Augmented Reality for Knowledge Transfer of Historical Masonry Vaulting Techniques

New technologies and the need to preserve historical heritage are leading to renewed interest in masonry. Despite ongoing efforts in architectural and construction research, the restoration and construction of vaults and domes remain complex, presenting several challenges, including high construction costs, a shortage of skilled labour, and low productivity. Encoding highly efficient historical construction practices, such as the thin-tile vaulting technique (a scaffold-free vaulting method using thin tiles), is crucial for preserving knowledge. Generally, mastering this technique requires years of practical training under the guidance of a master mason. This paper reports the initial findings of a project aimed at evaluating how Augmented Reality can facilitate the transfer of practical knowledge. Through a case study involving the construction of a lowered vault, the impact of adopting Augmented Reality on accuracy was assessed.