A BIM-Based Model for Structural Health Monitoring of the Central Body of the Monserrate Palace: A First Approach

Abstract

The preservation and safeguarding of built cultural heritage is a permanent concern for institutions. These structures were generally poorly prepared for movement triggered by natural disasters, a situation further complicated in the case of earthquakes, as each building has a unique structural dynamic linked to its geometry, materials, method of construction and environmental conditions. The use of structural health monitoring (SHM) systems integrating monitoring techniques as well as inspection and structural analyses has gained great relevance in the appearance of low-cost IoT (Internet of Things) sensors on the market. In this paper, an IoT BIM-based solution is presented for real-time monitoring using low-cost sensors in the scope of building SHM systems. The case study takes place at the central body of the Palace of Monserrate, one of the most distinguished elements of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. An H-BIM model was created in Autodesk Revit® software (version 2022 and 2023) based on a point cloud, and used as the basis for the numerical model developed in 3MURI. A MeM low-cost sensor was installed on the third floor of the central tower of the Monserrate Palace in Sintra, and the data gathered were recorded in the H-BIM model. The capacity to acquire real-time information on a structure’s vibration, both during normal operation and after an extraordinary occurrence, could allow the application of more effective maintenance and repair practices, resulting in lower operating costs and allowing for the best management of built cultural heritage.