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April 28, 2023
Despite having a clear idea about the construction area, we seldom face space-related issues while constructing something. To avoid that, SCANNING the available space can be helpful, as it allows us to see through the area and set plans accordingly.
The process of capturing the available area, including the space behind the walls, is generally called ‘SCANNING.’
To see through the walls, a laser-based scanner is used, whose output is in the form of a pointed cloud, each point signifying the surface of an object detected by the scanner. All the points together form a ‘point cloud’, which is later used for comparison with the model. Every point consists of an XYZ value, which determines its position in the coordinate system.
There is one more crucial aspect in the AEC industry, which is crucial to draw the benefit from SCANNING, and that is ‘Building Information Modeling’ or ‘BIM’. If a 3D laser scan is to capture the available space, a BIM tool is to help the tradesperson visualize the SCAN output. In many countries, adopting BIM during construction is a mandatory aspect.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that helps pre-analyze the requirements for the upcoming construction work. For example, material required, cost estimation, clash coordination between two or multiple trades involved, etc., are the requisites that can be realized before construction with the help of BIM.
In the modern construction scenario, BIM helps throughout the project lifecycle. Straight from the conceptual and design phases to the facility management of a project, it supports efficient coordination, collaboration, conflict resolution, and more.
The adoption of BIM, especially in large-scale infrastructure projects, has seen widespread traction. As such, projects are complex and vulnerable to reworks and delays. BIM is a proven solution for those. To prevent any setbacks, seamless coordination across the disciplines is a pressing factor, which is achievable through BIM.
By building coordination between different trades using REVIT or other BIM software like NAVISWORKS, AUTOCAD, PLANT3D, etc., we achieve near accuracy and precision.
As BIM becomes a mandate in major booming countries worldwide, scanning becomes a critical thing here. When existing structures need renovation, professionals now use scanning to get the structure's details in the form of point cloud data. This data then gets converted to a BIM model, on which the design phase starts.
The process captures the as-built conditions of the structures, providing critical information to the team for workflow setup. This is how BIM and scanning together become a pivotal part of modern construction.
So, BIM is used to visualize and analyze the existing aspects. At the same time, SCANNING helps to capture the available area-based information.
The process of importing the scanned information into the BIM software and using it to identify the existing issues is called the SCAN TO BIM process.
So far, it is clear that the process helps in getting an as-built model of an existing structure. The greater fact is that this model is not just a visual representation, but contains accurate measurements of the structure’s geometries.
But, how does the system capture this actionable data, positioning itself as a powerful replacement for traditional construction tools and methods?
The scan-to-BIM process starts with site preparation, which includes identification of the parts to be scanned. Doing this ensures clarity in the scanning process and results in a streamlined ‘registration’ process.
What is registration here?
Do not worry, we will cover that too. Coming back to the steps, now the scanning process starts. The laser scanner is usually placed on an object, from which it is moved across the site.
Depending upon the structure, professionals can place the scanner on drones for detailed aerial scans. When operational, the laser scan creates points on specific elements of the structure, which reflect its geometry.
The scanner tracks these points along its x,y, and z axes. Additionally, different scanners can collect from 2 million to 600 million unique points per second.
Different trades, like Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Safety, Structure, etc., are usually involved in the construction industry & work parallel to each other. The significance of SCAN TO BIM rises exceptionally when a project has engaged a trade already, and other trades are asked to work on the site without affecting the existing work.
SCAN TO BIM involves a Laser-based scanner to capture not only just areas visible to the eyes but also the space available behind the walls. Therefore, with the help of BIM, we can also visualize and set a strategy to work behind the walls, keeping the existing work unaffected.
The construction industry enjoys its significance because the SCAN TO BIM data mitigates the chances of expensive design changes during the construction stage. Apart from this, there are several other benefits that make this technology a top choice for the modern construction industry.
The renovation of an existing structure started with a survey, where the same task was done using traditional methods. The technique consumes a significant amount of time, which is a symbol of inefficiency right from the initial stages of a project. Moreover, the measurements taken were often inaccurate, which created room for further delays and costly reworks.
