The construction industry has started to benefit from technology to improve the construction process. One of the methods is to use scanners to convert the physical space to a digital model called BIM that contains all the information related to that facility.
If you are unfamiliar with the term BIM, it is defined by the National BIM Standard Project Committee as:
“Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle.”
What is the Scan-to-BIM process?
The demand for BIM implementation is rapidly growing in the construction industry. So, if you are going to start work on an existing building renovation like a heritage building, it’s vital to have all the information documented. This current site information is crucial for the architects and designers.
In simple words, Scan to BIM is capturing the details of a facility/site using scanners to create and maintain BIM models.
The scanned data takes the form of a point cloud. It is a set of data points within a three-dimensional coordinate system. With the help of constantly evolving techniques like drones and terrestrial scanners, it is possible to capture every minute detail of the construction site.
Key Benefits of Using Scan to BIM
The benefits of using Scan-to-BIM in construction are numerous. It helps the designers make a cost-effective decision and enables project managers to track the project’s progress. Let’s discuss the key benefits of this technology.
Updated Information for the Designers and Architects
The information about the existing structures is shared with the architects and structural designers. It helps them choose the best option for structural integrity and renovate the existing facility.
The architect can decide if a particular item needs a complete replacement or if minor touching up can restore its finish. It will help save high costs to be spent on renovation projects.
Fewer Chances of Errors
The 3-d models of the actual site will help determine if the design follows the latest plans and if the construction team is doing everything correctly. These errors are identified at a very early stage.
Typically 15% of the construction budget is spent on reworks. If the models are updated regularly, the chance of errors is eliminated.
Improved Construction Process
Construction projects suffer a loss due to slow productivity. The delay in construction activities increases the overhead costs. The bottlenecks in construction progress can be identified timely through tracking the actual progress using the updated BIM models.
The stakeholders can monitor the progress without traveling to the site frequently. They can decide to depute extra resources to keep the project on time.
Reducing HVAC/Plumbing Clashes
When new HVAC and Plumbing systems are designed, they may clash with the existing structural elements. Using the BIM models of the existing structure, the HVAC ducts or plumbing lines can be rerouted to save the clashes at the site.
Record of the Hidden Features
The as-built models created during the construction phase keep information about all the features and the exact location of the elements that will be hidden under the walls/ceilings. These as-built models are handed over to the client representative on project completion.
In the future, when there is a need for the maintenance of these facilities, this data will be beneficial. It will help in tracing the required duct and replacing it. The patching work is reduced significantly.
End Notes
The accuracy and speed of laser scanning in the BIM process allow 3-d models to be created in no time. It is transforming the construction process and can save hefty costs of reworks. The actual information is shared from the site with the project management office, and it allows us to make essential decisions on time.
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SEYAR AZADANI, PMP
PRESIDENT & CEO
Seyar Azadani has over 20 years of CPM scheduling and construction management experience working with general contractors and project owners, including the USACE, DOT, VA, Meta, QTS, Turner, Donohoe Construction, and Whiting-Turner company. As a Construction CPM Scheduling Consultant, Seyar has provided Primavera P6 CPM Scheduling services for government agencies and the private sector, representing owners, general contractors, construction managers, and architects.
Seyar has proven knowledge, expertise, and experience in utilizing Oracle Primavera P6, Primavera P6 Team Member, Primavera Unifier, Bluebeam, MS Project, Procore, eBuilder, Tableau, Navisworks, and Autodesk Revit. As a project controls specialist, Seyar has assisted Meta and QTS with Data Center projects, including new build projects, retrofit projects, and leased spaces.
Seyar has provided project controls services to projects ranging from civil to industrial to high-rise construction, including hospitals and healthcare facilities, roads and highways, high-rise apartment buildings, and commercial projects, utilizing Primavera and MS Project CPM scheduling tools to create and maintain the CPM schedules for his clients. With the US Army Corps of Engineers projects, as a contractor and construction manager, Seyar has built military facilities, including completing the construction of a USACE training facility, a $200+ million project in the capacity of project construction director.
Seyar has a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from New York University (NYU) in Jan of 2012 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 2004.
