Virtual Reality Models for the Structural Assessment of Architectural Heritage Buildings

Francisco Muñoz, Fernando Peña, Miguel Meza
2014 International Journal of Architectural Heritage  
This paper shows the advantage of using virtual reality models in the structural assessment of architectural heritage buildings. Nowadays there are very powerful numerical methods to obtain the structural behaviour of historical buildings, such as discrete and finite element methods. In addition, the continuous improvement of the computer machines has allowed for creating complex numerical models of entire structures. However, the post-processing and interpretation of the numerical results of
more » ... ese models continue to be a hard task. In this context, virtual reality models are powerful tools to simplify the task of post-processing the numerical results. In this way, the numerical results obtained from a 3D model, analyzed with any numerical method can be exported to a VRML file format used to represent 3D interactive vector graphics, and designed particularly for the World Wide Web system. This property will allow upload the virtual model in a tablet, notebook or any device with a web browser and to navigate through the building to observe stresses, strains, damages or any result obtained with the numerical model.
doi:10.1080/15583058.2012.731471 fatcat:imbnsnqdtnfsjc3mvuomdkrwza