Data Interoperability Between Element Classifications and Semantics of Historic Buildings: Case Study of the Duomo of Molfetta (Italy)

The research deals with the study and implementation of new solutions for preserving Architectural Heritage, covering the phases of auscultation, intervention, and maintenance. A sustainable technological process is applied, based on the collaborative BIM methodology, which constitutes a bulwark for the efficient management of the historic building, as it is effective in the interoperability of data from the Heritage-BIM (HBIM) project. In the study and conservation of Heritage, many disciplines are part of the investigation or intervention that requires extracting, sharing, and contributing data linked to the historic building. Using a new collaborative construction process management technology involves implementing design, modeling, planning, and maintenance improvement processes. These logistic production benefits will now be transferred to a historical-constructive context. On the other hand, reinforcing the interoperability of the data is decisive for a BIM system to function at full capacity. Classification allows standardizing and organizing elements based on an established criterion. Assigning classifications to historical elements and systems in an HBIM project, including detected problems or deterioration, is also essential for proper interoperability between architects, archaeologists, historians, and engineers. Currently, the BIM environment has classification systems based on correctly identifying the most common systems in construction. However, the context of the historic building is very complex, as it is affected by the temporal-evolutionary component and the great diversity of types within an architectural style. To solve it, ontology provides us with a computable knowledge base, a representation system through which it is possible to model a domain of knowledge. In this work, a semantic segmentation of the point cloud obtained by TLS is carried out using the Cyclone 3DR point cloud processing software. In the second phase of work, the elements are structured in an HBIM project. From these data, the elements are classified using the ontology base developed by (Pili 2023). The element classification covers an export process in IFC format. This workflow will allow the creation of a future universal classification related to Cultural Heritage. For the procedure to be properly implemented, the Duomo di Molfetta (Bari, Italy) has been taken as a case study.