An Integrated HBIM Framework for the Management of Heritage Buildings

Abstract

Heritage buildings are subject to severe damage due to their exposure to dynamics such as environmental changes, earthquakes, structural loads, etc., thus needing a proper maintenance and management system. However, during the restoration, maintenance, and management process, heritage building practitioners face numerous challenges, such as inefficient project management, financial loss, and project delay. These problems arise due to a lack of digital documentation and updated information management systems. Heritage building management still uses traditional management techniques where heritage information is managed using multiple format systems by different professionals, thus missing collaboration, information integration, and interoperability. Building information modeling (BIM) is presented here as a supporting tool to address these issues. The aim of this study is to develop a novel HBIM framework to manage heritage buildings in an integrated and interoperable environment that supports 3D digital documentation to conserve a heritage building and facilitate restoration planning and facility management (FM) activities. Moreover, we demonstrate FM integration with BIM to promote this digital technique. The results indicate that the proposed framework is feasible and effective in providing information integration and communication between stakeholders in managing heritage buildings.