An Investigation of Historic Transportation Infrastructure Preservation and Improvement through Historic Building Information Modeling

Historical transportation infrastructures (HTIs) like railways and bridges are essential to our cultural heritage. However, the preservation and enhancement of these structures pose significant challenges due to their complex nature and the need for modern upgrades. Historic building information modeling (HBIM) has emerged as a solution, facilitating the documentation, restoration, and maintenance of historic transportation assets. The purpose of the proposed work is to provide a systematic review of research findings on the application of HBIM in historic transportation infrastructure, highlighting its role in capturing intricate architectural details and supporting decision making for preservation efforts. A series of case studies in which HBIM has been instrumental in preserving historic transportation infrastructure are investigated and analyzed using a comprehensive literature review method. Furthermore, future directions in HBIM research are proposed, identifying potential applications and recommending areas for further investigation. Additionally, this paper suggests HBIM’s potential to balance modernization demands with the conservation needs of historic transportation infrastructure, providing policymakers and stakeholders with insightful strategies for sustainable heritage management.