How does Laser Scanning help in construction?

Posted by Victor Clarke on February 22nd, 2021

Laser today is part of life, be it medical, cosmetic, or construction purposes. This technology is in rampant use in sci-fi films due to the image creation capability. 3D laser scanning is fast becoming a regular at construction sites around the world, initially lagging, today the technology has hit the construction industry and taking on with full steam. 

Every construction professional will benefit from learning more about innovation when it comes to 3D laser scanning. In particular, laser scanning is a tool for using lasers to map an area with high accuracy. It is also known as high-definition surveying (HDS) or Reality Capture. 

Laser scanning in construction
 
The technology has come a long way in how contractors initially used it to construct and maintain industrial facilities. So how is laser scanning used in manufacturing today? 
Let’s go through some of the basics of laser scanning and how it helps in a project. 

1 – The construction part 

Laser scanning is an advantage in coordination, especially in preventing collisions between different systems, such as plumbing, HVAC, etc. The passing of information between parties helps remote coordination. Scanning is done at the beginning of a project and at various other points along the construction timeline.

2 – The operative part 

Laser scanning catches every detail, and it helps create a permanent record for both owners and facility managers. This data can help in building operation, renovation, reconstructions, demolitions, and future construction.

3 – The Design part 

Laser scanning is sometimes a starting point when it comes to site design, even before BIM. Today, many professionals adopt a scan-to-BIM approach to design to gain detailed information to initiate and manage the entire process.

The benefits of laser scanning 

Here are some reasons how 3D scanning makes the work of general contractors and project managers better.

1. Site safety :- One laser scanner can capture high ceilings and ductwork measurements beyond reach, so you don’t need scaffoldings and ladders. You can increase safety with one person armed with a laser scanner. 
   
   
2. Accurate measurements :- Field teams can ensure that all manufactured components like ductwork, electrical, waste pipe, etc. fit together in the first attempt with physical measurements of space and objects. So repetitions are ruled out. 
   
   
3. Fast work :-  Laser scanning works to reduce the time it takes to measure construction sites, by more than half. A laser scanner can do work in a day that will otherwise take two or six days by a team in capturing millions of data points per second.

Conclusion 

Apart from the above perks, laser scanning reduces cost and improves coordination between remote teams with easy data sharing; connect with a scan-to-BIM service now.

Victor Clarke is the author of this article. For further detail about laser scanning please visit the website.