Like all other industries, the construction industry has witnessed a lot of growth and innovation in recent times. This is because construction professionals have been leveraging the advanced capabilities of technology to improve work outcomes in the sector. One particular solution that has been immeasurably useful is 3D laser scanning.
Laser technology
Also known as Reality Capture or High Definition Surveying, 3D laser scanning utilizes laser beam technology to facilitate detailed and highly accurate data capture. This data is then used by construction professionals to design, implement, and retrofit construction plans for high-quality outcomes that are in line with client specifications.
Types of 3D Scanners
The following are the three main types of scanners used in 3D laser scanning;
- Terrestrial/ ground laser scanners; Stationery scanners that are installed on a tripod and then used to map out a construction site.
- Aerial laser scanners; Scanners that are mainly used to capture the topographic layout of construction sites on aircraft.
- Mobile laser scanners; Portable scanners that facilitate the laser scanning of sites while the holder is in motion.
Applications of Laser Scanning in Construction
- Planning and Design
For a construction project to be successful, seamless and effective planning is crucial. 3D laser scanning makes this possible as it enables contractors to develop 3D building plans/ models, evaluate, and modify them in good time. That way, they can rectify any issues beforehand and avoid costly reworks later on.
Laser scanning is also central to the communication of construction designs as it facilitates the creation of models which can then be shared between professionals working on a project. That way, contractors are able to efficiently coordinate operations for timely and cost-effective deliverables.
- Survey
Survey before, during, and after construction plays a very vital role in construction work. Unfortunately, traditional survey methods are limited in their capacity to provide a comprehensive and detailed illustration of sites.
However, laser scanning enables a detailed, high-definition survey of construction sites using light detection and ranging radar that facilitates advanced data capture capabilities. That way, laser scanning not only expedite the survey process but also improves it qualitatively.
- Renovation, repairs, and maintenance
Laser scanning technology greatly aids in the building renovation process. This is because, for effective renovation, professionals must have quality drawings that accurately map out the structure of a building and all its constituent features. Conventional as-built drawings can serve this purpose but they may not be very precise.
However, when laser scanning is used to produce as-built drawings, professionals are able to get an accurate representation of a construction. That way, they are able to determine how best to implement renovations, repairs, and maintenance in a manner that will fix targeted issues without creating any new structural problems.
Benefits of Laser Scanning in Construction
- Precision
Accuracy is a vital factor when it comes to construction works. This is because, without accuracy, architects and other construction professionals cannot perfectly implement the design specifications of a building. Lack of accuracy also leads to mistakes in the construction process that later necessitate reworking and renovation.
However, 3D laser scanning enables construction professionals to execute the design, construction, and retrofitting specifications with unparalleled precision. This is because laser technology facilitates very detailed data capture that then eliminates inaccuracies. Consequently, construction projects end up being of high quality and devoid of structural faults.
- Quality assurance;
At the end of the day, a construction project can only be considered successful if it turns out to be as good as the original model concept or even better than it. As such, real-time evaluations must be done to ensure that the construction is progressing according to the specifications outlined.
Laser scanning helps to do this best because it is easily applicable across all the stages of construction from design and construction through to renovation, retrofitting, and maintenance. As such, contractors working on a project can obtain detailed scan data that can then be compared to models to ensure the project is turning out exactly according to specifications. For example, this technology is crucial when it comes to adaptive building reuse projects.
- Cost and time efficiency;
Besides the high level of accuracy in project mapping, cost and time efficiency is probably the most significant benefit that 3D laser scanning offers in construction. This is because firstly, laser scanning reduces the number of workers required to measure, survey, and document construction sites by executing these tasks fast.
Secondly, laser scanning is very accurate and eliminates the negative cost and time implications of reworking due to human errors and inaccuracies. Additionally, 3D laser scanning also saves costs and time as it provides detailed construction documentation which then expedites implementation and streamlines coordination for quicker and cheaper but high-quality outcomes.
- Safety enhancement
While prone to variations in degree, many construction sites are potentially hazardous. Whether due to vulnerabilities created by ongoing works, surrounding structures, or the natural landscape where the construction site is situated, workers are frequently exposed to safety hazards that they must watch out for.
3D laser scanning helps to enhance safety as it facilitates noncontact surveys. As such, workers can scan an area from a safe distance if close proximity is hazardous. Conventionally, this would probably undermine precision. However, with laser scanning, surveys can be conducted from a distance and measurements taken, all while maintaining a high level of accuracy hence improving safety.
Leverage Laser Scanning for Optimal Construction Outcomes
There is no doubt that incorporating a technological solution as innovative and effective as laser scanning will greatly improve the quality of your construction works. This is why if you want unparalleled quality, you should hire our architectural services. Unlike many architects who do not do their own scanning, we are very proficient in using laser scanning technology.
This completely sets us apart from other architects both in terms of the quality of our deliverables as well as our efficiency. We also use laser scanning because it provides us with hyper-accurate information that we use to execute plans with unmatched precision for high-quality results. That way, we are able to plan for the best utilization of our projects.
Therefore, do not take chances when it comes to the development of your projects. Hire an architect that you can trust and rely on to effectively leverage the advanced capabilities of laser scanning technology to perfectly execute architectural plans for wonderful outcomes.
