Creating 2D/3D as-built models for any building requires skilled BIM experts, especially when dealing with older structures that were built before any of these technologies existed. Nowadays 2D/3D as-built diagrams are created during or on completion of a new construction project and are used to document deviations from the architect’s original drawings. The 2D documents (often referred to as the floor plans) show completed construction features such as walls, doors, windows, millwork, and plumbing fixtures. These documents can be used later for any renovation, retrofitting, or restoration of a building.
The team at Building Documenting Solutions can transform any existing 2D as-built documents into 3D BIM modeling that provides the necessary data to better visualize the as-built floor plans, which will include any plumbing and electrical fittings. We are equipped with experienced engineers, drafters, and 3D modeling experts who use point cloud to 2D/3D as-built BIM modeling techniques, which can make the work of creating 3D as-built models look easy. Our reliability, attention to detail, and fast turn-around time benefit architects, large corporations, government agencies, small businesses, and homeowners alike.
As a first step to creating a 2D/3D as-built model, we ensure that the building scans are accurate. Our surveyor will make sure that all the positions are registered as the scanner usually only considers the scanned objects in the line of sight.
The next step is developing a standardized workflow to convert a point cloud to a Revit model. Multiple scans are joined together to create a single point cloud file. Targets or survey points can be used to join the scans or scans can be overlapped by identifying similar features. Selecting ground control points is important, which is why we use a minimum of five ground control points for software references. Greater accuracy can be achieved with a higher number of ground control points. For better results, these Ground Control Points need to be scattered, rather than clustered in a small area.
The final deliverables are built after the registration process is completed. 2D as-built drawings can include architectural surveys or topographical surveys and may vary in the site area, dimensions, contours, elevations, and others. Point clouds are imported into software like AutoCAD to create such drawings. Drawings are finalized through tracing and careful viewing and navigation of the point cloud file.
Heritage buildings require a 3D as-built textured point cloud to Revit model. Understanding goals and objectives with the best tools and techniques are key to accurately completing the modeling of complex geometries. For architectural surveys, point cloud files are imported to software, like Revit, to create a point cloud to BIM model. We can use a macro to micro approach to prioritize elements like floors, walls, roofs, and more.
Our team will be sure to fix the point cloud within a project to make sure the project does not rotate or move. Within BIM workflows, we will identify the family libraries to model faster and better. Revit helps modelers select parametric families to enhance productivity for heritage buildings. Identifying elements and using parametric capabilities to set dimensions helps save modeling time. Models are created to avoid clashes and conflicts between various members of the construction team.
Once all the elements are created, we check them for elevation, section, and 3D view to make sure the elements are modeled correctly and complement the point cloud.
◊ We check the converted as-built model by separating horizontal and vertical sections of each element.
◊ We check the deviation between model and point cloud scans for each element so that tolerance accuracy is ensured.
◊ We ensure the accuracy of categorization filters for properties such as work set, element category, material, element function, and phasing.
◊ We check for the presence and accuracy of all the elements in the plan, elevation, and section view.
◊ We check for clashes between various disciplines.
◊ We clean all reference points and detailed lines from the model.
MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. MEP as-built drawings are an essential process in any project, especially to maintain a project’s lifecycle after construction has ended. In order to do that, high-quality and accurate MEP drawings are used to help communicate information regarding the construction, installation, and function of MEP components by utilizing familiar symbols, units of measurement, and notation systems.
Clash Detection Services
In Building Information Modeling (BIM), clash detection is the technique of identifying if, where, or how two parts of the building (e.g., plumbing and walls) interfere with one another. It is used in pre-construction and design phases in the field to prevent construction issues from happening in the first place and is executed through a highly sophisticated and computerized analysis of multiple 3D models
BIM for Fabrication
BIM stands for Building Information Modeling, which is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project throughout its entire life cycle using a combination of information-rich 3D models and associated structured data such as product, execution, and handover information. BIM-based practices promote the integration of design, manufacturing, and construction processes. This enables higher transparency, better collaboration, and interoperability among stakeholders in the digital fabrication process.
Drone Site Mapping
Drone mapping is an aerial survey conducted by a drone and specialist cameras, which can include RGB (for photogrammetry), multispectral, thermal or LiDAR sensors. This combination of drones and high-resolution cameras enables the collection of highly-accurate data that can help to build high-resolution, centimeter-accurate 3D and 2D maps and models extremely quickly.
Building Energy Analysis
Running a building energy analysis allows you to measure a building’s energy performance by calculating how well the integration of that building’s form, systems, and envelope performs under the surrounding environmental conditions. Performing this analysis on a building design through all phases helps to ensure that you are constantly working towards the most energy-efficient building possible. Energy simulation can help analyze the movement of energy in, out, and through the rooms and volumes in a building model. This information can help designers make better informed, cost-effective decisions that improve the performance and reduce the environmental impact of buildings.