3D Laser Scanning for Building Construction Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing building construction data, particularly after the construction is completed, fail to provide accurate and useful information about the positions and configurations of embedded elements like electrical cables and piping, which are often obscured or lost over time, making it difficult to assess construction defects and responsibilities among involved companies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving optical 3D scanning of buildings at various stages of construction, storing the data, and formatting it to allow selection and display of specific points in time, enabling navigation and comparison with Building Information Models (BIMs), along with characterization of objects for accurate positioning and compliance assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If pictures are taken of embedded elements before applying plaster or pouring screed, then visual record of cable and piping positions is obtained, but the information becomes lost or limited over time and does not provide exact position data for future reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the building's embedded elements using laser scanning technology. This digital model preserves the exact positions, dimensions, and spatial relationships of cables and piping, replacing traditional photographs with a precise, searchable, and permanent digital record that can be queried at any future time without degradation of information quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and photographic documentation with automated laser scanning technology. The laser scanner automatically captures precise 3D coordinates and spatial data of embedded elements, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and traditional photography, thereby achieving higher precision and automated data capture.
2Ease of operation
If manual supervision and standard construction steps are used, then construction process is manageable, but elements of the building differ from plan in position and number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by comparing the as-built 3D scanned data with the original BIM model. This allows automatic detection of deviations in position, number, and dimensions of building elements, providing quantitative feedback to assess whether construction work conforms to the plan, thereby improving quality control without increasing manual supervision intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs 3D scanning at multiple stages during construction, including intermediate stages before final completion. This preliminary documentation captures the state of embedded elements at different construction phases, allowing early detection of deviations from the plan and enabling corrective actions before final completion, thereby improving overall manufacturing precision.
3Loss of information
If 3D scanning is performed at multiple points in time during construction, then comprehensive record of construction stages is obtained, but data management and retrieval becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple 3D scanned datasets from different time points into a unified point cloud model with temporal indexing. By integrating all scanning data into a single coordinated system with time stamps, the patent enables easy navigation and comparison of construction stages without managing separate complex file systems, thereby reducing data management complexity while preserving comprehensive construction records.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides a comprehensive and accurate record of building construction stages, allowing for effective navigation and comparison with design data, enhancing the ability to assess construction accuracy and responsibility, even after completion when elements are no longer visible.
Implementation Method 1
optically 3D scanning the building with a laser scanner so as to obtain 3D data of the building
Data Source
AI summary
A method of data management of the construction of a building, comprising the following steps: (a) optically 3D scanning the building with a laser scanner so as to obtain 3D data of the building; (b) storing the 3D data; (c) iterating steps (a) and (b) at different points in time T1, T2, T3, T4, Tn; and (d) formatting the 3D data obtained at the different points in time T1, T2, T3, T4, Tn so as to display the 3D data with a point of time selector enabling, upon selection, to display the 3D data at any of the different points in time T1, T2, T3, T4, Tn.