The 3D laser scanner, or terrestrial LiDAR, is a widely used technology by numerous industries. However, its adoption by the AEC sector (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) is quite recent. It’s clear that the potential benefits of the 3D scanner, when applied to the design, construction, operations, maintenance, change of usage, renovation or even demolition phases of a building have not been yet realized by the AEC sector. The approach which gathers all the building or infrastructure stakeholders and data within a collaborative workflow is known as BIM (Building Information Modeling). This article depicts how the 3D scanning technology integrates the BIM workflow. (read more…)
The common belief about the 3D scanning is that it is a simple technological innovation providing a richer, faster and safer way to collect spatial data. Beyond these undeniable assets, it brings a lot more to the AEC sector. For example, the monitoring, analysis and assessment from the spatial data acquired of buildings, their components and environment. In addition to saving time and money while executing the same task using conventional methods, the 3D scanning provides to the decision makers a revolutionary and accurate tool to evaluate existing conditions, monitor progress on work sites, analyse structures, document as built and manage building or infrastructure portfolios. In many ways, this technology enables the creation of data managing foundations in order to improve overall efficiency of the BIM projects.
To optimize this process, the 3D scanning services providers need to target the key challenges of their customers in the construction or managing framework of BIM projects. Some of these challenges could be the following :
– Quick mapping, generation of DTM and modeling of built area;
– infrastructure and portfolio management;
– work site monitoring, documentation and assessment;
– structural analysis and inspection.
For each of these applications, the equipments, techniques and process can vary a lot. That’s why a strong collaboration is needed with customers and involved professionals in order to efficiently encounter the goals at the different steps of the BIM project.
Since the 3D scanning equipments and services costs continue to decrease, their benefits on the other hand for the AEC sector involved in BIM projects will increase. Many owners already realized the significant value of this technology and it will undoubtedly change how AEC professionals work.
Contact us to discuss all your needs in 3D scanning for BIM projects
right : Example of a building’s facade deformation study and left : Example of mecanical detail modeling using laser 3D scanner point cloud