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Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage

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A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Sensing and Imaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 21549

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonia Spano

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Guest Editor

Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Viale Mattioli 39, 10125 Turin, Italy
Interests: image- and range-based survey methods (close-range photogrammetry, LiDAR, mobile mapping systems mainly applied to built and cultural heritage); 3D models; spatial data standards; GIS tools and analysis; 3D mapping
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Dr. Giulia Sammartano

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Guest Editor

Department of Architecture and Design, Polytechnic University of Turin, Viale Pier Andrea Mattioli 39, 10138 Torino, Italy
Interests: urban heritage; UAV and close-range photogrammetry; SLAM-based technologies and application in the field of historical structures and urban contexts
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Rosario Ceravolo

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Guest Editor

Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
Interests: architectural heritage; cultural heritage risk characterisation; dynamic identification; earthquake engineering; natech; structural dynamics; structural engineering; structural health monitoring

Dr. Erica Lenticchia

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Guest Editor

Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy
Interests: experimental dynamics; SHM of structures and infrastructures; architectural heritage monitoring; architectural heritage seismic assessment; condition assessment and diagnosis of existing structures and infrastructures

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The digitization processes in cultural heritage carries multiple meanings, especially within the framework of

interdisciplinar activities and research.

The in-depth knowledge of architectural heritage is currently a relevant need in the framework of heritage conservation plans which typically make use of a complex set of investigations that need to be connected for boosting the complete interpretation of built heritage, in a common purpose of protection and safeguarding, also related to the present challenges regarding new rules of construction facing seismic vulnerability and many environmental- and human-based hazards.

Recently, the 3D survey technologies based on image- and range-based methods, together with the information management strategies in smart systems (digital twins), are called to establish alliances with diagnostic methods for assessing the health of the structures and architectural heritage, so that the comparison and holistic exchange approaches and assessments can guarantee an effective response for a complete and rich vision of the spatial, temporal, multi-content, and multi-scale implications that the complexity and granularity of the architectural heritage imposes.

Adopting these approaches, conservation and enhancement projects are able to guarantee that heritage and its historical and social implications are an engine of cultural development of society, as prefigured by the international agendas and guide lines.

This Special Issue would invite colleagues to submit papers discussing their research activities on recent progress and applications of advanced digitization for heritage structures modeling and monitoring.

The contributions can be related, but not limited to:

New technologies for 3D mapping, image-range data, visible-non visible heritage and phenomena, aerial-terrestrial sensors, low-cost and portability issues, management of 3D-enriched poin clouds, optimization, segmentation, annotation, AI for point clouds;
As-built modeling for complex surfaces in the process of structural elements reconstruction, oriented to structural simulation based on multiple construction techniques, with a particular attention to XX century legacies. Masonry, concrete, sperimental and new construction systems and techniques;
Sensors integration and fusion applied to the digitization of complex heritge structures oriented to documentation and conservation plans;
Semantic appied to heritage, ontologies, integration of information related to 3D-geometry and structural analysis;
Structural health monitoring;
Multi-sensors DT and NDT ispections and integration on heritage structures based on digital models as a multi-dimension database: georadar, termographs, endoscopies, coring, sclerometer index; Ultrasonic tests; corrosion potential, temperature and humidity monitoring; carbonation depth index; elastic modulus and compression tests on the extraction of structure samples;
Digital twin models as a 3D, intelligent archive for information collection and management of multiples analysis for boosting heritge knowledge and preservation;
Optimal sensors placement for structural health monitoring;
Integration of digitization processes for structutal evaluations of existing structures and infrastructures;
Digital image correlation for damage detection and material degradation phenomena.

