Heritage BIM (HBIM) applied in emergency scenarios: a case study of the National Museum in Brazil

Heritage buildings, integral to preserving culture and history, play a vital role in shaping regional identity and collective memory. To address the intricate complexities of conserving such tangible cultural heritage, Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) emerges as a compelling avenue, uniting technology, historic preservation, and architectural expertise. Nonetheless, a remarkable research gap exists, particularly in its application within emergency scenarios involving fire accidents during post-recovery phases. This research aims to bridge this gap by proposing key areas of focus for applying HBIM in the aftermath of fire incidents, redefining disaster recovery for heritage sites. The proposed areas are informed by a thorough assessment of the case study related to the post-recovery process undertaken by the Brazilian National Museum after the devastating fire of 2018. This case study combines gathering documentary evidence, on-site assessments, 3D model development within the BIM environment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By emphasizing informed decision-making, precise damage assessment, and meticulous reconstruction planning, this study advances HBIM's transformative role in heritage conservation and disaster recovery, resulting in a novel approach to safeguarding cultural heritage.