Sustainable material selection for the reconstruction of historical buildings using building information modeling (BIM) in developing countries
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The sustainable reconstruction of deteriorated and historical buildings, particularly within the urban fabrics of developing countries, presents a complex challenge that requires a delicate balance between preserving historical and cultural heritage and achieving sustainable development goals. This research aims to fill the gap by providing a comprehensive and systematic framework for selecting sustainable materials to reconstruct historical contexts. The novelty of this study lies in its presentation of a novel integrated methodology that combines Building Information Modeling (BIM) for accurate simulation, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for measuring environmental impacts, and the COPRAS multi-criteria decision-making model for the optimal ranking and selection of building materials. This framework was implemented in a case study on the historical fabric of Shiraz, Iran. The simulation results indicated that using optimized sustainable materials, which combine local materials and modern technologies, leads to an approximate 25% reduction in annual energy consumption and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional materials. Ultimately, this research introduces a practical, data-driven approach that, while preserving historical authenticity, significantly improves the environmental performance of reconstruction projects and can serve as a valuable guide for architects, urban planners, and policymakers in similar contexts.
Authors: Alireza Valipour, Mehdi Salman Manesh, Amirhossein Balali
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7092356283