Informed structures: forensic information modelling

Abstract

Forensic information modelling is an extension of building information modelling. Forensic information modelling is an approach for collecting, sorting and explaining forensic information about structures. Careful and consistent nomenclature and tagging is the backbone of any large-scale investigation. Every photo, reference document, maintenance record or material test is related to a physical object. Forensic information models codify the relationship between the data and the physical structure in an interactive three-dimensional environment. This aids in understanding the global behaviour of the structure and in identifying changes in behaviour over time. In addition, forensic information modelling has been essential for explaining engineering findings and repair options to the wider public.