The advent of technology has transformed the AEC industry, providing innovative solutions to enhance building design and construction experience. Construction Sites have a dynamic realm with inherent risks that pose a serious safety threat to the construction workers and site management team. Scan to BIM services are a cutting-edge tool for developing efficient and comprehensive 3D building models, facilitating detailed structural analysis for safer construction.
As per a research report by Skyquest Technology, “The Building Information modeling (BIM) global market is expected to reach from USD 6.71 billion in 2022 to USD 17.59 billion by 2030 and indicate a CAGR of 12.8% in the forecast period (2023-2030).
By embracing this efficient tool, AEC companies can proactively address site concerns and safeguard the well-being of their project team. Let’s look into the details of Scan to BIM services and explore how these services benefit the structural analysis for any project.
Decoding Scan to BIM services
Scan to BIM services is a comprehensive approach that involves documenting precise information about a space using laser scanning technology. The data is utilized to develop a 3D BIM model that provides an accurate and detailed depiction of the structure to the architects, designers, construction professionals, and engineers. The Point cloud scans contain the project data and offer an in-depth insight into the space, allowing for a thorough understanding.
Enlisted are some of the common strategies used in Scan to BIM services:
- Laser Scanning: This strategy uses a laser scanner and captures the building information as millions of point clouds. The scanned data is used to develop a 3D building model that enables the stakeholders to capture any complex building geometry quickly and with utmost accuracy.
- Photogrammetry: This is another strategy used for site scanning in the form of photographs taken from multiple angles. These pictures are then used to develop 3D building models using specialized software. Photogrammetry is less costly and easily captures large areas quickly and efficiently in comparison to laser scanning.
- Hybrid Scanning: As the name suggests, a hybrid strategy is a combination of laser scanning and photogrammetry used together to develop the 3D building model. The benefits of using this process for project documentation are high accuracy, providing both geometric and color data, and allowing access to hard-to-reach areas.
- Manual Modeling: This involves developing a 3D model manually with the help of conventional CAD software. The benefits include greater control over the model’s details and accuracy, and the ability to document difficult-to-reach areas that might get difficult to capture using scanning techniques.
Understanding Laser scanning technology
Laser Scanning is a strategy employed for Scan to BIM services that uses laser beams to rapidly capture millions of data points across the surfaces of the structure. The collection of these point clouds formulates a 3D model using Point cloud modeling. The process enables the capture of as-built conditions with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Laser scanning uses LiDAR technology to capture and record precise locations and distances, generating point cloud files for highly accurate documentation of projects.
Structural Analysis with Scan to BIM Services
Scan to BIM services is an effective tool for building analysis and identifying potential structural issues using laser scanning. Point cloud to BIM services create a 3D model using scanned data, allowing the architects and engineers to detect existing issues, such as deformations, cracks, and irregularities, that might not be visible to the naked eye. These services provide a non-invasive structural analysis of the building, allowing the stakeholders to identify issues without any invasive inspections or destructive testing.
Scan to BIM is a comprehensive building analysis approach that takes into account millions of data points captured by the laser scanner and processes them into a 3D model to depict the building and its surroundings precisely. Let’s explore how these services contribute to the significant process of structural analysis:
Identifying Settlements and Deformations
As the building ages, so does it showcase deformations and settlements, compromising the structural integrity of the built form. Point Cloud to BIM services facilitate the identification of these structural defects and enable professionals to introduce effective interventions in time. The proactive measures by the project team ward off additional damage to the structure and ensure building stability and safety.
Checking for Cracks and Vibration
Laser scanning provides accurate analysis of cracks and structural vibrations, highlighting their impact on the building’s stability. The AEC professionals can visualize these defects with the 3D BIM model and understand their intensity and adversity to devise appropriate and effective reinforcement strategies.
Scan to BIM services play an effective role in reaching the difficult-to-access places of a structure during the analysis, providing detailed insights about the issues to the professionals.
Evaluating Material Deterioration
Scan to BIM services integrate laser scanning into the building analysis process which explores the structural nuances in great detail. The scanning captures the material deterioration such as wear and tear or corrosion, explicitly, providing detailed insights about the state of materials used in the structure. Assessing the extent of these issues facilitates building maintenance and repair, infusing longevity and stability into the built form.
Executing Meticulous As-Built Documentation
A prominent benefit of incorporating Scan to BIM is the ability of laser scanners to capture the intricate and convoluted details of a building’s geometry. The detailed analysis depicts the actual state of the structure and the as-built documentation helps in identifying the discrepancies between the conceptualized design and actual construction.
The difference between inception and execution sheds light on potential structural issues, enabling the professionals to assess the situation and propose suitable solutions to mitigate these issues.
Analyzing for Clash Detection and Interference
Clash detection is a crucial step before project execution on the construction site to ensure the elimination of any potential errors or discrepancies in the design and infrastructure. Point Cloud to BIM services facilitates clash detection with a thorough site scan, identifying prospective issues among various building elements.
For renovation or restoration projects, Clash detection is a crucial feature for evaluating design repercussions or addressing expected design clashes. Integrating BIM modeling services provides a clash-free 3D model that helps avoid on-site complications during the construction phase.
Conclusion
Integrating BIM modeling services into construction projects has ushered in an era of precise and efficient execution of AEC projects. The potential of these services significantly impacts how projects are conceptualized and conceived on sites.
These services offer prominent growth to the AEC industry with a plethora of benefits shaping the analysis and execution of projects. Scan to BIM services can perform detailed structural analysis for any project and pinpoint the potential issues before the construction phase, revolutionizing the approach of architects and engineers toward their tasks. Incorporating these services into any project can drive evolution and growth for any AEC company.
