We are in the era of the 21st century, where modernization has advanced a lot. There is a saying that "change is inevitable". This means that changes are required at an interval period of time that is beneficial in each and every sector. Having said this the same is with the process of the construction industry too. Here today in this blog let us emphasize on the service of Scan to BIM that has completely changed the process and method that use to be taken into consideration for BIM projects and BIM services.
Introduction to Scan to BIM Services
Scan to BIM services is the process and practice that is taken into consideration for creating a digital representation of the current situation and conditions of the building. It has the details of the building that has physical as well as functional characteristics of it in BIM. To get a 3D view of the design, there is a laser scanner that assists in capturing accurate 3D scans of the model which is then imported into a 3D BIM software. The software that is used and taken into use are Autodesk’s Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, Autodesk Recap, Sketchup, and more. The core reason to have these services is in order to create one of the needed as-built models or to capture the design and that too with the option of real-world conditions.
In the AEC industry, the process of laser scanning was initially practiced and used in the year 1990. The core reason for it was to capture the current details and conditions of the building along with its design purposes. With the change in the process and demand of advanced techniques Scan to BIM Services is quickly becoming a standard practice for a number of companies and people who are either of the ways connected with the service. The list for some of them are laser scanning companies, contractors, sub-contractors, MEP engineers, surveyors and it is all with regards to their Renovation, Refurbishment, Retrofit or Reconstruction Projects which they have undertaken.
Moving further, let us now understand the process of Scan to BIM functions that is being followed and that is completely in this technology-driven industry.
Process of Scan to BIM work?
Below mentioned is the four stages on which the entire process of Scan to BIM services can be divided.
• Identification of the required information.
• Scan Planning
• Scanning
• 3D Modeling
Before having an as-built model let us have a detailed understanding about the whole scan to BIM process. This framework of the service that the team follows is as mentioned below in detail.
(1) Information Requirements for BIM Applications
In all the services that have been undertaken, it is an important factor that needs to be taken into consideration and that is related to the requirements that are required for creating models, drawings, designs, before jumping into the process of Scan to BIM services. It is very much necessary firstly to identify the level of detail of the model that is being presented by the client and this is because higher is the model, the accuracy to improve the reliability of the as-built BIM gets increased based on the intended application. However, the higher is the accuracy of the BIM model, higher is the costing too. Thus, here there should be creation of a panel which can control the cost and the data density. This is actually termed as trade-off panel. In this stage the team of engineers identify below mentioned information:
• Essential elements of building.
• Necessary Level of Detail (LOD)
• Required non-geometric attributes
(2) Scan Planning
This stage of work is taken into consideration by the engineers before the acquisition of a 3D scan. This phase of work plays a vital role because at times there is difficulty in finding the existing buildings' design. Hence, with the proper optimization of scanning parameters the services can be beneficial and result-oriented. The entire process of the work includes the identification of all the necessary attributes that are needed in the scanning. Few types of parameters are listed below:
• Accuracy and precision
• Space Resolution
• Coverage
• Other attributes like location, angular resolution, etc.
(3) Scanning - Capturing the Actual Information
The function of scan to BIM service along with 3D laser scanner, assist in collecting the data that is having high speed and precision. The device that is used in this entire service has eye-safe laser rotating and that too at a great amount of speed. This is generally placed on the tripod at the site, and the laser beam which then hits the solid surface, and with this its position is being recorded as coordinates and it is known as "points". Taking it further, these clusters are then mapped together which is then represented in a highly accurate digital picture. Once all these points are gathered, the scanner will add colors to the design so as to create and develop a 3D map of the site with different views, this is referred to as point cloud scan.
The 3D laser scanner process that captures the interior and exterior structure of the design and drawings, will also have the concealed details of MEPF installations too. The scanned data then is translated with the help of Revit software into a 3D model.
(4) 3D Modeling - Ready for a new set-up or build-up
The next and the final stage of the service is to convert the acquired point cloud BIM scan data into a 3D model and that also with the condition of an existing building. This service is further narrowed down into two aspects.
(a) Deciphering the Point Cloud Data.
(b) Accurate and Detailed 3D modeling.
Benefits of Scan to BIM Services.
Let us proceed further and have a look at some of the benefits of the service that gives a view on as to why to invest in the service and why.
• Quality: The design that is being derived from Scan to BIM service is more reliable, realistic and of assured 100% quality.
• Saves time: It diminishes recurring visits to the sites. Thus, it increases the availability of the time with the contractor and its team so as to initiate the planning process and evaluate the risk of the project.
• Minimal Errors: It facilitates faster decision-making and project alteration.
• Sustainability: Using the required sets of BIM tools and technology the process becomes easier and this then leads to better sustainability in the project.
• Saving cost: Sourcing 3D models definitely comes at a high amount of cost, but the same is when compared with the option of traditional 2D models and surveys, it is found to be one of the best processes and results in significant savings.
• Common Data Environment: Scan to BIM facilitates transparency, better communication, and foster collaboration.
Conclusion:
It is very much clear on reading this blog that why there is a need for this service. We at Silicon Engineering Consultants Pty Ltd is the leading service provider of Scan to BIM Australia, Scan to BIM Services Sydney, Point Cloud to BIM Services Melbourne, Scan to BIM Revit Brisbane, and many other parts of Australia. Since, the origin of the company is in Australia, it gives an open channel to the clients either to visit them in person or to send email on info@siliconec.com.au to know more about their services or their offerings in detailed Scan to BIM services.