As laser scanners evolved, the human effort has shrunk to a great extent. This, in turn, eliminates errors and data inaccuracies. The laser-scanned data is optimal for precise BIM modeling to be used ahead in the project.
As mentioned above, the traditional method took days for the surveys to be completed. However, laser scanners are just the opposite and come packed with greater performance.
Modern laser scanners can capture millions of data points every second, bringing the days-long process to a couple of minutes.
The use of the scan-to-BIM process eliminates the complexities involved with large-scale renovations. Modern laser scanners are so powerful that they can help visualize spatial relationships behind walls.
Further, during the renovation of complex structures, this process simplifies the data capture of complex shapes and sizes. Hence, professionals can rely on it for projects of different scales.
So far, we have mostly known the uses of scan to BIM in retrofits. However, it is not limited to creating as-builts of existing structures, which are then modified.
The technology helps in the creation of digital twins, which is an emerging tech in the global construction landscape. Digital twins find active use in the facility management sector, where their role is revolutionizing.
With their help, facility management becomes an advanced process, and execution occurs with a few clicks. Creating digital twins would have been impossible without the scan to BIM technology. It is the foundational part of the big sector, like facility management, and hence the use of this technology on a global level is on a strong upward trajectory.
The use of scan to BIM to create digital twins also helps in reducing onsite visits for stakeholders. When the project site is far away from where they are situated, digital twins become the basis of site exploration.
As digital twins are very true to the original site, it becomes easier for the stakeholders to plan the project. Additionally, the design professionals among them can focus on conceptualizing and designing.
The accuracy that scan to BIM brings adds significant value to the project even before the construction begins. When the model prepared from the point cloud data is accurate, further modifications and additions to it are flawless. This further facilitates the preparation of precise and error-free shop drawings, making the construction process much smoother.
The use of scan to BIM eliminates delays and rework, which saves time and labor costs. Eventually, the project adheres to the set timeline, and on completion, project stakeholders have a data-rich as-built model of the actual structure, which now is useful for facility management.
While there are such benefits, the implementation of this technology often brings forth a set of challenges depending on the organizations demand.
Companies that have already adopted a BIM-based workflow, but are now willing to implement scan to BIM, often face compatibility and data loss issues. Compatibility issues between existing BIM software versions and the newly installed laser scanning software result in data loss and file corruption. This data loss hinders the conversion of the point cloud data into accurate BIM models. Inconsistency in data further leads to poor communication, leading to expensive reworks and project delays. All these are initially faced challenges; however, if an organization is persistent, then software and hardware updates can mitigate these issues over time.
Implementing the scan to BIM methodology requires proper planning and a budget. The process has several layers of expenses, and proper budget allocation is prime here. Small firms with limited budgets generally face this issue. The expenses include the 3D laser scanning software, the equipment, and skilled technicians to operate it. The processing of scanned data and converting it into 3D models also requires a good amount of processing power, which adds to the cost of having high-end processors.
Organizations need to accept this, as this has no alternative. When selecting a 3D laser scanner for a project, or rather for all your upcoming projects, there should be a clear evaluation. Evaluation of the organization’s requirements and the capabilities of the laser scanner options available. The capabilities are based on factors like resolution, range, speed, cost, and environmental conditions in which the scanner will function. A specialist addresses these factors and ensures the right scanner equipment and software solutions are chosen. Hiring them will help companies leverage their technical expertise in the devices and choose a device with optimal performance in specific scenarios.
The conversion of the point cloud data into accurate 3D models is computationally intensive. Large point cloud datasets usually require high-end hardware for fast processing. Hence, apart from implementing the right equipment and software, it is a concerning factor to expand the power of computational resources as well. Further, project sites with certain conditions infuse noise in the raw scan data, which leads to inaccuracies in the quality of converted BIM models. Removing this noise requires additional time and resources, which often causes disruptions in the project timeline.
The detailed point cloud data generated from the laser scanners requires intensive storage capacity. Storing and managing this data and ensuring it is accessible to the relevant teams without delays is a challenge. Organizations need to invest further to enhance the data structures to handle large volumes of data, and eliminate bottlenecks in analysis and data processing.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) redefines one of the most critical aspects, data processing. While we may see these as emerging trends, renowned firms across the globe started implementing these a year ago.
