What is 3D Laser Scanning in Construction?
posted 21st June 2024
3D laser scanning is used extensively in construction projects providing highly accurate measurements and details of an existing building or piece of land. It helps to mitigate risks and save money whether you are building a new home, extending your existing home, or building a new shopping mall. 3D laser scanning in construction provides numerous benefits including efficiency, quality assurance, reduced risks, reduced risk of reword, improved communication, and optimised designs.
These scanners are often the first technology on any build site, taking essential measurements, identifying topography, identifying boundaries, and identifying problematic areas, enabling architects to draw up plans, while enabling construction projects to go ahead without any unexpected surprises.
What is 3D Laser Scanning in the Construction Process?
3D laser scanners are known as LIDAR (Light, Detection, and Ranging) scanners, or High Definition Surveying scanners. They capture, map, and visualise the property in three dimension, providing valuable insight into the existing site infrastructure and conditions. The scan is uploaded and processed into a file that can be loaded into modelling software. It provides a highly accurate representation of the project with up to two millimetres accuracy.
It helps teams strategically use the knowledge provided, combined with experience, in the very early stages of the build project, especially in front end planning, engineering, and design. The scans are able to identify potential obstacles, helping to reduce project risks.
How 3D Laser Scanning Benefits Construction Projects
3D laser scanning can be highly beneficial for your construction project, offering numerous excellent benefits that cannot be ignored.
Accurate Visualisation and Documentation
One of the main benefits of 3D laser scanning in construction is that it provides an accurate visualisation and documentation of the property, where traditional methods often fail to document structures adequately. With accurate and detailed mapping of the build environment through millions of data points, you will have an accurate visualisation to help make informed decisions throughout the project.
Efficient Data Collection and Surveying
With 3D laser scanning in construction you save time to record existing conditions. These scanners can capture millions of data points in a few seconds, creating large volumes of data, including in difficult to reach or complex spaces. It helps to save time, money, and energy in the long run.
Enhances the Design and Planning Phase
When you use this technology in any construction project, it makes the design and planning phases quicker and easier. When the scan is completed before work starts, architects, designers, and engineers can use the information provided to identify conflicts or faults in their designs. It improves the projects efficiency, reducing the risk of expensive redesigns along the way.
As Build Information
An important part of a seamless construction project is being able to compare the as build circumstances with the designed model. With 3D laser scanning you can identify the precise alignment of the build structure, along with intended design. This verification ensures the project goes ahead to spec, while meeting any Building Control rules and regulations.
Safe for Restoration Projects
One thing that the UK has no shortage of is listed buildings. These pieces of history must be restored to their former glory, abiding by the rules and regulations provided. 3D laser scanning is an excellent and discreet way to document old listed buildings. Ensuring that cultural heritage is restored.
Conclusion
This technology is not new to the construction industry and chances are if you call in a professional surveyor, they will arrive with their 3D laser scanner. It's quick, effective, and highly accurate providing you with precise information you can use to ensure your build project goes ahead smoothly.