Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a truly effective tool for coordination and risk management on capital improvement projects. Improved detection and communication of potential conflicts and the ability to visualize phasing plans throughout a project’s life-cycle has introduced an unprecedented level of understanding. BIM represents a true revolution in the AEC industry leading many owners to mandate its use.
Yet, this sophisticated virtual platform and the conflict resolution effort it provides hinges on one simple fact. Garbage in, garbage out. Why spend hours resolving a conflict between your plumbing and your structural designs if the existing structural columns are not where the drawings say they are? This is primarily a problem with projects that seek to renovate or add to an existing building. In these troubled economic times, many owners are motivated to embrace renovation in place of building new ones. Consequentially, designers and contractors are faced with erroneous and sometimes missing as-built drawings that threaten the validity of their newly developed programs and concepts.
ScanWorks offers a solution. Through high-definition laser scanning, a 3D model can be generated that is accurate to 1/4” and oriented to the existing survey control and/or drawings. From this template designers can proceed with confidence that their plans can be implemented as intended and thus providing a preliminary clash analysis against real-world conditions. Likewise, contractors can use a 3D model based on a laser scan to check for potential pitfalls with the new design and reduce the risks associated with existing conditions.
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