Are you using 3D laser scanning on your construction projects? Every construction professional would benefit from learning the advantages of 3D laser scanning buildings or construction sites. Many construction projects lack current records or as built drawings. This information is critical for construction planning because it helps engineers to expedite design planning using the real-world building data as a foundation.

Understanding how 3D laser scanning can benefit your construction business is an important step in improving overall efficiency and profitability, whether you’re embarking on a new build, a renovation or facility maintenance. As built laser scanning allows you to gather accurate, detailed information about existing site conditions. Data is collected in a point cloud, a database of millions of points in a 3D coordinate system. Accurate to within 2mm-4mm, this is a precise digital record of a building or site.

The History of 3D Laser Scanning in Construction

3D laser scanning technology was created in the 1960’s. The early scanners used lights, cameras and projectors. Due to limitations of the equipment, it often took a lot of time and effort to scan objects accurately. In the 1980’s, LiDAR scanners for construction captured three-dimensional data points from existing architecture. In the 1990’s, 3D laser scanning began being utilized for design and engineering purposes. CAD software allows engineers to convert the point cloud to 2D drawings and 3D models.

How is Laser Scanning Used in Construction?

How is laser scanning used in construction today? Originally, a 3D laser scanning survey was used in the construction and maintenance of industrial plant facilities. Laser scanning has since been adopted for many other uses, including design, construction, renovations and so much more.

• Design: Laser scanning is the best way to begin design planning. Construction engineers can utilize a scan-to-BIM method to capture detailed site information. Building information modeling (BIM) gives engineers, architects and contractors the opportunity to design the details of a building virtually. It accelerates design planning and reduces miscalculations, change orders and material waste. Buildings that begin with BIM are often built with great efficiency.
• Construction: Laser scanning provides advantages for construction coordination, specifically in avoiding conflicts between different systems, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Data can be shared to help with remote coordination. 3D building scanning services aren’t just performed at the beginning of a project either; they can be done at various other points along the timeline to better document construction progress, reduce change orders and share work to other trade professionals. Laser scanning in construction can also document errors and identify a faster solution. 3D laser scanning expedites prefabrication by documenting existing structural elements to plan for modifications.
• Renovations, Operations and Retrofits: 3D building scanners capture a very high level of detail, and this helps create a permanent as-built record for both owners and facility managers. This data can help with building operations, modifications, renovations and future building additions.