What is the scan to bim?

According to the National Bim Standard Project Committee in the United States, "BIM is a numerical representation of the physical and functional characteristics of an installation. It is a resource of shared knowledge of the information of a structure, forming a reliable base for the decisions to be made. BIM is in other words defined as existing from the oldest design to demolition. ” This definition and BIM practices are essential for the understanding and realization of the scan to bim approach.

The scan to bim is a process of work of work as built thanks to lasergrammmetry or photogrammetry which captures the information concerning the scanned environment. The statement device digitizes 3D information and data in the form of millions of points which, once assembled, draw points of points. The points clouds are treated, exploited and analyzed to serve as a support for the BIM (Building Information Modeling) approach which consists in creating from the capture of reality and point clouds a 3D digital model. In addition to the modeling of existing physical space, 3D models can be added in order to anticipate and simulate the modifications to be made to the building as built.

The workflow of the scan to bim ‍

The use of 3D laser scanners

3D scanners are advanced technologies that are Designed to improve, facilitate and speed up the survey phase in the field. This is how the term 3D statement appeared, the methods of traditional information measures being too imprecise and requiring an important workforce both in the field and in front of the computer. The scanners project a laser in all directions around its axis, while turning on itself in order to be able to raise all the environmental information around it. It takes into account the more or less complex structure of its environment to be able to deliver them in the form of usable points for 3D modeling and the BIM approach.

During the 3D statement, the scanners digitize information From “such as built” which can then be delivered to digitization software such as Recap in order to be able to assemble the scans and obtain a full point cloud. This assembly phase is called a registration ( Click here to read the article on the assembly of scans ).  

Point cloud to bim

‍The point cloud is a system for disseminating information that maps a physical space and which represents the modelizable digital twin of an object or of an environment that the 3D laser scanner has noted. It gives visibility on the current project before even providing details thanks to 3D modeling. It is a saving of time, efficiency and speed that facilitates the coordination and the realization of the project, while reducing the margin of error that a surveyor or an architect can perceive by taking its measurements on site. The point clouds serve as solid bases for the creation of BIM 3D models and digital models. After their assembly, the points clouds can be treated, exploited and analyzed thanks to software or platforms such as ATA.Cloud which will allow users to be able to view the information captured from the 3D statement, to process 3D data and to share them using advanced tools to work on the point cloud. This step is essential to accelerate 3D modeling, the measures, annotations and information of the project being referenced and centralized on a secure online platform.  

Subsequently, the points clouds (or part of the points of points requiring to be modeled), are exported to conception software (CAD software such as Archicad, Autocad, Revit) in order To be able, by using the information delivered by the point cloud, create a 3D model. BIM is today in most advanced countries a standardized planning method in accordance with construction, design, renovation standards and which is in some cases imposed on AEC companies or highly advised. All stages of the scan to bim promote collaboration between the stakeholders of a project and everyone can modify, update and extract information from the BIM model.  

Finally, a BIM model is a blend of 'Geometric objects of a database established as the creation of a 3D model is created. It is therefore necessary to be able to define the level of detail of the components of the structure in order to establish a common frame of reference between the actors of the construction. These levels of detail (Level of Details LOD) are included on a scale ranging from 100 to 500 depending on the precision of the structure of a 3D model. LOD 100 is a level of detail which represents little or no even the object as built (a cube to represent a house or the slope of the roof may not be modeled. LOD 500 is on the contrary a level of details Precise or we will model the presence of all the bolts on a piping or steel network in reinforced concrete.

The challenges of the scan to bim

Collect data from a structure or an environment is very complicated and requires a lot of time, precision and organization. Going to a environment is not always an easy task. Indeed, access to the site is sometimes laborious and the measurement of the structure is a long process and the presence of natural or artificial obstacles can slow down the collection of information or even prevent it. All these conditions are to be taken into account and are issues that influence time, budget and human or technological resources. The technology of the scan to bim is a new working method which, through the 3D statement phase, makes it possible to capture a maximum of extremely precise information, quickly and to deliver data collection in the form of points of points, Visualizable on a computer.

The building documentation as built is often obsolete or fragmented or both. In addition, it is regularly updated due to processing and exploitation of points in points or 3D model. The scan to bim approach facilitates the monitoring of modifications and simulations in order to create a coherent and relevant BIM model. These updates and modifications can be visualized and interpretable by all users of the BIM model who collaborate on a team project.

The benefits of the scan to bim approach

The most notable advantage is the fact that modeling and project planning errors are reduced . These potential errors are avoided thanks to a collection of optimal and precise environmental information and data but also thanks to the superposition of the 3D model and the point cloud, in order to increase the level of quality of the modeling.  

Then, the scan to bim provides an essential quality of work for AEC, since each stage of modeling and each progress in the realization of a project is shared with stakeholders. Sites inspectors reduce their trips without losing visibility and understanding on the project. Access to construction or renovation sites is easier because the workforce used is reduced and the measurement is facilitated in particular if the environment reveals obstacles slowing down information and complicating the visibility of the components of The structure.

Finally, real estate wealth managers can anticipate the completion of development work more easily. 3D digitization and the treatment of points clouds allows you to view the entire structure of a building and the electrical and mechanical systems that compose it. It is then easier to plan insulation work to reduce their carbon footprint, organize and simulate the development of furniture according to electrical and mechanical systems.

the scan to bim becomes a Easier standardization for access to AEC companies thanks to technological developments concerning points clouds. The scan to bim approach is also a major factor in the progression of the BIM process which increases its use in construction projects. Reduction of costs, time saving, ease of access to sites from sites and the collaboration of stakeholders are significant benefits provided by the scan to bim which has essential advantages to stand out on a competitive market.