Scan-to-BIM records As-Is conditions for a project to leverage accurate, detailed, and updated data that is valuable at every level of design and construction.
From construction to operations, existing buildings or heritage structures do bring in a set of constraints. From getting accurate survey data to choosing the right method of 3D laser scanning, surveyors need to meet project goals by overcoming these challenges. In-depth building analysis, flawless coordination, and enhanced planning and designing can draw out potential risks in planning, design, construction, and operations.
The construction sector tends to function at reduced margins and greater risks. Point cloud modeling converts point cloud data from 3D scans to clash-free BIM models. Higher accuracy and clarity in the preconstruction stage can help surveyors, CAD/BIM providers, and contractors reduce risks. Detailed design validation of older buildings, structures, or facilities, enriched with transparency and precision through As-Built models helps track project progress, validate content, and de-risk projects.
Challenges of manual methods of sketching or drawings
Unexpected rework
Inaccurate calculations
Design flaws
Coordination problems
Lack of efficiency
Scan to BIM help clients explore the building in 3D without visiting the actual site. A Scan-to-BIM model can save hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single client by reducing expensive RFI’s and change orders. Scan-to-BIM promotes virtual design and construction, As-Built modeling, and comparison of design intent to achieve quality control during the construction stage. The importance of Scan-to-BIM is extended to proactive risk assessment, better decision making, improved safety compliance, transparent data sharing, and sustainable efficiency.
How Scan to BIM de-risks construction projects
1. Comprehensive design validation through clash assessment
Renovation or refurbishment of older or heritage buildings requires thorough design validation to create model prototypes or options for clients. A detailed BIM model with all the elements such as walls, doors, slabs, beams, MEP systems, floor plans etc. can be visualized in real-time to identify and resolve clashes early on in the design stage.
Surveyors can save thousands of dollars in time and cost with capabilities to enhance add-on Scan-to-BIM services for better business growth and greater ROI. Getting a clear perspective of project scope, model performance, and user experience, construction companies can ensure, the design functions are in complete accordance with client requirements. As the Scan-to-BIM model is completely built through laser scanned data, it delivers the accuracy that is needed to mitigate risks early on in the preconstruction stage.
A laser scanning services provider from the UK approached TrueCADD with Scan-to-BIM conversion for 16th-century monument restoration. A Revit model at LOD 400 was the required deliverable to drive quick, accurate, and efficient renovation and Facilities Management. Learn how the team at TrueCADD navigated around project challenges to build a LOD 400 enriched 3D model which helped the client with accurate material quantity consumption, labor costs, and precise timelines.
2. Better decision–making through in-depth analysis
Accurate and on-point decision-making to approve the design, calculate time and costs, check for material availability, etc. is key to mitigate expensive rework. The chances of running into risks that include cost and time overruns, material waste, design flaws, etc. are greater if a thorough building analysis is not performed early on.
Reducing the overall impact of these risks and optimizing the overall project effectiveness can be achieved through in-depth analysis reinforced by Scan-to-BIM.
3. Improved safety compliance with effective planning of risk mitigation strategies
Onsite safety is a key factor for contractors and owners in the construction phase. Loss of life due to inefficient safety protocols or compliance in place is devastating. As-Built 3D BIM models can be enriched with 4D BIM schedules, simulations, and walkthroughs to identify potentially hazardous locations to mitigate onsite casualties.
A thorough risk analysis report about onsite conditions throws out any possibility of field risks leading to quick, hassle-free, cost-effective, and safe construction processes.
TrueCADD was approached by a Topographic Services Company from Tarragona, Europe to create accurate structural models from .rcp (point cloud files) and CAD output for new building design. Read the following case study on how the team at TrueCADD met project deadlines to build a 3D CAD model for a large surface area of 111,000 m2. The final output delivered a transformation business impact for the client wherein construction time was saved and accurate load calculations were performed.
4. Exceptional coordination and collaboration with higher information accessibility
Scan-to-BIM is all about coordination and collaboration. The ability to access, share and edit data from a Common Data Environment (CDE) gives stakeholders the ability of information transparency and data validity. Collaborating on a single As-Built 3D model identifies and resolves interferences through viewpoints, which further can be resolved by designing teams. Staying on the same page, construction companies can deliver quality services tangible and software-driven BIM processes.
The concept of collaboration is not limited to the design and construction phase, as it can be extended to operations or FM to improve maintenance based on real-time Scan-to-BIM data. This can include 3D models, O & M manuals, 2D drawings, or other documentation to view the project from a holistic angle.
5. Sustainable efficiency through a reduction in schedule and costs
Sustainability is one of the key elements of modern design and construction. Buildings or heritage structures renovated or remodeled with BIM deliver a greater sustainability factor. Design precision, accurate timelines, on-point budgeting, improved energy efficiency, data validation, and other Scan-to-BIM capabilities are evidence of achieving construction efficiency at every stage of the project lifecycle.
A building construction company from London, UK required Scan-to-BIM Modeling services for a college backyard project. The deliverable was a coordinated Scan-to-BIM model with extensive architectural and structural detailing. The team worked around challenges that included inconsistent and voluminous point cloud scans, and missing images to build a clash-free and coordinated Scan-to-BIM model. The final deliverables saved on time and costs and allowed key stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Thorough risk analysis and management during construction are exceedingly critical and should be far from negligence. Paying early and proactive attention to issues mitigates snags, prevents costly rework, and diminishes project delays.
Advancements in Scan-to-BIM technology that include design automation, AR/VR, machine learning, and other technology will be key tools to quick and efficient risk management.
About Author:
Harika Singh is an academician and published writer. Her passion for engineering and technology reflects in the in-depth coverage she provides on technology trends. 20 years of work association with institutes of repute across India and the US positions her to provide valuable insights to business stakeholders on achieving scalability and operational efficiencies through digitalization.
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