HBIM parametric modelling from clouds to perform structural analyses based on finite elements: a case study on a parabolic concrete vault

The paper investigates the issue of finite element model development for the structural assessment of existing structures on the basis of detailed (terrestrial laser scanning and image-based) point clouds to parametric models generated using HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modelling) technology. Different procedures and software combinations are investigated in order to provide useful hints trying to solve some of the criticalities which are still unsolved albeit the subject has been under investigation since some years now. It is worth noting that, when assets belonging to the cultural heritage domain (CH) are considered, the difficulties increase because of the peculiarity of the structural behaviour and often the singularity of the geometrical shape. The proposed methodology is presented considering the case of the “Paraboloide” of Casale (Italy), a construction from the early reinforced concrete age, which is now a relevant example of Italian concrete industrial heritage mainly due to the thin parabolic vault and the construction methodology that was so innovative for its time.