Prof. Dr. Antonia Spano'
Dr. Giulia Sammartano
Prof. Dr. Rosario Ceravolo
Dr. Erica Lenticchia
Guest Editors

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Keywords

built heritage
sensors integration and fusion
structural analysis and health monitoring
multi-temporal mapping and 3D modeling
multi-sensor approach
BIM/HBIM
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)
multi-sensors DT and NDT ispections
georadar, termographs, endoscopies, coring, sclerometer index
ultrasonic tests
corrosion potential, temperature and humidity monitoring
carbonation depth index
elastic modulus and compression tests on the extraction of structure samples.
optimal sensors placements

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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42 pages, 25130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Sensor HR Mass Data Models toward Multi-Temporal-Layered Digital Twins: Maintenance, Design and XR Informed Tour of the Multi-Stratified Appian Way (PAAA)

by Raffaella Brumana, Simone Quilici, Luigi Oliva, Mattia Previtali, Marzia Gabriele and Chiara Stanga

Sensors 2023, 23(20), 8556; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23208556 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1637

Abstract

The article provides an overview of the digitisation project conducted by the Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica (PAAA) in Rome, focusing on an 11.7 km section of the Appian Way. This effort is part of the “Appia Regina Viarum” project, supporting the UNESCO heritage site candidacy of the Appian Way. Advanced sensor technologies, including the Mobile Mapping System (MMS), 360° Cameras, Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS), digital cameras, and drones, are employed to collect extensive data sets. The primary goal is to create highly accurate three-dimensional (3D) models for knowledge enhancement, conservation, and communication purposes. Innovative tools are introduced to manage High Resolution 3D textured models, improving maintenance, management, and design processes over traditional CAD methods. The project aims to develop multi-temporal Digital Twins integrated with historical documentation, such as Piranesi’s imaginary views and architect Canina’s monument reconstructions. These informative models function as nodes within the DT, serving the PAAA’s geographic hub by means of an eXtended Reality (XR) platform: the paper proposes bridging the physical object and virtual models, contributing to supporting the operators in the maintenance planning as well as information dissemination and public awareness, offering an immersive experience beyond conventional reality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage)

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28 pages, 18207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The HBIM-GIS Main10ance Platform to Enhance the Maintenance and Conservation of Historical Built Heritage

by Francesca Matrone, Elisabetta Colucci, Emmanuele Iacono and Gianvito Marino Ventura

Sensors 2023, 23(19), 8112; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23198112 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1987

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the outcomes of the Main10ance project, which focused on developing an integrated HBIM-GIS platform to support the maintenance and conservation plans for the historic built heritage. The pilot case is the UNESCO complex of the Sacri Monti, located in northern Italy and Switzerland, which consists of groups of chapels and architectural artifacts holding significant historical and cultural value. Given their importance, specific maintenance plans involving multiple stakeholders and specialists are required. This study focuses on creating a unified system that semantically and spatially describes the architectural elements of the case study and the surrounding context and indoor assets. After a 3D integrated metric survey and the related data processing, parametric 3D models were created in a BIM environment, and a spatial database was developed to incorporate both geometric and alphanumeric entities. The database enables interoperability among different actors and domains, gathering heritage-related information crucial for restoration and conservation purposes. Additionally, the custom 4MAIN10ANCE web platform was developed with different levels of details (LODs), enabling the retrieval of both 2D and 3D data and establishing connections between the BIM models of the chapels and associated information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage)

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22 pages, 16947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated 3D Mapping and Diagnosis for the Structural Assessment of Architectural Heritage: Morano’s Parabolic Arch

by Rosario Ceravolo, Stefano Invernizzi, Erica Lenticchia, Irene Matteini, Giacomo Patrucco and Antonia Spanò

Sensors 2023, 23(14), 6532; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23146532 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1605

Abstract

The architectural heritage of the 20th century is affected by several conservation problems in terms of material preservation, structural analysis, and reuse. Among these, material degradation and durability issues are the ones that have the most effect on the health state and, consequently, the survival of the constructions of the period. In order to conduct a proper analysis for preservation purposes, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary. The parabolic arch in Morano sul Po (Italy) is a reinforced concrete landmark in the Casale Monferrato area and is related to the industrial vocation of the territory, which is indissolubly linked to the cement production chain. The present paper reports the results of a non-destructive test campaign by a Politecnico di Torino multidisciplinary group, which combined acquisitions using different methods. The paper highlights the importance of a structured procedure to integrate different information coming from different techniques. The aim was to assess the health state of the structure and define the best procedures for building an information system based on the as-built modeling strategy, which could serve as the basis to provide conservation guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage)

