The laser scan in BIM and point cloud

The laser scanner

• The laser scanner is a crucial component of BIM technology as it plays a significant role in accomplishing various tasks during different engineering projects.

• The Scan2BIM process is one of the most popular operations applied in BIM technology for the implementation and design of many engineering projects.

• The Scan2BIM process involves using laser technology to create a BIM model that includes the necessary information about all building elements.

• The Scan2BIM process is often compared to creating a BIM model through CAD drawings, but it has been proven that Point Cloud data is the most accurate compared to all of them because it visualizes the dimensions and positions of the project more clearly in a three-dimensional space.

• These processes have helped prove the capability of the designed models to accurately and directly measure any location within the model and create a model for each position using laser scan points. Furthermore, the 3D laser scan models have demonstrated their quality compared to those created through 2D laser scanning.

• One of the important aspects that the Scan2BIM process provides is its ability to fill in the required information about locations. An important example is adding information about wall materials or equipment to the model, which allows the BIM model to store all the necessary information that can be used in the future for operations or maintenance, for example.

The steps of the laser scan to BIM process involve:

1. Using a laser scanner to create a laser scan on the engineering project site.
2. Transferring the laser scan data to a computer and uploading it to specialized software provided by the laser scanner manufacturer.
3. Registering the point cloud or laser scan with the help of specialized software that automatically or manually merges separate laser scans from different engineering sites.
4. The laser scan registration process can accurately determine the location of laser scan points through correct coordinates, allowing the sharing of this data with other project models by accurately positioning them in space.
5. The laser scan is edited and enhanced by removing any unnecessary points and dividing them into separate files or areas if required.
6. Exporting the Point Cloud in a file format supported by the project’s BIM software (e.g., RCS for Revit or RCP) or importing an RCP or RCS file into Revit to create a detailed and accurate model based on laser scan point data, following the BIM standard.
7. Creating the BIM model.
8. Adding the necessary information to the BIM model.

What is laser scanning and Point Cloud?

• Point Cloud is a three-dimensional capture or representation of reality, visualized through many points that can reach millions of points, with each point having its coordinates and color in space.

• Point Cloud is created using laser scan points, which are merged into one point or cloud, a process called Point Cloud creation. This process results in creating a model.

• One of the most common applications of this technology is surveying, as it can easily replace traditional and tedious surveying techniques.

Point Cloud usage

1- During construction for integrated and designed inspection

• Monitoring construction and installation works with the help of laser scanning
• Providing continuous and periodic information about the current status of the construction
• Controlling work progress
• Adjusting the network schedule and timeline quickly
• Answering any project-related question or design model question
• Highlighting clashes and construction errors at early planning stages, reducing the risks of not meeting the defined construction schedule and budget.

2- During rebuilding, renovation, and refurbishment processes

• Providing an accurate picture of the project’s real-life situation with detailed measurements, reducing the mistakes resulting from traditional measurement techniques.
• Properly designing the rebuilding of the existing facility
• Construction and installation process
• Greatly reducing collision costs during the construction and installation phase (from 0.3% to 10%)
• Reducing the construction and installation costs of the project
• Accelerating the overall construction and installation process, which aids in the rebuilding of the facility.

3- Building maintenance and facility management

• Providing accurate location information that includes various specific elements of each building
• Designing necessary elements for building maintenance and operation, displaying all necessary information such as system parameters, sizes, and documents
• In the case of a BIM-designed building for Facility Management (BIM for FM), it helps in maintaining and operating the building more efficiently, whether the building is standalone or part of a group of buildings.