Abstract
Preventive conservation of historic masonry structures requires continuous monitoring and predictive analysis to mitigate deterioration and structural risks. Digital twin technology promises an integrated virtual replica that synchronises real-time data, historical records, and numerical models. This study presents a methodological framework for developing a digital twin dedicated to the preventive conservation of a medieval masonry tower in central Italy. The research combines terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry, and ambient vibration testing to build a high-fidelity geometric and operational model. A historical building information model (HBIM) is enriched with sensor data (temperature, humidity, crack displacement, accelerometers) and a finite element model (FEM) calibrated using operational modal analysis (OMA). The digital twin is implemented on a cloud-based platform to enable remote condition assessment, anomaly detection, and scenario simulation. Results demonstrate that the hybrid HBIM-FEM digital twin accurately reproduces the tower’s dynamic behaviour (frequency errors below 3%) and identifies three zones with anomalous thermal and hygrometric patterns that correlate with surface degradation. Predictive simulations of seismic scenarios indicate a 22% increase in damage probability under a 475-year return period earthquake if no intervention is taken. The framework also integrates a significance-aware ontology to prioritise conservation actions, linking observed decay to heritage values. This case study validates the digital twin as a practical tool for preventive conservation, offering stakeholders actionable insights for maintenance planning and emergency preparedness.
Keywords
digital twin, preventive conservation, historic masonry, HBIM, structural health monitoring, finite element modelling, medieval Italy, heritage management