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27 pages, 4183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Managing Information to Improve Conservation: The HBIM of the Wooden Chain of Santa Maria del Fiore

by Sofia Celli and Federica Ottoni

Sensors 2023, 23(10), 4860; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23104860 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1653

Abstract

A key potential of HBIM is its ability to reflect the complexity and stratification of built heritage. By gathering in a single place multiple data, the HBIM streamlines the knowledge process that is at the base of conservation activities. By describing the informative tool developed to support the preservation of the chestnut chain of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, this paper aims to address the topic of the management of information within the HBIM. In particular, it focuses on how to systematize data in order to facilitate decision making within the frame of a preventive and planned conservation. To this end, the research proposes a possible articulation for the informative apparatus to be associated with the 3D model. More importantly, it makes an attempt to translate qualitative data into numerical values to define a priority index. The latter will improve the scheduling and implementation of maintenance activities, concretely impacting the overall conservation of the object. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage)

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28 pages, 29575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Twinning for 20th Century Concrete Heritage: HBIM Cognitive Model for Torino Esposizioni Halls

by Antonia Spanò, Giacomo Patrucco, Giulia Sammartano, Stefano Perri, Marco Avena, Edoardo Fillia and Stefano Milan

Sensors 2023, 23(10), 4791; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23104791 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2709

Abstract

In the wide scenario of heritage documentation and conservation, the multi-scale nature of digital models is able to twin the real object, as well as to store information and record investigation results, in order to detect and analyse deformation and materials deterioration, especially from a structural point of view. The contribution proposes an integrated approach for the generation of an n-D enriched model, also called a digital twin, able to support the interdisciplinary investigation process conducted on the site and following the processing of the collected data. Particularly for 20th Century concrete heritage, an integrated approach is required in order to adapt the more consolidated approaches to a new conception of the spaces, where structure and architecture are often coincident. The research plans to present the documentation process for the halls of Torino Esposizioni (Turin, Italy), built in the mid-twentieth century and designed by Pier Luigi Nervi. The HBIM paradigm is explored and expanded in order to fulfil the multi-source data requirements and adapt the consolidated reverse modelling processes based on scan-to-BIM solutions. The most relevant contributions of the research reside in the study of the chances of using and adapting the characteristics of the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard to the archiving needs of the diagnostic investigations results so that the digital twin model can meet the requirements of replicability in the context of the architectural heritage and interoperability with respect to the subsequent intervention phases envisaged by the conservation plan. Another crucial innovation is a proposal of a scan-to-BIM process improved by an automated approach performed by VPL (Visual Programming Languages) contribution. Finally, an online visualisation tool enables the HBIM cognitive system to be accessible and shareable by stakeholders involved in the general conservation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage)

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30 pages, 13851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

H-BIM and Artificial Intelligence: Classification of Architectural Heritage for Semi-Automatic Scan-to-BIM Reconstruction

by Valeria Croce, Gabriella Caroti, Andrea Piemonte, Livio De Luca and Philippe Véron

Sensors 2023, 23(5), 2497; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23052497 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6403

