BIM for Heritage AGP

Heritage preservation moving forward with BIM

Following the fire on the 15th April, 2019, Autodesk took part in the reconstruction of Notre-Dame through investment in the production of a BIM model. They partnered with Art Graphique & Patrimoine (AGP), a company specialising in laser surveying and digitization of historical monuments that has a long history with Notre-Dame de Paris. AGP’s use of pioneering Autodesk BIM technology to create the 3D digital model of the building has played a key role in this project and will continue to contribute to heritage preservation in the future.

The 3D digitization of a historic building is an extraordinary task. Each individual monument has its own distinctive features that determine the techniques and conditions required in the scanning process.

Digital model process

Scan-to-BIM process

Onsite Data Collection

The 3D data is then collected on site, either by lasergrammetry from the ground or photogrammetry from the air, sometimes both. Using a laser scanner or a drone, the AGP engineers take billions of measurements, all delivered to millimetric accuracy.

Scan Analysis

Next, the scans are processed, cleaned, stitched, merged and analyzed by the experts at AGP to ensure that the digital model is as close as possible to reality.

Data preparation and 3D Modeling

The collected point cloud data is then processed and prepared in Autodesk 3D scanning software - ReCap™ Pro. Once imported in Autodesk® Revit® software, AGP creates a BIM model of the Cathedral which includes data-rich objects like walls, roofs, columns, floors, etc.

Documentation and data extraction

Technical documents such as plans, elevations, sections, axonometric views, shop drawings, and perspectives as well as precise material quantities and data can be extracted from the BIM model.

Digital representation

Accessible to any project stakeholder, the BIM model includes all the various information, the specificities of the building as well as the nature and the quantities of materials. Thanks to this rich model, AEC professionals can study the geometry of the asset, take exact measurements and assess renovation costs.

Combining a passion for stonemasonry and historic buildings, Art Graphique & Patrimoine (AGP) specializes in 3D digitization for preserving and promoting heritage. With over 25 years’ experience in France and abroad, AGP has built up unparalleled expertise, drawing on the talents of a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, stonemasons and restorers, graphic designers, developers, historians and archaeologists.

AGP has established the highest standards in the digital representation of heritage architecture.Whether for creating archives for the preservation or reconstruction of a historical building, 2D and 3D data is essential for keeping heritage alive, especially when it is endangered.

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Introduction

Art Graphique & Patrimoine – experts in 3D digitization and heritage preservation

Having studied Notre-Dame for over 25 years, AGP boasts an unparalleled database of information. In 1993, the company carried out the first digital survey of the cathedral to produce geometric (2D documentation) views for maintenance purposes. In 2010, AGP set out to conduct additional surveys of the building using laser scanners as part of its collaboration with Belgian Art Historian Andrew J. Tallon. Although survey techniques are similar from one building site to another, the 3D BIM modeling varies from one construction to the other, based on each building’s critical differences. For AGP’s experts, the real challenge lies in their ability to digitally represent the structural deformations specific to each monument.

Background

Savoir-faire built over time

It only took 24 hours for the team of 7 AGP engineers to scan the entire building again — a testament to their high-end technical skills.

So much was lost in the fire. The flames devoured the structure all the way to the framework and the famous spire, which stood 96 meters high, as well as part of the vault at the crossing of the transept.

Key numbers of the BIM model: • 12,450 objects created • 30,028 sq.meters of stone walls (323,218.7ft²) • 3,925 sq.meters of lead roof (42,248.35ft²) • 186 vaults

12 laser scannners were used to collect 46,000 images (24M to 61M of pixels by photo)

From the perspective of preserving our built environment for future generations, BIM enables to capture the physical world and to create their digital twins. These data-rich BIM models empower asset managers and owners to anticipate future renovations. Coupled with a computer-aided management and maintenance system (CMMS) and connected to sensors, owners are able to take this data a step further, allowing them to plan and monitor the operation and maintenance of their monuments and buildings.

Discover how BIM can help you with your renovation projects

The power of BIM

Animated Gif (BIM model)

BIM enables experts to measure the dimensions of the building with extreme accuracy and also to look into the building in greater details than ever before.

As well as enabling visualization, data management and collaboration, BIM can also help plan Notre-Dame reconstruction.

Notre-Dame’s digital twin can serve different purposes. For example, it could be coupled with a computer-aided management and maintenance system (CMMS) connected to sensors in order to better anticipate the monument's operation and maintenance.

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Introduction

3D Digital process

Background

The power of BIM

Introduction

3D Digital process

Background

AGP also creates applications aimed at the general public, for educational and entertainment purposes. National landmarks such as the Pont d'Avignon and the Villa Majorelle in France, and the Krak des Chevaliers, a crusader castle in Syria, can now be visited virtually thanks to the point clouds and BIM models AGP has built.

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Learn more about the strategic relationship with AGP's Founder and CEO, Gael Hamon:

The power of BIM