An integrated approach for the analysis of historic timber structures combining enhanced photogrammetry and finite element modeling

Abstract This study develops an integrated photogrammetry-FEM approach for assessing damaged wooden components in historical timber structures. Using smartphone-captured images and an improved SIFT-WOOD feature extraction algorithm, it achieves robust 3D reconstruction of wood surfaces under challenging lighting and weak textures via SfM-MVS. The reconstructed model is post-processed and incorporated into finite element software, where orthotropic elastic, anisotropic elastoplastic, and viscoelastic constitutive models simulate mechanical response and long-term performance. A novel "stress-range volume method" quantifies the correlation between damage volume and load-bearing capacity, supported by a standards-based damage classification system. Guided by minimal intervention principles, controlled simulations identify damage repair priorities and inform a stepwise restoration strategy. This framework establishes a complete technical pathway—from geometric digitization to quantitative mechanical evaluation—characterized by low cost and high efficiency, significantly improving the scientific basis and practicality of conservation practice.