One of the most prominent examples is the high-speed rail infrastructure projects of the United Kingdom. The 100 billion euros project uses AI algorithms to process the scanned data and find design deviations. This helped in the faster resolution of the issues and seamless alignment of the additional design elements with the existing.
The project further benefited from the automatic generation of BIM model elements like pipes, walls, and ducts.
Let’s talk about these emerging trends in detail and know how they drive more efficiency in scan to BIM systems.
When tracing the point cloud data for 3D model generation, inaccuracies in the process lead to delays. This happens when working with large and complex point cloud sets. Small architectural elements like windows, doors, and slabs are not recognized.
Here, ML models trained for automated object recognition can help. The models identify and categorize these elements, which eliminates ambiguity and helps in accurate 3D model generation.
This goes beyond the visualization of the geometry of a structure. The AI-powered process empowers 3D modelers to create sustainable BIM models and prepare cost estimations accurate point cloud data.
What happens here is that the model elements are assigned data like thermal properties, structural classifications, and material types. With such data-rich models, engineers and designers can gain deeper insights into the project costs and the sustainability factor, apart from just the size and dimensions of the project.
We have heard of predictive maintenance, but what is predictive modeling about in construction processes?
This comes down to the use of AI to anticipate potential setbacks in various construction phases. AI can analyse the as-built model and forecast the problems that would arise with the current renovation plans.
This capability of AI adds great value in the process of planning the modifications. Engineers can make more informed decisions at every construction phase when they identify potential issues early in the design phase.
Hence, AI helps professionals predict potential issues and then progress with the modeling process, leading to more advanced and error-free models.
So, these are the emerging trends in this field, and many service providers have already integrated those into their offerings.
Pinnacle has been providing BIM model services to the AEC industry to develop Architectural, Structural, and MEPFP models for renovation and extension projects for over 31 years. With more than 4100 adept engineers and skilled architects, it has served SCAN TO BIM services to many Data centers, Stadiums, Commercial buildings, and Airports and helped revolutionize various other construction projects in 43 countries across the globe.
Being a global leader in offering SCAN TO BIM services, Pinnacle facilitates these stages of construction, including project planning, 3D Model creation, Visualization, Animation, Rendering, and Quality Inspection. AEC professionals and firms praise Pinnacle’s SCAN TO BIM Services for 3D models in different trades involved
By now, we have explored various dimensions that would answer the question 'what is scan to BIM'. To explore Pinnacle’s scan to BIM abilities, visit our services and get a free consultation from experienced BIM experts to get certainty on your dream project.
A professional BIM consulting agency would provide 3D laser scanning for every aspect and phase of construction. Validation for the best SCAN TO BIM services comes when the newly constructed work against the as-designed model or drawings for quality assurance gets as-built documentation showing exact dimensions and locations.
Regardless of the purpose or the type of construction, if you are using a laser scanners and it's not accurate, there is a benefit. Hence, the standard level of accuracy is +/- 1 mm (0.04 inches), which every laser scanner should have in order to serve its purpose.
There are no such limitations with this technology, and it can capture data from almost all surfaces. However, in the case of glass surfaces, due to unnecessary reflection, manual modeling may be required. Also, areas that are hard to access are often not scanable.
Some of the most efficient laser scans that save time are Leica RTC360 (takes less than 2 minutes with automatic point cloud registration), Trimble X7 (automatic calibration and lightweight), and Topcon GLS-2000 (provides high-speed scans up to 1,20,000 points/second).
Scan to BIM is not costly; rather, it saves time, money, and resources during renovation activities and facility management services. Without the use of scan to BIM, the creation of as-built or digital twins will be a time and resource-consuming task.
Also Read:
Scan to BIM Services
Point Cloud to BIM
Traditional Construction vs. BIM-Based Construction
LOD Conventions in BIM
Laser Scanning
PiVDC Tools Used in Lusail Stadium Project
AEC 業界における Pi の力
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