The industry has always focused on BIM adoption and implementation for new built structures. However, new buildings form only a small percentage of the total number of buildings that exist.
So, how does BIM play a role in influencing projects for retrofits and existing buildings of heritage and architectural significance?
One of the primary requirements of using BIM effectively, for refurbishment, renovation, repair and maintenance projects is – collection of detailed and accurate information about the building. Manually collecting information regarding the architectural, structural and MEP disciplines of a facility can be difficult. Hence, laser survey technology is widely used for this purpose.
Highly sophisticated 3D laser scanners are used to collect data of an existing building in the form of point cloud models.
Challenges of 3D Building Model Reconstruction from Point Clouds
While information collection using the point cloud technology is easy as compared to manual collection, Surface Reconstruction from Point Clouds requires extensive remodeling and expert intervention. The 3D models obtained from laser scans have to be converted into triangle mesh, polygon mesh or a NURBS surface model.
However, the point cloud data for complex structures and larger buildings is of enormous file size. In addition to BIM expertise, it is also important to have the required infrastructure and hardware capabilities to accommodate and handle humongous volumes of point cloud data easily.
Scan To BIM Wave Sweeping the Middle East Region
The Middle East region is experiencing a spurt in BIM adoption for retrofits, renovation and refurbishment projects. Scan to BIM is also increasingly used for accurate documentation of large and complex buildings. Building information modeling adoption will help UAE to become a world leader in building and infrastructural development.
Companies like Hi-Tech CADD Services provide support to architectural firms and developers to convert the point cloud models obtained from 3D laser scanning surveys into intelligent and information rich BIM. Existing buildings can hence become better, energy efficient, more apt in terms of occupant comfort and can be managed, maintained and operated in a better manner.
So, how does BIM play a role in influencing projects for retrofits and existing buildings of heritage and architectural significance?
One of the primary requirements of using BIM effectively, for refurbishment, renovation, repair and maintenance projects is – collection of detailed and accurate information about the building. Manually collecting information regarding the architectural, structural and MEP disciplines of a facility can be difficult. Hence, laser survey technology is widely used for this purpose.
Highly sophisticated 3D laser scanners are used to collect data of an existing building in the form of point cloud models.
Challenges of 3D Building Model Reconstruction from Point Clouds
While information collection using the point cloud technology is easy as compared to manual collection, Surface Reconstruction from Point Clouds requires extensive remodeling and expert intervention. The 3D models obtained from laser scans have to be converted into triangle mesh, polygon mesh or a NURBS surface model.
However, the point cloud data for complex structures and larger buildings is of enormous file size. In addition to BIM expertise, it is also important to have the required infrastructure and hardware capabilities to accommodate and handle humongous volumes of point cloud data easily.
Scan To BIM Wave Sweeping the Middle East Region
The Middle East region is experiencing a spurt in BIM adoption for retrofits, renovation and refurbishment projects. Scan to BIM is also increasingly used for accurate documentation of large and complex buildings. Building information modeling adoption will help UAE to become a world leader in building and infrastructural development.
Companies like Hi-Tech CADD Services provide support to architectural firms and developers to convert the point cloud models obtained from 3D laser scanning surveys into intelligent and information rich BIM. Existing buildings can hence become better, energy efficient, more apt in terms of occupant comfort and can be managed, maintained and operated in a better manner.
