3D Laser Scanning to Get Accurate Building Measurements

All successful building and construction projects rely on the upfront design work and extensive planning done by the design team and general contractor.

However, it is typically the subcontractor's responsibility to verify and QC the actual field and building conditions before their installation process begins, or sometimes even before the material has been manufactured.

These specialty contractors are now using our 'Scan-To-DIM' (Scan-To-Dimension) technology and solutions to enhance onsite productivity and get their field & building measurements verified, all without compromising workers' safety.

3D laser scanning, also known as LiDAR (light detection and ranging) or HDS (high-definition surveying), is one of the most remarkable technologies used in the construction sector.

Our team utilizes enterprise-level LiDAR scanners onsite to capture and verify accurate building measurements and existing building conditions.

Are you utilizing 3D laser scanning on your construction projects, or are you still in the initial phases of exploring this technology's potential?

One thing's for sure. Every construction expert would profoundly benefit from learning more about this technology.

3D Laser Scanning in Construction & Building Projects

Although laser scanning is anything but new, it has recently gained serious traction in the construction and building industry. At present, more and more contractors are turning to this technology every day for its use in several building construction applications, primarily due to its accuracy.

Many companies use our 3D laser scanning and 'Scan-To-DIM' solutions to get accurate building measurements and benefit from the streamlined coordination on a project site, which allows them to make better and more well-informed decisions throughout the building process.

How 3D Laser Scanning Works in Capturing Building Measurements

The cutting-edge technology of 3D scanning offers construction and building experts a way to replicate the existing building conditions in three dimensions virtually.

3D laser scanners emit a laser beam that bounces off the building's surface, creating points/point clouds, which refer to the collection of points in a 3-dimensional coordinate system.

Together, these points clouds can reflect the exact dimension and shape of the object and or surface that was scanned.

A 3D laser scanner not only captures the generic surface data but can also help determine all the details about the substrate, everything from point-to-point complex geometric differences to the most subtle contours and deviations.

Our engineers will then process and convert the point cloud data into an accurate digital 3D replica.

An accurate 3D model generates significant value that building experts can use to design and plan new projects, including ongoing installations and custom retrofits.

Advantages of 3D Laser Scanning for Builders

There is no denying that 3D laser scanning is a groundbreaking technology in the construction sector.

In addition to providing accurate building measurements, it offers an array of benefits for improving the cost-effectiveness of the planning and design stage.

Our 3D laser scanners can be used for onsite surveying and recording data/measurements safely. Field verifying and scanning from a safe distance will ensure the safety of the workers when the job site is unsafe to access.

Also, using laser scan and reality capture data throughout the project's lifecycle will enhance communication and collaboration significantly by providing ongoing updates reflecting the project's status accurately.

ScanTek can give you complete knowledge of your project at any time!

Reduce rework by detecting mistakes and taking immediate action, transform your BIM into an official record system, and take project insights to the next level with automated progress and schedule tracking.

1. Collect Accurate Building Documentation

3D laser scanning is the ultimate solution to gathering the most precise building documentation as quickly as possible.

Before 3D laser scanning solutions were available, most engineers, contractors, and designers visited the job site with a sketchpad and tape measure.

They would take measurements onsite by hand and sketch what they saw.

This process is still pretty standard; however, it presents many opportunities for human error.

Using the hand measurement method, builders typically record the information incorrectly and sometimes even overlook sections entirely. As a result, they need to perform additional site visits later to document the missing conditions.

In addition, transferring the hand sketches to a computer version adds an extra layer of potential human error.

3D laser scans can capture the subtlest details to paint a more in-depth and accurate picture of the building conditions.

In addition, the accuracy of the scan data can serve as a permanent record that builders can access for later use and for streamlining future work.

2. Streamline Building Progress

One of the most significant advantages of 3D laser scanning is that contractors can update their digital drawings accurately throughout the project. This ability to acquire accurate and in-depth insights into the project's current state can significantly streamline the building process.

This valuable information further hastens the introductory planning phase and boosts productivity and efficiency throughout the project.

Since all the scanned versions of the building are documented, contractors can easily compare the building's former versions with the current one and identify the discrepancies between one phase to the next.

Consequently, contractors can make their production schedules more rigid because they can predict the necessary alterations ahead of time.

3. Reduce Health and Safety Risks

The conventional technique of taking building measurements by hand can often present many safety and health risks. For instance, there will always be a safety risk when workers visit an active job site to take and record all the necessary measurements.

This risk can be due to injuries from unsafe working conditions or susceptibility to outdated building materials, such as asbestos.

Luckily, using our 3D laser scanning solutions can significantly mitigate these safety and health risks.

3D laser scanners are no-contact devices that allow workers to quickly capture building data in confined spaces, significantly minimizing their exposure and time in such dangerous environments.

In addition, 3D laser scanning accurately captures data even from hard-to-reach areas such as overhead ductwork and high ceilings. Reducing the need to use ladders or spend considerable time off the ground/and or up on scaffolding.

4. Prevent Costly and Time-Consuming Rework

It is no surprise that rework is quite common during construction projects. Due to human error, the need to reinstall and correct certain building elements significantly adds budgetary limitations and ultimately impacts supply and labor costs. And as a result, the overall project can be prolonged and heavily impacted.

Rework is a major challenge in construction. Both, lack of communication and insufficient designs are the most common reasons for rework during construction projects.

Our reality capture solutions can identify and manage these design issues ahead of time by capturing deviations between field installations and the Building Information Model (BIM).

Therefore, up-to-date 3D scan data and reality capture on a regular basis can significantly aid builders in identifying the differences with the original plans, allowing them to intervene before that particular part of the project is completed.

Using our reality capture solutions and scanners in building projects will minimize these risk factors. The point cloud data and 3D models can accurately represent the existing building conditions, enabling contractors and designers to plan their work more accurately.

5. Improve Collaboration among Building Professionals

Using accurate 3D scan data to update the BIM model and building records, also boosts collaboration among the other professionals and trade partners working on the project.

Without accurate building modeling, builders cannot correctly identify these clashes on the drawings before the physical installation.

Our reality capture solutions will identify discrepancies between the BIM model's location and the as-built reality, then automatically push updates to the BIM model based on the existing conditions (verified with reality capture data).

Working from just one updated BIM model gives the entire project team more accurate information and better visibility to work collaboratively.

For instance, 3D scanning can minimize the rework of ductwork and electrical installations due to improper positioning. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades can construct and install products and equipment accurately based on the latest version of the 3D scanned BIM model.

Therefore, whether it is electrical systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) equipment, pipes, or ductwork, builders can easily coordinate all the installations to avert any mistakes in positioning.

Why You Need to Work with ScanTek 3D on Your Next Building Project

ScanTek is a one-stop-shop for your reality capture needs.

Our team of experts are dedicated to providing the most accurate and cost-efficient onsite reality capture services by employing the latest technology.

Our Reality Capture services include:

• Onsite terrestrial scanning and mobile LiDAR.

• HDR 360 photos/video walk-throughs.

• Post capture solutions that include; 'Scan to DIM', 'Scan to BIM', and 'Scan vs BIM' analysis.

• AI software allows our team to automatically QA/QC our 'Scan to BIM' solutions to ensure unparalleled accuracy.

Accuracy is crucial to the construction industry, as is budget and time.

Like any technology, there are specific techniques and processes when using LiDAR and 3D laser scanning technology. Our unrivaled experience and industry knowledge will ensure you get the most precise building measurements every time.

Get in touch with our team of experts to learn more about our solutions!