Essential Information About 3D Laser Scanning | Scan to BIM | Point Cloud to BIM Modeling

Being an AEC professional, you know that “3D laser scanning” is one of the most popular terms used in the construction industry. However, the interesting part is the utilization of this cutting-edge technology in a building construction project.

Scan to BIM is one of the applications of 3D laser scanning technology. Before going deep down to the term “Scan to BIM” let us discuss “what is BIM” first.

What is BIM?

The widely known term BIM i.e, Building Information Modeling is a dynamic process of representing the physical and functional characteristics of a building environment in a cloud-based digital platform (CDE ). The collaborative BIM process allows all the project participants to make informed decisions throughout the various stages of a building lifecycle. The efficient use of BIM in a construction project results in Streamlined planning, detailed designing, flawless construction process, improved handover, and adequate facilities management and operations.

The National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee of the United States has defined BIM as:

“Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.”

BIM is vast and therefore, according to the requirement BIM models are segregated into various levels and dimensions considering different phases of the project.

Now, what is 3D Laser Scanning?

3D Laser scanning is an advanced technology that is revolutionizing the construction industry. The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology-enabled 3D Laser scanner device digitally captures the physical characteristics of an existing building environment and its elements in the form of millions of digital points, known as “point clouds”. These point-cloud data are further used for different purposes.?

Defining Scan to BIM

As the name represents “Scan to BIM” is the sophisticated process of preparing data-rich BIM models utilizing the 3D laser scanned point cloud data of an existing building environment. According to the requirement, these point cloud to BIM as-built models are further used for renovation, re-modeling, operations and maintenance purposes, facilities management, permit documentation purposes, etc.

Scan to BIM Process

The advanced workflow of the scan to BIM process integrates laser scanned data, point cloud extraction, and smart BIM software to accelerate further the modeling process resulting in clear visualization of design intent. The workflow is being used by the Architectural Engineering and Construction(AEC) industry throughout the building lifecycle. Whether planning to renovate an entire building or, optimize space utilization, the scan to BIM methodology will always help to get the job done efficiently.

• SCAN: Laser scanner devices are used to capture the reality of a building facility including each building element to identify dimensions, designs, material, and available area. Along with the LiDAR-enabled 3D laser scanner, BIM software such as Autodesk ReCap Pro is used to subsequently register the 360-degree scanned data of the as-built state of a building.
• PROCESS: Processing refers to registering and indexing the 3D scanned data. Using scan to BIM software like Autodesk ReCap Pro the scanned data is processed and converted to the RCP (Reality Capture Project) files. These RCP files are further utilized to extract point cloud data.
• EXTRACT: Reality Capture Project (RCP) files are easily imported to various BIM software like Revit, AutoCAD, etc. for intelligent modeling purposes.
• MODEL & VISUALIZE: The Revit files are considered as the base of the scan to BIM project and are further re-modeled or, modified by the designer or, BIM modelers to incorporate relevant data, following the project specifications and industry standards. The scan to the BIM Revit model represents a clear visualization of the re-designed building facility.

The BIM Revit model is further imported to Navisworks(.NVT) files for enhanced photo-realistic visualization and validation of the BIM model. The NVT file allows running and reporting clash detections so that modelers can prepare well-coordinated clash-free BIM models.

• CONSTRUCT: The information-rich collaborative BIM model is further used for construction purposes. For a renovation project, the BIM models are used as a reference for the new design of the existing building environment. However, for new construction projects, the scan to BIM models is used both as a design reference and to track the progress of the construction jobs.
• AS-BUILT: Once the construction process is accomplished the as-built state of the building must be recorded through the scan to BIM process for operations and maintenance purposes.

Best Scan to BIM Software

Digitization in the construction industry has gained popularity due to its immense advantages and scan to BIM is one such methodology that is encouraging digitization. There are several scan to BIM software introduced that are improving the entire construction process.

?Autodesk ReCap for processing, registering, and indexing laser scanned data

?ClearEdge3D EdgeWise for automatic extraction of point cloud geometry

?Infraworks, Civil 3D, Revit, AutoCAD, Inventor, Plant 3D, Navisworks, etc. for BIM modeling, design validation, and visualization.

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Benefits of Scan to BIM | Advantages of 3D Laser Scanning

One of the biggest reasons for gaining popularity of point cloud to BIM process is its enormous benefits that positively impact the construction industry.

3 Key Benefits of Scan to BIM services

• Lesser Renovation or, Extension Planning Error: Most older buildings do not have proper digital planning, designing, or, documentations which are important for building renovation, space optimization, or, expansion. However, the cutting technology of 3D laser scanning provides a clear digital overview of the as-built structure of the building facility. These point clouds essentially help AEC professionals to plan, design, and remodel effortlessly and flawlessly.
• Quality Assurance: BIM models from 3D scanned data are reliable and precise. These BIM models are considered the reference to the entire construction process. Project participants track the onsite project progression compared with the scan to BIM planning and designing ensures quality assured construction process.
• Allowing Off-site Inspection: The construction inspection process can take place off-site through the laser scan-to-BIM data. Reducing the requirement of site visits improves the overall surveying process.
• Saves Time: The scan to BIM process eliminates the requirement of the site visit to prepare an as-built model of an existing structure. Project stakeholders can review, plan and take informed decisions virtually and collaboratively not even visit the construction site.
• Cost Efficient: BIM modeling from point clouds charges may seem to be high but when we compare it with the traditional manual survey and construction process and consider the constructability issues, onsite risks, and safety issues, it significantly saves money.
• Improvise Asset and Facilities Management: Scan to BIM data provides the exact measurement, location, and material of structures of a building environment. This data helps facility managers to improve the efficiency of the building. They utilize the data to reduce carbon footprint by identifying better insulation points.

Wrapping Up

Architects, designers, structural engineers, MEP engineers, and BIM modelers quickly build constructible models by combining the accuracy and speed of 3D laser scanning in a BIM process, which allows information to flow seamlessly from the field to the office. With data and connected information at the sole of the construction process, Scan to BIM is without a doubt revolutionizing the way contractors work today.