From the 3D metric survey to a living digital shadow through IoT integration of real-time data. The case study of the Cavour Canal water bridge

Abstract. The preservation of 19th-century architectural and civil engineering works, such as masonry bridges, is essential to ensure structural safety and the conservation of their historical value. Ageing and prolonged exposure to environmental actions progressively threaten these infrastructures, making planned maintenance a sustainable alternative to invasive restoration. In this context, digital replicas integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies enable a proactive, data-driven approach to asset management. This paper presents a methodology for monitoring and preserving hydraulic historical structures, specifically the Cavour Canal bridge, a historic masonry water bridge within a wider network in northern Italy. A 3D metric integrated survey generated point clouds and orthophotos as the basis for the scan-to-HBIM workflow and for subsequent Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM), supporting structural analyses and maintenance activities. The HBIM is enhanced through the integration of real-time data from continuous monitoring sensors. The resulting digital shadow supports an interactive, web-based management platform that can detect critical conditions and issue real-time alerts, improving the resilience and long-term management of historical infrastructures.