The Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning in Construction

Traditional hand measured surveys take time to conduct. They are prone to inaccuracies, which can lead to increased costs and delays in construction projects. What’s more, the level of detail which can be captured is questionable.

The alternative? 3D laser scanning. This leading-edge method of surveying presents an array of benefits throughout the construction process, addressing a range of issues, from health and safety to quality management and project schedule compliance.

What is 3D laser scanning?

Compared to manual measuring and hand sketching, 3D laser scanning allows a surveyor to collect vast amounts of highly detailed data very quickly.

The process uses high-definition LIDAR (Light, Imaging, Detection and Ranging) technology to capture millions of individual points. These points form a precise and highly detailed point-cloud model of a structure.

When we survey a site or building using 3D laser technology, we take an array of individual scans. The data produced by these scans is then stitched together (‘registered’) to create a coherent point-cloud.

Learn about 3D laser scanning technology in more detail: read our guide.

Now we have our foundation to produce accurate and highly detailed drawings, from 2D plans to cross sections and elevations. We can also model the external and internal features of a structure in 3D, with extreme precision.

What is the role of 3D laser scanning in construction?

3D laser surveys play a vital role throughout the construction process, from pre-construction planning to post-construction verification.

Pre-Construction

Before construction gets underway, 3D laser scanning is used to accurately confirm existing site conditions. It forms the basis for plans, models and records that will all play a pivotal role in the project going forward.

The precision of the data allows for accurate planning and finely detailed development plans. It also helps avoid costly errors that can arise from inaccurate measurements.

What’s more, the 3D scanner goes a step further by capturing ALL data in a sphere around itself. This happens regardless of whether that data was requested. The benefit here is that any information that might be needed later on in the project can be extracted without the need for site revisits, meaning more time and money saved.

During Construction

3D laser scans are used to check progress and verify the build accuracy against the designs. Being able to compare what’s actually happening onsite against the proposed elevations, sections and footprints is invaluable for quality control. It helps identify any deviations early on, allowing for timely corrections, and ensuring the project stays on track.

Further, because 3D laser scanning can be conducted quickly, and potentially without any need to access the construction site, disruption and delays are minimised.

Post-Construction

3D laser scanning can prove indispensable once construction is complete. The surveys confirm that the finished structure is a true match for the original design.

The survey can also be used to form an as-built model, useful for building management teams in planning future maintenance and modifications.

The benefits of 3D laser scanning for tight tolerance construction projects

For projects requiring tight tolerances, 3D scans prove hugely beneficial. For example:

High rise buildings – where precise measurements are required to ensure structural integrity and alignment of lift shafts, floors, walls and façades.

Bridges and overpasses – tight tolerances are vital to maintain structural stability and safety, in particular regarding alignment and as an aid to assessing load distribution.

Industrial facilities – factories and plants often have tight tolerances to accommodate specialised machinery and equipment, ensuring everything fits and operates correctly within its given space.

The deep level of detail and accuracy delivered by a laser survey ensures every aspect of the build aligns with the design specifications, reducing the risk of errors and rework, saving time and money, and avoiding delay penalties.

What are the health and safety benefits of 3D laser scanning in construction?

The contactless nature of a 3D laser scan can enhance safety on a construction site.

Traditional surveying methods often require physical access to potentially hazardous areas, such as scaffolding or confined spaces. But with 3D laser scanning, measurements can be taken from a distance, potentially removing the need for surveyors to enter a specific area, and eliminating the requirement for additional risk assessments to be carried out.

In summary, why is 3D laser scanning so beneficial in construction?

3D laser scanning offers several key benefits in construction:

1. Speed and efficiency
   1. Rapid data collection with vast quantities of data captured in minutes.
   1. Significantly reduces the time required for onsite measurements, removing the potential for project delays.
2. Accuracy and details
   1. Captures fine detail for the highest levels of drawing completeness and accuracy.
   1. Reduces the risk of errors, cutting potential for project delays and fines, and non-compliance with planning conditions.
3. Comprehensive data
   1. Captures data for all visible features, internal and external, in high resolution.
   1. Avoids the need for repeated site visits by capturing by default a sphere of data, saving time and money.
4. Enhanced health and safety
   1. Reduces the need for physical access to hazardous areas to conduct surveys.
   1. Reduces the risk of accidents and improves overall site safety.

Callidus Surveys: Your Partner for 3D Laser Scanning in Construction

At Callidus Surveys, we’ve invested in the highest specification 3D scanning equipment and software, allowing us to deliver surveys of the finest detail to our construction sector clients, with a rapid turnaround.

Our unique ‘whole building’ approach ensures that all buildings surveyed are depicted in computer space as a complete, coherent, interconnected structure. In other words, as they are in real life, rather than just a series of independent drawings.

With decades of experience, and a team made up of some of the UK’s best-trained laser surveyors with construction knowledge that’s unrivalled in the industry, you are guaranteed the added insight to interpret your scanned data at a deeper level than ever before.

To book a 3D laser survey, simply send us your specification and we’ll get respond with a quote for your 3D measured survey.