potential design, construction, or operational issues. BIM represents a new paradigm within AEC, one that encourages integration of the roles of all stakeholders on a project. In this paper, current trends, benefits, possible risks, and future challenges of BIM for the AEC industry are discussed. The findings of this study provide useful information for AEC industry practitioners considering implementing BIM technology in their projects.
This is a design guide for architects, engineers, and contractors concerning the principles and specific applications of building information modeling (BIM). BIM has the potential to revolutionize the building industry, and yet not all architects and construction professionals fully understand what the benefits of BIM are or even the fundamental concepts behind it. As part of the PocketArchitecture Series it includes two parts: fundamentals and applications, which provide a comprehensive overview of all the necessary and essential issues. It also includes case studies from a range of project sizes that illustrate the key concepts clearly and use a wide range of visual aids. Building Information Modeling addresses the key role that BIM is playing in shaping the software tools and office processes in the architecture, engineering, and construction professions. Primarily aimed at professionals, it is also useful for faculty who wish to incorporate this information into their courses on digital design, BIM, and professional practice. As a compact summary of key ideas it is ideal for anyone implementing BIM.
Nowadays there is a huge proliferation of fully automatic image-based solutions producing either three-dimensional (3D) point clouds or 3D models. However, the reliability of the output is not usually reported and clarified. This paper presents a comparison of the 3D modelling results achieved on two rock art shelters at separate archaeological sites using a high-resolution digital camera. The 3D point clouds were produced using automatic image-based photogrammetric and computer vision software running either locally (FOTOGIFLE and VisualSFM) or through a web-based reconstruction service (Autodesk 123D Catch). The first two automatic approaches are compared with a manual bundle block adjustment. Dense image matching was undertaken to densify the point clouds prior to 3D modelling. The derived 3D models are compared with a time-of-flight laser scanning dataset that was used as ground truth. Statistical analysis shows significant metric differences on the digital surface models for the different solutions. © 2014 The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The automatic generation of 3D as-built models from LiDAR data is a topic where significant progress has been made in recent years. This paper describes a new method for the detection and automatic 3D modelling of frame connections and the formation of profiles comprising a metal frame from LiDAR data. The method has been developed using an approach to create 2.5D density images for subsequent processing using the Hough transform. The structure connections can be automatically identified after selecting areas in the point cloud. As a result, the coordinates of the connection centre, composition (profiles, size and shape of the haunch) and direction of their profiles are extracted. A standard file is generated with the data obtained from the geometric and semantic characterisation of the connections. The 3D model of connections and metal frames, which are suitable for processing software for structural engineering applications, are generated automatically based on this file. The algorithm presented in this paper has been tested under laboratory conditions and also with several industrial portal frames, achieving promising results. Finally, 3D models were generated, and structural calculations were performed.
Image matching has a history of more than 50 years, with the first experiments performed with analogue procedures for cartographic and mapping purposes. The recent integration of computer vision algorithms and photogrammetric methods is leading to interesting procedures which have increasingly automated the entire image-based 3D modelling process. Image matching is one of the key steps in 3D modelling and mapping. This paper presents a critical review and analysis of four dense image-matching algorithms, available as open-source and commercial software, for the generation of dense point clouds. The eight datasets employed include scenes recorded from terrestrial and aerial blocks, acquired with convergent and normal (parallel axes) images, and with different scales. Geometric analyses are reported in which the point clouds produced with each of the different algorithms are compared with one another and also to ground-truth data.
The aim of this paper is to identify elements that can contribute to elaborate a proper methodology for 3D content model generation: the availability of advanced surveying technologies (Terrestrial Laser Scanner, Photogrammetry, Multispectral data integration) can have a great potential in generating knowledge, especially if integrated by historical documentation on the ancient constructive technologies. In this sense the use of technological-constructive analysis could better orient 3D Informative Object reconstruction. Such approach has been here applied to the vault structures: the main contribution was the investigation of maintenance analysis and of structural stability, supporting the comprehension of the behaviour of architectural elements within the overall framework of the artefact. The logic of Building Information Models (BIM) approach, such as Object Content Model, has opened interesting scenarios to be investigated for the future, and that could become more useful for the sites' monitoring and for the life cycle management within planned conservation processes.
Image and template matching is probably the most important function in digital photogrammetry and also in automated modelling and mapping. Many approaches for matching have evolved over the years, but the problem is still unsolved in general terms. This paper describes the development of image matching techniques in photogrammetry over the past 50 years, addresses the results of some empirical accuracy studies and also provides a critical account of some of the problems that remain.Although automated approaches have quite a number of advantages, the quality of the results is still not satisfactory and, in some cases, far from acceptable. Even with the most advanced techniques, it is not yet possible to achieve the quality of results that a human operator can produce. There is an urgent need for further improvements and innovations, be it through more powerful multi-sensor approaches, thereby enlarging the information spectrum, and/or through advancements in image understanding algorithms, thus coming closer to human capabilities of reading and understanding image content.
This paper presents a possible way of surveying and modelling very complex architecture, integrating different instrumentation and modelling methods. In particular, it aims to draw attention to a possible measurement and data processing procedure allowing the rapid collection and post-processing of data in order to extract classical architectural products such as sections and profiles, and to build complete, accurate 3D models. The need is to structure a multiple data source procedure within a five-year project (still in progress) to survey and model the main spire of Milan Cathedral three-dimensionally. The spire is a very complex object and, for this reason, provides a really useful, challenging field test for new 3D survey technologies and, in particular, for integrating a variety of modelling methodologies. The paper describes survey workflow and processing steps, focusing on problems and justifying key choices.
