Semantic modelling and HBIM: A new multidisciplinary workflow for archaeological heritage

Abstract

The aim of the study is to describe a methodological approach to represent, interpret, model and manage pluristratified archaeological contexts.

The proposed methodology envisages a digital workflow, a BIM-thinking strategy, which integrates geometric and texture data obtained from laser and photogrammetric scans with information about construction techniques and materials, archaeological reports and documentation. The integration is based on a balanced combination of open-source and proprietary solutions, allowing professionals to work with their “comfort software” and assuring interoperability through the adoption of Open Standards. Experimentations are being conducted exploring the potential of connecting semantic 3D modelling and virtual reconstructions based on archaeological data made with Blender and the Extended Matrix Tool, with BIM software and capabilities thanks to the BlenderBIM addon.

The proposed workflow, in combination with the described data-sharing-oriented process, adopts a new approach towards 3D models in order to promote a more sustainable mindset towards 3D dataset life-cycle by optimizing their usage and reducing waste on different levels, such as re-documenting the same structure twice.

The expected overall result is the ability to generate semantic models that can enhance our understanding of the context as much as foster multidisciplinary BIM (Building Information Modelling) collaboration thus improving archaeological research, documentation and conservation practices.