When you think about incorporating the newest technology into your construction projects, it is often easier to start once you’re familiar with the basics, get a feel of the process, and start implementing it early on. This blog provides a closer look into the emerging technology of laser scanning in the construction industry.
3D laser scanning is extensively used to capture highly detailed and accurate images of the construction site or existing buildings. It is also used to map an area using laser scanners, specifically called reality capture. The data extracted from these scans is called point cloud data and it provides highly accurate and often geo-coordinated data for existing building structures.
This technology can improve the quality and accuracy of AEC workflows and also help to reduce costly manual rework. Often old building plans are obsolete, due to construction and retrofitting activities that took place throughout the building’s lifetime. hence, the smart course of action would be to create a database containing points in a 3D coordinate system instead of relying on old drawings and plans of the building.
A Short History of Laser Scanning in Construction
Over several decades, the idea of capturing three-dimensional characteristics of objects and situations has been fascinating. Nonetheless, the late 20th century saw the beginning of this concept’s actual implementation. The path from crude 3D data capture technologies to today’s advanced laser scanning capabilities demonstrates human inventiveness and the unwavering quest for technical improvement. Laser scanning is not a new technology at all. It has been here since around the 1960s, but it was in the 1990s that it began incorporating itself into the construction and design process. As technology progressed, specialized software that could decipher unprocessed point cloud data was developed and scanners also became more and more compact, increasing their accessibility for the construction industry.
How does Laser Scanning in construction relate to BIM?
The AEC industry is rapidly moving forward with the adoption of BIM, and hence the demand for BIM documentation for existing buildings is also growing. Since laser scanning is the fastest way to collect and document data from pre-existing structures, Scan-to-BIM is quickly becoming an integral part of the BIM process.
Reality Capture turns real-world conditions into accessible digital data. For any new and emerging projects, Scan-to-BIM is a non-negotiable part of their workflows. It helps the designers optimize the projects for both constructability and maintainability before the project even starts. Discover how implementing Scan-to-BIM in your projects can help your workflows.
Constructability includes processes of identifying potential obstacles to decrease project risk. Constructability should be evaluated from every project stage, beginning with the initial phases itself. Delaying the evaluation can cause rework in later stages of the process. Interested in getting started with Constructability Analysis for your projects?
Maintainability refers to the processes essential for sustaining a plant’s longevity. This includes keeping the equipment and facility running smoothly.
3D Laser Scanning for Constructability: Project Phases
During the Front-End Planning Phase/Scope Development:
- Virtual walkthroughs allow for early identification of issues and difficulties, aiding in the production of optimal project options.
- This phase also enables access to remote or tight locations, ensuring a continuous workflow without delays.
During the Detail Engineering and Design Phase:
- The integration of scans into CADworx allows for model reviews with scan overlays, along with image capture via laser scanners.
- This alignment with operations and maintenance interests provides the ability to design around obstructions and eliminates inaccuracies and uncertainty.
- It also enables the overlay of existing infrastructure with new infrastructure.
During the Procurement and Fabrication Phase:
- There is verification of critical fabrication items, which allows for seamless installation and provides increased time for necessary adjustments.
During the Construction Phase:
- This phase focuses on minimizing rework and achieving cost savings from upfront scanning.
- It integrates all disciplines to minimize field errors and enables quick mitigation of issues after the project starts.
Pros of Laser Scanning
Benefits of laser scanning in construction are substantial. As you may have already noticed, there are plenty of applications for laser scanning that make it an efficient and viable option.
Here are some of the most notable advantages of 3D laser scanning:
Speed
Traditional surveying methods typically rely on manually measuring points on the ground, which is time-consuming and leaves room for discrepancies. Laser scanning, on the other hand, captures thousands of points per second that workers can immediately use for mapping, models, and quality control.
Accuracy
Laser scanning leaves less room for human error and creates the most accurate mapping and models. These advanced laser scanners can capture precise and detailed measurements by collecting data points all over the project site. These data points produce highly accurate documentation for those working on the project.
Attention to Detail
Since a laser scanner can capture thousands of data points in mere minutes, it encourages everyone working on the project to pay close attention to the smallest details. Thanks to this attentiveness, each part of a project ensures quality and will require fewer modifications moving forward.
Cons of Laser Scanning
As with any new construction technology, there may be a few drawbacks to laser scanning in construction. It’s important to know these downsides to decide whether implementing laser scanning is right for a project.
Requires Expensive Equipment
Construction laser scanning equipment comes at a high cost. While it can cut costs further down the road, the upfront costs may feel off-putting. The upfront costs include the equipment and either, hiring someone who already knows how to run it or paying for training.
Calls For Special Training
As we previously mentioned, these scanning lasers require experience and training to get the best results. Since the equipment is so expensive, you’d only get your money’s worth by getting the most accurate scans possible.
Here are a few options for finding a trained professional to operate a 3D scanner:
- Hire a third-party contractor. Third-party 3D scanning companies will do the scanning and point upload for you. This option could help professionals cut down on those high upfront costs but may cost more over time.
- Hire someone with laser scanning experience. You always have the option of bringing someone onto your team that has training and experience in scanning.
- Take a 3D scanning course. There are 3D scanning courses available online and across the United States. Consider taking the course yourself or offering a teammate the opportunity to take the course.
Visits to the work site are still essential: While laser scanners capture a tremendous amount of data about a work site, they don’t eliminate the need for visiting the site. Contractors, architects, engineers, and other workers should continue to visit the site frequently to familiarize themselves with site conditions and the project’s progress. They may also visit to identify any abnormalities and unique needs.