Abstract

We propose a semi-automatic Scan-to-BIM reconstruction approach, making the most of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, for the classification of digital architectural heritage data. Nowadays, Heritage- or Historic-Building Information Modeling (H-BIM) reconstruction from laser scanning or photogrammetric surveys is a manual, time-consuming, overly subjective process, but the emergence of AI techniques, applied to the realm of existing architectural heritage, is offering new ways to interpret, process and elaborate raw digital surveying data, as point clouds. The proposed methodological approach for higher-level automation in Scan-to-BIM reconstruction is threaded as follows: (i) semantic segmentation via Random Forest and import of annotated data in 3D modeling environment, broken down class by class; (ii) reconstruction of template geometries of classes of architectural elements; (iii) propagation of template reconstructed geometries to all elements belonging to a typological class. Visual Programming Languages (VPLs) and reference to architectural treatises are leveraged for the Scan-to-BIM reconstruction. The approach is tested on several significant heritage sites in the Tuscan territory, including charterhouses and museums. The results suggest the replicability of the approach to other case studies, built in different periods, with different construction techniques or under different states of conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage)

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21 pages, 17054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extended Tromograph Surveys for a Full Experimental Characterisation of the San Giorgio Cathedral in Ragusa (Italy)

by Giacomo Imposa, Sabrina Grassi, Alberto Barontini, Gabriele Morreale, Salvatore Russo, Paulo B. Lourenço and Sebastiano Imposa

Sensors 2023, 23(2), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/s23020889 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1905

Abstract

Geophysical surveys are widely used to reconstruct subsoil seismo-stratigraphic structures with a non-invasive approach. In this study the geophysical surveys were carried out with the aim to characterise the San Giorgio Cathedral in Ragusa (Italy) and the area on which it is built from a dynamic point of view. A 3D subsoil model was realised through the integration of two active (i.e., seismic tomography and multichannel analysis of surface waves) and one passive seismic technique (horizontal to vertical spatial ratio). The instrumentation used for the latter method consists of a tromograph (Tromino^®), which is also employed for the characterisation of the building, focusing on the façade and the dome, by means of an ambient vibration test, processed through the standard spectral ratio and frequency domain decomposition methods. Integration of the 3D model, showing the distribution of areas with different physicomechanical characteristics, enables identifying anomalies that are likely attributable to the remains of the ancient Byzantine church of San Nicola. Four lower modes mainly involving the two investigated macroelements are identified. The experimental results outline the advantages of the use of the tromograph both for soil and structural characterisation, especially for massive masonry buildings located in areas with high seismic hazard. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage)

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Review

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21 pages, 7882 KiB

Open AccessReview

Motion Magnification Applications for the Protection of Italian Cultural Heritage Assets

by Vincenzo Fioriti, Ivan Roselli, Antonino Cataldo, Sara Forliti, Alessandro Colucci, Massimiliano Baldini and Alessandro Picca

Sensors 2022, 22(24), 9988; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22249988 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2092

Abstract

In recent years, the ENEA has introduced a novel methodology based on motion magnification (MM) into the Italian cultural heritage protection and monitoring field. It consists of a digital video signal processing technique able to amplify enormously the tiny movements recorded in conventional videos, while preserving the general topology of the acquired frames. Though the idea of such a methodology is not new, it has recently been provided with an efficient algorithm that makes possible a viable and low-cost magnification. Applications are extremely varied in almost every field of science and technology; however, we are interested in its application to the safeguarding of architectural heritage, a sector of the utmost importance for Italy. As ancient buildings can be extremely sensitive to even minimally invasive instrumentation, most common monitoring sensors can be replaced by contactless tools and methods, such as video-based techniques like MM. It offers many advantages: easy to use, contactless devices, virtual sensors, reusability of the videos, practicality, intuitive graphical results, quantitative analyses capability and low costs. These characteristics are well suited to the monitoring of large ancient monuments; on the other hand, historical sites have peculiarities of their own, requiring careful approaches, proper tools and trained personnel. Moreover, outdoor applications of MM present quite notable difficulties from a practical point of view, e.g., the dimensions of the studied objects, uncontrolled environmental conditions, spurious vibrations, lighting change/instability, etc. Here we give a general idea of the potential of MM and related issues, using some relevant in-the-field case studies in Italian heritage protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 3D Mapping and Diagnostic Technologies for Constructions and Built Heritage)

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