How to convert a physical building into a BIM document

Release time：2021-06-09 15:48viewed：times

How to convert a physical building into a BIM document

Scan-to-BIM (Scan-to-BIM) has a wide range of practical applications, ranging from the preparation of finished materials to innovation during a project. Similarly, this technique can be used to compare early construction scenes with as-built plans, topographic maps, etc.

Today, we will explain the 12 steps of how to approach a Scan-to-BIM project. Whether you're a novice trying it out for the first time or a veteran Scan-to-BIM driver, these methods will work for you. Let's take a look!

Overall, every scanned BIM project includes four stages:
Data capture and processing is the process of collecting and storing information from a site using laser scanning equipment (and sometimes other equipment, such as cameras, measuring tools, and recording equipment).

Cleaning is about refining the data exported from the capture device into independently deliverable data, such as point clouds or accessible formats for end-use and application.

Modeling establishes a 3D virtual representation of physical sites based on point cloud files.

Quality assurance is the discovery, correction and validation of all project information to verify the accuracy of the model and meet customer expectations.

To break it down, each scanned BIM project includes 12 steps:

The first Project Scope
All things are difficult before they are easy. All you need to do is confirm the SOW (Scope of Work), which is a description of the project to be started. The SOW (scope of the project) needed to have a timeline that included all significant time points and completion dates.

A SOW that lacked detail sometimes resulted in conflicting expectations (for example, level of detail (LOD)) between the contractor and the customer regarding the delivery of the project. So make this document as detailed as possible.

The second Equipment selection
The next goal is to think about what instruments to use. Which laser-scanning device can help you get your job done more efficiently? There are many options on the market, and each device has different characteristics, including accuracy, portability, speed, and time to deploy.

Appropriate equipment (or combination of equipment) depended on a careful study of the SOW. The choice also needs to be aligned with the project's needs and time point.

The third operator
Next up is the operator using a laser scanning device. Whether they have prior BIM modeling experience (or whether they understand the form of the final deliverable) will affect the scanning effect.

A qualified operator is able to anticipate the extent to which the actual environment of the building will affect the data captured, and to pay attention to details such as different control points or loop closure.

If the device uses SLAM algorithms, the details of closed-loop scanning are critical. If your operator will add data refinement in the final phase, that's great.

The fourth Data Backup
The importance of this point for the experienced you need not mention again, but we would like to add a point:
Don't forget to back up your data regularly during scanning and data processing!

The fifth Time Allocation

The time required for data processing is a major bottleneck for any Scan-to-BIM project. Therefore, it is important to schedule data acquisition and processing wisely. Analyzing sample data early on allows you to estimate the total time required to complete a project and to plan for it more accurately.

The sixth Hardware and software
Your team needs to do a lot of post-processing in order to sort out the deliverables. You may need high specification computer hardware and software to calibrate scanned data, scan file inspection, data categorization, and archiving.

One more tip: the application needs to be compatible with industry standard file formats, and it doesn't take long to produce high-quality point cloud effects.

The seventh File sharing and licensing
If the scanning project is in another city or country, or even in a different time zone, establishing appropriate channels to access the collated data can improve efficiency and make it easier for users to access the information.

The size of the file determines the time it takes to upload or download from the server where the file is being shared, as well as whether it needs to be broken up into smaller files. If the documents need to be put on the hard drive and mailed to the other party, the timeline and cost estimates need to take into account these additional uncertainties.

The eighth Communicate with customers
When communicating with customers during the Scan-to-BIM (Scan to BIM) modeling phase, clarity is very important. If the SOW didn't mention LOD (level of detail), it was time to determine the level of detail required by the model and the minimum fault tolerance.

The ninth Understand the purpose of modeling
Whether it is coordinating with the designer and client, filing the as-built documents, or making and adjusting the digital floor plans, it is helpful to understand the ultimate purpose of the modeling. Clients may even ask for specific information that can be omitted (for example, a wall is being demolished) to save modeling time. This step becomes critical if the work is outsourced to a third party.

Tenth Test Samples
Sending test samples of a model is a great way to build confidence and communication channels by taking a small portion of the complete design and sending it to the client for evaluation. This allows the customer to participate in the project, provide comments and feedback, and provide necessary modifications.

The eleventh BIM software and point cloud
The BIM software used to deliver the point cloud is also important, so the skills of your modeler will play a critical role here. True, a lot depends on project capabilities and the client's LOD (level of detail) requirements, but the modeler's previous experience using point clouds to make BIM models will be a highlight.

The twelfth a checklist
A checklist containing data checks, corrections, and confirmations plays an important role in the quality control phase. This is even more critical if the process is outsourced to a third party.

Being ready at every stage of Scan-to-BIM reduces error rates, thus saving time, costs and resources.

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