Introduction:
Advancing data-driven conservation of Switzerland’s timber-framed masonry heritage requires a framework that unites non-destructive diagnostics with digital modeling for predictive preservation. While non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as ultrasonic testing, infrared thermography, and ground-penetrating radar are increasingly applied, their potential remains limited by fragmented workflows and insufficient integration with Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) environments. This study presents a novel framework integrating NDT data into HBIM, establishing a scalable, forward-looking strategy for proactive, data-driven heritage conservation and demonstrating early-career research innovation in smart heritage management.
Methods:
A structured literature review identifies limitations in current NDT applications and HBIM-based heritage modeling. Based on these insights, a conceptual workflow is developed for multi-source NDT data acquisition, semantic enrichment, and fusion within HBIM. Interoperability standards are leveraged to enable consistent mapping of heterogeneous diagnostic data, supporting visualization, anomaly detection, and condition assessment in a unified digital environment.
Results:
Analysis shows that current practices underutilize NDT data due to inconsistent integration. The proposed framework demonstrates how structured NDT-HBIM integration enhances visualization, condition assessment, and predictive monitoring, improves diagnostic accuracy, reduces manual interpretation, and provides actionable insights for conservation planning.
Conclusions:
This study establishes a pathway toward digitally enabled heritage preservation, bridging NDT, HBIM, and digital twin concepts. By formalizing data integration and visualization workflows, the approach provides a scalable, novel, and practical strategy for informed conservation, while enabling predictive diagnostics and proactive heritage management. The framework highlights early-career research leadership and positions the study at the forefront of smart heritage diagnostics.
