Why Point Cloud to BIM is the Best Solution for Retrofitting and Renovations

The AEC industry has unscrambled a myriad of changes enabled by BIM. Architects, engineers, designers, and owners are perpetually updating their systems to build a more collaborative process and improve building outcomes. Comparing database-first models built by BIM to actual spaces can be leveraged by point clouds and reality capture.

Point cloud to BIM is the practice of building 3D BIM models of existing spaces from point clouds captured by laser scanners. Scan-to-BIM can also be used to compare construction and prefabricated components to the plan.

It delivers the highest level of quality assurance whilst taking project visualization to the next level. Its profound benefits include time and money savings for design and construction teams through real-time data.

Point cloud to BIM helps project stakeholders leverage the following benefits.

• High modeling accuracy
• Enhanced project accessibility
• Greater cost and time savings for onsite visits
• Scalable and improved offsite fabrication
• Quicker project turnaround time

Hitech CADD Services were outsourced a project by a leading solution provider of high-volume site surveys for building construction, wherein an as-built survey Revit model was required using point cloud data. The inputs provided by the client were point cloud files, 360 photos, and CAD drawing.

The team at Hitech, CADD Services overcame the challenges of low-quality scanned data images to achieve the client’s requirement of a highly accurate scan to BIM Revit model.

The BIM experts at Hitech CADD Services built a highly detailed and accurate Revit model of the outlet with cover sheets, site plans, floor plans, building sections, reflected ceiling plans, above the ceiling plan, roof plan, and interior elevations. This accurate 3D model helped the client to complete their construction project within the scheduled time and budget.

Benefits of the point cloud to BIM models are:

Highly accurate point cloud to BIM models enhances project visualization.

With highly detailed images of physical space, project stakeholders can visualize existing conditions. Project stakeholders can visualize what is present and what needs to be renovated. Accurate point cloud to BIM models helps architects detect and identify clashes before onsite work begins. Point cloud to BIM enables building renovation at the best time, cost, and quality.

Prevent delays and cost overruns with accurate and detailed scan-to-BIM models.

3D BIM models made in Revit contain an enormous amount of information about the renovation space. Information is captured right to its color, reflectivity, etc. With the exact properties of the materials known, architects and engineers can leverage accurate information anytime and anywhere. This helps mitigate cost and time overruns and reduces the need to generate a greater number of RFI’s as well.

Model every building element to the highest detail and quality.

Point cloud to BIM conversion can be leveraged to model every building element such as beams, columns, roofs, etc. This is highly useful for project stakeholders to visualize and make informed decisions for renovations and retrofitting.

Make your renovations and retrofits safer.

From a safety perspective, Revit 3D BIM models converted from millions of point clouds help project stakeholders understand adjacencies. It also helps onsite personnel identify onsite hazards and work in a controlled environment.

Conclusion

Having a precisely converted point cloud to the BIM model in the early stages creates a competitive advantage. Scan-to-BIM is changing the process of design and construction in the AEC industry. With the right BIM software, an unparalleled level of detail can be leveraged by architects and engineers for construction and renovation projects.

Hitech CADD Services provides premium point cloud to BIM conversion services. Accurate and compatible 3D BM models help you reduce overall project costs, enable seamless collaboration, provide in-depth building analysis, furnish better design assessments, and more.

Usha B. Trivedi is an engineer at Hitech CADD Services, a provider of computer-aided design services. She frequently writes about mechanical and industrial equipment designs, furniture designs and the fabrication industry for manufacturers and engine