Construction laser scanning: valuable technology in the construction industry

Construction Laser Scanning

Table of contents

 What is construction laser scanning?

 Applications of construction laser scanning

 Types of construction laser scanning

 Laser scanning equipment and software

 Laser scanning workflow

 Challenges and limitations of construction laser scanning

 Future developments in construction laser scanning

What is construction laser scanning?

 Construction laser scanning, also known as 3D laser scanning or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), is a technology that uses lasers to create precise 3D models of physical objects or environments. In the context of construction, laser scanning is used to capture the exact dimensions, shapes, and positions of buildings, infrastructure, and other construction sites, with high accuracy and speed.

Applications of construction laser scanning

 A technology that uses lasers to create a 3D point cloud of an object or environment.This technology has several applications in the construction industry, including:

 Quality control

 BIM modeling

 Site documentation

 Clash detection

 Progress monitoring

 Safety

Types of construction laser scanning

 Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)

 Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS)

 Aerial Laser Scanning (ALS)

 Handheld Laser Scanning (HLS)

 Underground Laser Scanning (ULS)

Laser scanning equipment & software

 Tools used to create detailed 3D models of physical objects or environments that can be used for design, analysis, documentation, and visualization purposes.

 Some popular laser scanning equipment and software brands include

 Faro

 Leica

 Trimble

 Autodesk

Laser scanning workflow

 Step 1:

 Planning: This involves defining the scope of the project, determining the necessary accuracy, identifying the appropriate laser scanning equipment, and deciding on the scanning locations.

 Step 2:

 Scanning: This involves setting up the equipment and scanning the target area.The scanner emits laser beams that bounce off the surface of the object or environment and create a point cloud, which is a collection of 3D coordinates.

Laser scanning workflow

 Step 3:

 Registration: This involves combining multiple scans into a single, unified model. Registration can be done manually or with the help of software.

 Step 4:

 Processing: This involves cleaning up the point cloud, removing noise, and creating a surface mesh.The resulting model can be viewed, manipulated, and measured.

Laser scanning workflow

 Step 5:

 Analysis: Once the 3D model is created, it can be analyzed to extract information such as dimensions, volumes, and distances. This information can be used for various purposes such as engineering, architecture, and construction.

 Step 6:

 Output: This can include 2D and 3D drawings, CAD models, and other deliverables.The output can be used for documentation, communication, and decision-making.

Challenges & limitations of construction laser scanning

 It offers numerous benefits, such as improved project efficiency and reduced costs, there are also several challenges and limitations associated with this technology:

 Cost

 Limited field of view

 Reflections

 Inaccuracies due to movement

 Weather conditions

 Data management

 User expertise

Future developments in construction laser scanning

 Laser scanning technology is becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry, as it provides a fast, accurate, and noninvasive way to capture 3D data of buildings and construction sites.

 Increased speed and resolution

 Integration with other technologies

 Improved portability

 Automation and artificial intelligence

 Greater accessibility