Although automated object surface reconstruction via feature-based matching is commonly employed in both stereoscopic close range and topographic photogrammetry, it has rarely been used in conjunction with multi-image, convergent photogrammetric networks. A prerequisite for feature-based matching of distinct points is the application of interest operators to provide the dense arrays of candidate feature points within the images forming the network. This paper describes an evaluation of three interest operators, the Förstner, SUSAN and FAST algorithms, the aim being to assess which is optimal for feature-based matching in convergent close range photogrammetry. Following a brief review of the development of interest operators, a description of the three operators is provided, with the recently developed FAST operator being discussed in more detail. The merits of image pre-processing via the Wallis filter are also outlined, after which the performance of the interest operators is experimentally assessed within an eight-image network on the basis of accuracy of interest-point localisation, detection rate and speed. The findings of the evaluation are that, of the Förstner, SUSAN and FAST operators, the FAST, which has not been employed to a significant extent in photogrammetry to date, is optimal for feature-based matching in multi-image close range networks. © 2010 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2010 The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
In this paper an automated methodology is presented (i) to orient a set of close-range images captured with a calibrated camera, and (ii) to extract dense and accurate point clouds starting from the estimated orientation parameters. The whole procedure combines different algorithms and techniques in order to obtain accurate 3D reconstructions in an automatic way. The exterior orientation parameters are estimated using a photogrammetric bundle adjustment with the image correspondences detected using area- and feature-based matching algorithms. Surface measurements are then performed using advanced multi-image matching techniques based on multiple image primitives. To demonstrate the reliability, precision and robustness of the procedure, several tests on different kinds of free-form objects are illustrated and discussed in the paper. Three-dimensional comparisons with range-based data are also carried out.
Consumer-grade digital cameras have become commonplace and with calibration there is significant potential for their use in photogrammetric applications. This paper describes a new method for automatic camera calibration, which is suited to colour digital cameras. Two innovations are central to the developed process. The first is exploitation of RGB colour attributes in the design of automatically detected and identified coded targets. The second is a new approach to initial value determination for relative orientation, which then supports fully automatic initial network exterior orientation and subsequent bundle adjustment with self-calibration. Accuracy aspects are also touched upon and the impact of chromatic aberration is discussed. Finally, an example of the automatic calibration process, which is implemented in the iWitness system, is presented for the case of multiple zoom settings of a consumer-grade digital camera. © 2006 The Authors. Journal Compilation 2006 The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
This paper generalizes three very important algorithms for surfaces which previously only worked well with polynomials. The algorithms are calculation of piecewise linear approximations, min-max boxes, and surface/surface intersections. The class of surfaces that can be handled are all parametric C2 surfaces. All the algorithms are related by theorems from approximation theory which give information about the maximum deviation an approximation to a surface can have if bounds on partial derivatives are known. We generalize these theorems to work with parametric geometry, and we also show how to obtain the necessary bounds.
NURBS surfaces are among the most commonly used parametric surfaces in CAGD and Computer Graphics. This paper investigates shape modification of NURBS surfaces with geometric constraints, such as point, normal vector, and curve constraints. Two new methods are presented by constrained optimization and energy minimization. The former is based on minimizing changes in control net of surfaces, whereas the latter is based on strain energy minimization. By these two methods, we change control points and weights of an original surface, such that the modified surface satisfies the given constraints. Comparison results and practical examples are also given.
Recently, modern manufacturing systems have been designed which can machine arbitrary parametric curves while greatly reducing data communication between CAD/CAM and CNC systems. However, a constant feedrate and chord accuracy between two interpolated points along parametric curves are generally difficult to achieve due to the non-uniform map between curves and parameters. A speed-controlled interpolation algorithm with an adaptive feedrate is proposed in this paper. Since the chord error in interpolation depends on the curve speed and the radius of curvature, the feedrate in the proposed algorithm is automatically adjusted so that a specified limit on the chord error is met. Both simulation and experimental results for non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) examples are provided to verify the feasibility and precision of the proposed interpolation algorithm.
The skinning method for interpolation over user-defined surface sections is one of the most widely used tools for interactive shape description in computer-aided design. The standard interaction technique with the skinning method uses a spine curve for the transformation of planar section curves to the object space. To increase the shape control in the longitudinal surface direction, projection curve techniques for interactive B-spline surface interpolation are presented. The methods are demonstrated with an application from ceramic industry.
A system for modifying the shape of rational B-splines is presented. A set of tools are introduced that take full advantage of rational B-spline properties. Weight as well as control point-based methods are presented in geometric settings yielding fast, reliable and very accurate shape handles.
Tools for interactive shape modifications of rational B-splines are presented. The techniques are generalizations of curve modification methods reported in a previous paper.
The conventional method of evaluating B-splines by means of divided differences is numerically unstable. A relation between B-splines of consecutive degrees is derived which enables B-splines to be evaluated in a stable and efficient fashion. Analyses of error growth in the conventional and the stable methods
are carried out. For the stable method an a priori relative error bound is obtained.
The main geometric features of the nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS) curve and surface representations are described. It is shown that most of these features are already exhibited by conics, which are a special case of NURBS. The properties typical of NURBS are discussed without dwelling on properties already present in polynomial curves. Conic sections and their representations using rational Bezier curves are reviewed. Cubic NURB curves, geometrical rational splines, rational and B-spline surfaces, and rational Bezier triangles are discussed
Nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curves and surfaces, which are based on rational and B-splines, are defined. The important characteristics of NURBS that have contributed to their wide acceptance as standard tools for geometry representation and design are summarized. Their application to representing conic sections and commonly used surfaces, designing curves and surfaces, and modifying shapes is examined.< >
The effects of building information modeling on construction site productivity
- D E Chelson