Information Modelling as a Support for Damage Interpretation: The Case of the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence

This study presents a methodological framework for classifying and interpreting structural damage in masonry buildings through a Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) approach, with a particular emphasis on diagnosing crack patterns in domes. The approach was tested on the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence (Italy). The first step involves identifying key parameters for systematically describing cracks within the HBIM environment, focusing on their morphology, position, and related deformation. A Diagnostic Support Tool was developed to semi-automate the identification of failure mechanisms, while final interpretation – particularly of contributing causes – remains reliant on expert judgment. The geometric model of the case study was developed and two levels of crack representation – realistic and simplified – were implemented to ensure both interpretative clarity and interoperability with structural analysis software. The Santa Maria del Fiore case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the protocol in capturing the complex behaviour of masonry domes, offering a replicable workflow. The HBIM model was then enriched with data acquired from the structural monitoring system installed on the Dome, one of the most comprehensive ever installed on a historical monument. This integration enabled 3D visualization of crack evolution over time. Key indicators for monitoring data reliability and damage evolution are proposed and applied to the case study