Read our handy guide about the benefits of a BIM survey to learn how they can add value to your client’s project.
In this handy guide you will find out about the key deliverables you should expect from a survey. See how a BIM survey is the first stage in the cradle to grave lifespan of a refurbishment or redevelopment project. And how data accuracy gained from the survey allows designers to work with greater confidence and certainty – ultimately reducing commercial risk.
Contents:
How a BIM-Ready Survey adds value to an architectural project
- What is a BIM-Ready Survey?
- Why is it so critical to the lifespan of a building?
- How does a BIM-Ready Survey benefit a project?
Why is a BIM Survey so critical to an architectural project?
- DEFINE – Defining the project requirements helps set out the parameters for how the building will be created.
- PLAN – Strategic planning starts the chain reaction of the building design process.
- APPLY – The speed, accuracy and detail of the data can be applied to create a virtual build before the physical.
Background of BIM
- BIM principles have become the starting point for all construction projects across the UK.
- BIM enables the delivery of projects in an informed, collaborative and efficient way.
- The UK government has played an important part in kick-starting the popularity of BIM through its Digital Built Britain initiative and the 2016 BIM Level 2 Mandate.
A BIM Survey delivers many benefits throughout a building project
- Necessitates definition of the project’s information requirements.
- Captures accurate and valuable data on site.
- Enhances the collaborative design process.
- Facilitates testing the project’s design integrity in a virtual world.
- Provides valuable information and verification data during construction.
- Data forms basis of FM model for the building’s lifecycle.
BIM-Ready Survey Facts
- It is the first stage in the ‘cradle to grave’ lifespan of a refurbishment or redevelopment project.
- It plays a key role in providing the base data and reference points on which subsequent activities can be developed.
- A BIM Survey captures the data of an existing building using a laser scanner and converts it into a Point Cloud data file.
What is a Point Cloud?
- A Point Cloud captures valuable and useable Data. A Point Cloud (or Point Cloud Survey) is a set of data points captured by a 3D laser scanner.
- These laser scans record three-dimensional data points identifying the x, y and z coordinates of individual elements of a building’s surface.
- Post survey, these laser scans are “knitted together” (known as registering) into a Point Cloud data file of the building.
- The number of laser scans taken depends on the size of the building and level of detail required.
- Once imported into a design package (Navisworks, Revit etc) the Point Cloud data file can be interrogated and used as both a visual and physical reference from which accurate measurements can be taken.
- The number of laser scans taken depends on the size of the building and level of detail required.
Key Deliverables of a BIM-Ready Survey
A BIM-Ready Survey provides:
- A Point Cloud data file delivered almost immediately to the desktops of the Design Team.
- A 3D parametric model constructed from the Point Cloud forms the base model for the design.
- 2D plans, sections and elevations, if required, are defined in the survey specification.
- BIM-Ready data in the form of a Point Cloud is a powerful, quick-to-use visual and measurement resource, which removes the need for repeated site visits.
What are the benefits of laser scanning?
- Delivering a more comprehensive data set than a traditional survey.
- Faster to capture data on site and physically process, speeding up release of information to client.
- Quality of the site data is pre-qualified and less likely to involve human error or inaccurate assumptions.
- Providing the basis for a more authoritative 3D model.
What are the benefits of Point Cloud data?
- Allows for a more meticulous modelling process.
- Provides the Design Team with a visual and measurable reference source of the site.
- Removes the need for costly return visits to site.
- Provides a historic record of the structure.
- Meets the needs of Clients who may prefer to take delivery of the Point Cloud Data and construct the model themselves.
What are the benefits of digital construction?
- 3D modelling provides a more complete picture.
- Digital information is quick and easy to distribute, share and access on a regular basis.
- Working digitally facilitates collaboration and implementation of rigorous BIM processes.
- Using trustworthy digital data reduces commercial risk.
Why Have a BIM-Ready Survey?
Seven reasons for commissioning a BIM-Ready Survey.
- Closely working with professional surveyors from the outset helps define the required level of building information.
- Immediate access to the data means architects can start the design process straight away.
- Capturing a permanent historical record of the building. This is particularly valuable if the building is ‘listed’.
- Information can be used as a reliable source of accurate data at all stages of a building’s life.
- Data accuracy allows designers to work with greater confidence and certainty thereby reducing commercial risk.
- Effective collaboration using a single accurate data source improves information management reducing mistakes.
- Significantly improves cost, time, scope clarity and quality of a project.
How does a BIM-Ready Survey adds value to an architectural project?
- Considered – Pre-planning ensures the data captured is fit-for-purpose.
- Speedy – Swift delivery and access to site data for the Design Team.
- Accuracy – The Point Cloud provides a valuable, data-rich site reference throughout the design process.
- Confidence – Accurate site data reduces commercial risk.
- Client Satisfaction – Commissioning a BIM-Ready Survey provides critical value via accurate scope definition, capturing quality data fit for purpose, controlling costs and improving use of time.