Overview
Advanced technologies including 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry captured by drones are transforming the way existing projects are designed and delivered. Scan-to-BIM is used for projects to capture the extension of existing buildings, a refurbishment, a restoration, and Renovation projects. It is also used for new projects where you need to create a record of the existing content and adjacent buildings and structures before demolition. Many architectural firms, contractors, engineering firm and construction companies use Point Cloud to BIM Services for the renovation of an old building or heritage structure and also for refurbishment.
Background of Surveying Technologies:
In 2004, the first 360-degrees scanner came into existence to scan the building with a 360-degree angle that includes minute details about point cloud modeling of a particular building project.
In 2006, Time-of-Flight scanners took about one hour for a complete 360 degrees scanning which includes 8-10 scans a day converting scanning to 15 minutes work with every angle detailed scanning.
In 2008, Phase-based scanners collected points per second which are fastest and dense scanning of any buildings.
Present: – Scan-to-BIM technology is emerging where scanning of old building or structures has taken a new way to get detailed point cloud data.
What is Scanning technology?
Recent scanning technology uses 3D laser scanning which is a physical site to create an accurate digital representation of building or structures. These scans can later be converted to create 3D BIM Models and As-Built Models.
These scans penetrate deeper with points and beams to capture and detect wall, ducts, and pipe batches in addition to the geometry of the buildings. The point cloud data captured is close to perfect and can be rendered as to how renovation can be looking post construction. It is less time consuming and cost effective technology proven.
Scanned data can be easily exported into BIM software such as Revit which supports point cloud scan images. The process of creating a BIM model from these precise scans is relatively easier.
Process of Scan-to-BIM:
Inspection Control: – Survey control markers are set up and co-ordinated on site before the actual scanning process begins helping inspectors to track the information accurately.
Laser Scanning: – 3D laser scanners are used to collect accurate data for control markers. An accurate point cloud is collected and analyzed.
Process: – Point cloud data collected is downloaded regularly and processed at regular intervals. This data is then compared to control markers data so differences can be captured.
Model: – When the data is checked and verified completely it is then forwarded to modelers to build a model for the representation of the data. The actual structure is derived from the build model along with material specifications.
Realistic View: – Once the model is prepared, the next step is to get rendered images to get a realistic view of building or structure in the pre-construction stage.
Benefits of Scan-to-BIM:
Scan-to-BIM helps to achieve transparency, communication, and collaboration. From raw survey data and images that can get easily converted into a 3D model that provides greater performance, quality assurance, and reliability.
This technology is used by many companies to reduce their cost-savings to a greater extent. With scanned data and images, the structure or buildings can be constructed according to sustainability effect growing in recent times.
Modification and changes can be easily made into the model and help decision makers to make instant decisions. Any mistakes can be resolved at the early stage of the project lifecycle which in turn reduces rework.
Conclusion:
The use of BIM Modelling has brought about a change in the way renovation and refurbishment projects are carried. Scan-to-BIM technology has made the renovation of old building or structures gained momentum. These files can be easily imported to Revit software to prepare a 3D BIM model to get the look of structure post construction that helps to boost greater efficiency, communication, and collaboration. Every minute detailed scan data and images are possible to capture of old buildings or structures with 3D laser Scanning technologies with an additional plugin such as Leica and Cloudworks. Scanning and photogrammetry are gaining popularity in recent times and is emerging as it helps practitioners involved in the construction industry to do their restoration or renovation with ease.