From scan-to-BIM to a structural finite elements model of built heritage for dynamic simulation

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. •HBIM constitutes a valid support for the definition of FEMs of the built heritage.•3D metric survey and NURBS can facilitate the workflow for structural simulations.•Crisis phenomena of masonry and roofing system are investigated.•A wide spectrum of future CH maintenance and management opportunities is also presented.