BIM goals and uses in the management, maintenance, and preservation of historic buildings: an open access perspective. Implementation characteristics of HBIM for improved documentation and lifecycle management

Abstract In the last 600 years, techniques for documenting historic sites have evolved significantly, keeping pace with the increasing complexity and diversity of data on managing these sites. The adoption of historic building information modeling (HBIM) as an advanced tool for collecting, processing, and managing data on historic buildings has created new possibilities for preserving cultural heritage. This study aims to delineate the purposes and applications of HBIM at different stages of a historic building’s life cycle, drawing on an analysis of 110 publications containing 116 case studies. Using a methodology developed by Pennsylvania State University, the study identified 25 major applications of HBIM, attributed to specific phases of the sites’ life cycle, such as modeling existing conditions, integrating with GIS (geographic information systems) systems, and applying VR/AR technologies. The results emphasize the importance of obtaining reliable, comprehensive, and structured information about historic buildings for effective management and preservation. Furthermore, the study underscores the need to systematize and standardize data and integrate knowledge from different disciplines to effectively use the HBIM methodology. The analyses suggest that HBIM, as a tool that integrates diverse data sources and supports an interdisciplinary approach, can significantly contribute to improving decision-making and management processes in cultural heritage conservation.