Guidelines and Workflow for Transferring Architectural Survey Data into 3D Models for Structural Analysis Using the Case of Bagan Monuments

Structural modeling of historic construction is a complex task that requires the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge, including applied engineering and architectural disciplines. Digital documentation is fundamental to accurately capture the geometry of the structure; however, it is common practice to separate the processing of geometrical data from structural modeling operations. This separation causes the loss of helpful information such as geometric details, imperfections, eccentricities, misalignments, and material discontinuities, which may lead to erroneous interpretations. In this context, the authors have developed an approach to integrate detailed architectural survey data into 3D modeling for finite element analysis by guiding the transfer operations with the necessary simplifications and defining the workflow. In the Repair and Seismic Retrofitting of Monuments component of the Bagan Conservation Project, the efficient use and transfer of data from digital documentation and the architectural survey was applied to four monuments in the archaeological site of Bagan, Myanmar. This research connects the fields of surveying and digital recording with structural analysis, which are deeply related, especially in the conservation of built heritage, tackles problems of potential loss of critical data and the effective use of information collected on site, and focuses on the optimization of workforce efficiency.