A Modern approach to Renovation : Point Cloud Modeling

With legacy tools and traditional surveying methods, it is difficult to execute the renovation of buildings with rich heritage and architectural significance. The conventional ways lead to discrepancies in surveys and issues in retaining the architectural character of a space. Point Cloud Modeling services duly serve renovation purposes by converting the laser-scanned data into 3D models, with intricate details and high accuracy.

The surveyors can employ this non-invasive tool to significantly reduce the surveying time, invested capital, and related risks and to enhance the surveying quality.

3D BIM Modeling services generate a coordinated model using Revit, that provides an in-depth visualization of structural details, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and firefighting details, especially for confined spaces.

This feature enhances the visualization capabilities for renovation and retrofitting. Heritage conservation and renovation projects require attention to detail and awareness of the existing intricacies of the project. Point cloud modeling helps in accurate documentation of as-built site conditions, enabling the surveyors, architects, and engineers to study the site and work towards heritage preservation.

An accurate data set, including drawings, sectional details, 360-degree photos, detailed scans from every angle, and other relevant information, leads to an accurate surveying process and designing of effective facilities management.

What is Point Cloud to BIM conversion?

Point Cloud to BIM conversion involves developing a 3D model from millions of data points scanned by a laser scanner and collated into a point cloud. This conversion is executed within BIM tools like Revit to achieve data integrity and accuracy. The 3D model is used for renovations, remodels, and facilities management.

The process of Point Cloud modeling services begins with data acquisition. A 3D laser scanner is used to document the physical attributes of the structure, forming a voluminous collection of data referred to as ‘Point Cloud’.

The collected data or Point Cloud is then processed with specialized software. It is cleaned and filtered to remove unwanted noises and irrelevant points. The scans from multiple perspectives are overlaid and aligned in a process called ‘stitching’. The process of stitching creates an inclusive and accurate depiction of the site.

The point cloud is imported into BIM software like Autodesk Revit after completion to create the BIM model. The model is generated by tracing over the point cloud data, forming all the building components and systems. The accuracy is cross-examined against the original point cloud data ensuring the model is true to the as-built site conditions. After validation, the model is used for further designing and execution purposes.

Challenges of using Legacy methods and tools for surveying

• The absence of visualization increases the possibility of inaccurate reconstruction of existing structures.
• 2D drawings do not describe the spatial requirements of the building
• The operational productivity of the project is affected by inaccurate and incomplete data leads.
• The 2D drawings lack the capabilities of estimation accuracy

How do Point Cloud Modeling services facilitate renovation?

• Point Cloud Modeling services help in elaborating the spatial requirements of the project

The spatial needs of a building govern the designing and decision-making process for any project. Elaborated descriptions of the spatial requirements enable the architects, engineers, surveyors, and MEPF consultants to have better project understanding and make enhanced decisions. Before the initiation of actual construction work, the spatial analysis helps in resolving the constructability or design issues.

• Coordinated BIM models help in developing accurate project estimates

The as-built model developed with 3D BIM Modeling services in 5D BIM is an effective way to estimate the time and cost dynamics of a project for the estimators. The BIM model provides accurate documentation that helps in creating BOQs and BOMs, calculating precise asset costs, reducing renovation costs, minimizing waste, and facilities management.

• 360-degree visualization supports the assessment of pre-existing site conditions

The Point Cloud Modeling Services converts the data set into a 360-degree visualized model at the required Level of Detail (LOD). Such detailed visualization helps the surveyors to accurately capture the existing site conditions, lowering the potential risk at renovation time. The clash-free and validated data helps in generating faster design prototypes, leading to enhanced design outcomes.

• Increased operational productivity with the availability of an accurate and complete data set

The Point Cloud Modeling Services helps surveying professionals with the supply of high-quality digital assets required for precise working. Monitoring excess material usage, mitigating overproduction, and reducing component design defects improves the production value and hence, the accuracy, completeness, data validity, and visualization potential of a renovation project. The site visits are reduced due to the availability of detailed information about the project on a digital platform, further improving the turnaround time.

How can surveyors obtain an optimal 3D point cloud to BIM model for a renovation project?

To garner high accuracy, lower costs, reduced time, and improved visualization from converting a Point Cloud to a BIM model, Surveyors can refer to the following points:

• Fix a coordinate system and logical base point for the model
• Ensure the preciseness of the point cloud registration
• Remove unwanted noise from the point cloud data and filter the data to avoid uninterrupted processing or performance lag
• The scans should be thoroughly compared with the project drawings and available 360-degree imagery.
• Reviewing the building orientation for its resolution

Conclusion

Point Cloud Modeling services have been a revolutionary development for renovation projects. It offers unparalleled accuracy, visualization capabilities, and efficiency to the surveyors changing the dynamics of building analysis and renovation.

Surveyors can leverage the power of this tool to generate highly detailed and precise BIM models. The accurate and information-rich models allow the stakeholders to make informed decisions, streamline construction processes, and detect clashes at an early stage.

The evolution of the digital world in the construction industry is transforming the way surveyors work and contribute to a project. The construction industry embraces this evolution with the integration of point cloud to BIM technology.

The future beholds the integration of BIM technology with other technologies, such as Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, further nurturing the capabilities of surveyors. This integration will allow the overlaying of point cloud data onto the real-world environment, fueling the visualization and interaction between 3D models in real-time. This feature will facilitate better on-site decision-making and construction coordination.