A harmonized dataset and exploratory non-destructive screening framework for characterizing physical and mechanical interrelationships in traditional heritage materials.

Characterizing the mechanical and thermal properties of heterogeneous natural building materials, including traditional stones and earth-based composites, presents significant engineering challenges. This study proposes an exploratory non-destructive analytical framework to examine potential proxy relationships among physical, mechanical, and hygrothermal properties of traditional heritage materials. Because the dataset consists of seven aggregated material classes, the results should be interpreted as preliminary trends rather than validated predictive laws. Using a dataset covering seven aggregated material classes, the analysis suggests that porosity may serve as an exploratory indicator of compressive strength (R² = 0.62), while density shows a strong association with thermal conductivity (R² = 0.85). These relationships should be interpreted as dataset-specific trends rather than externally validated predictive models. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used as an exploratory dimensional-reduction tool to visualize broad material groupings associated with density, porosity, moisture absorption, and strength. PC1 accounted for 82.7% of the variance within the analyzed dataset; however, this result should not be interpreted as a validated classification model because of the limited number of material classes. The present study does not implement a full HBIM or digital twin system. Instead, it proposes a conceptual pathway for future integration: (1) non-destructive measurement of porosity/density, (2) input into a material-property database, (3) assignment of material parameters to HBIM elements, (4) risk classification using PCA/clustering, and (5) visualization of vulnerable elements for conservation decision-making.