Documenting building structures throughout the life of a project is standard practice.
But whether it’s done with exceptional accuracy could be the difference between costly mistakes or major savings.
That’s why we turn to laser scanning to create detailed digital copies of physical structures.
The process involves a rotating laser scanner that looks like a camera on a tripod. Every time the laser hits a surface, the device captures those coordinates, capturing 360-degrees of data made up of hundreds of thousands of measurements.
Compiled together, these results produce a point cloud, a 3D digital representation of a space so accurate that it can be referenced for exact dimensions and specifications.
We can use this technique throughout every phase in preconstruction and construction to document the life cycle of a building.
This provides all parties involved with valuable insights right at their fingertips, so they can effortlessly make informed decisions.
Laser scanning is particularly beneficial in renovation projects, though it also helps with new builds.
Architects and contractors will reference them throughout each phase of a project to ensure that everything will fit together.
“It’s about trying to eliminate the unknowns before construction takes place by using this verification process.”
The value of point clouds goes well beyond the life of a project because they create a record of what’s behind the walls, above the ceilings and under the floor slabs.
Instead of tearing into a wall just to check a measurement, our partners can simply refer to the point clouds.
Laser scanning is just one of the Virtual Design and Construction tools we use to equip teams with the data they need to excel.
Among the other tools we use, are 3D modeling to show how each step of a building will be constructed and virtual reality to immerse partners in designs for a space so we can make the best choices moving forward.
We’re committed to harnessing the power of technology to equip our partners with vital information that saves them time and money.
Recently we utilized laser scanning in a complicated renovation project for our partners at OSF HealthCare. They tasked us with overseeing the restoration of a landmark downtown building in Peoria, IL. to serve as their new headquarters.
The striking seven-story structure started out as a department when it opened in 1904. Through the years, additions were constructed, and it was later converted into offices before standing empty.
Prior to design and construction, we used laser scanning to verify the existing conditions – all 292,000 SF.
Through this process, we identified multiple design errors due to inaccurate as-builts, drawings of existing dimensions drafted by a contractor.
This eliminated the need for multiple requests for information (RFIs) during construction, allowing us to expedite the process and ultimately saving OSF HealthCare $2 million.
