Towards Building Information Modelling for Existing Structures

Capturing and modelling 3D information of the built environment is very challenging. A number of techniques and technologies are now in use such as EDM, GPS, photogrammetric applications, and building surveying applications. However, use of these technologies has not been practical and efficient with regard to time, cost and accuracy. A multi-disciplinary knowledge base, created from studies and research about the regeneration aspects is fundamental: historical, architectural, archeologically, environmental, social, economic, etc. In order to have an adequate diagnosis of regeneration, it is necessary to describe buildings and surroundings by means of documentation and plans. Furthermore, there are a growing number of applications of 3D city models for disaster management, environmental simulations, computer aided architectural design and regional planning, that require more sophisticated models beyond visualization such as multifunctional, interoperable, intelligent, and multirepresentational in order to be economical and sustainable. This paper will review the state-of-art techniques and approaches for modelling of existing structures such as 3D laser scanner. Research approach for Building Information Modelling (BIM) for existing structures is introduced. A case study is elaborated to demonstrate how to produce 3D CAD models of existing structures using a semi-automated technique.