Reality capture makes it possible to create a digital model of any space, property or place with a set of recording and photographic technologies. Transforming, in a few hours, into a three-dimensional (3D) model identical to reality. This technology has very diverse uses, but in this article we are going to comment on what we consider to be the 8 best practices.
The 8 best practices of reality capture are:
-reality capture for design and architecture
-reality capture for new building construction
-as-built modelling
-site awareness and visualisation
-clash detection
– Construction verification and deviation reporting
-Reality capture for transportation projects
-understanding the data
Reality capture for design and architecture
Reality capture generates greater design accuracy by gaining a clear and accurate understanding of site constraints and challenges. This results in efficient workflows by saving site visits and, as a consequence, a better experience for the client.
This technology makes a remarkable difference and positive impact at the begging of the project. You work with the current with a reliable 3D model from the scratch
Architects and design team bring the data into the process and produce a detailed digital design, easily identifying the possibilities and limitations of the design. A 3D visualization or model of the proposed asset is then produced and shared with the client or stakeholders before the work is carried out.
Changes can be communicated and shared quickly. There is no need to stop the project to create a digital as-built that gathers all the updates.
Reality capture for new building construction
Throughout all phases of a new building construction project, the BIM model helps convey design intent from the office to the field, reducing field coordination issues and changing orders. A digital twin provides intelligence to manage each phase of the work with full visibility and control. Once construction is complete, a record of works can be created to manage operations and maintenance.
As-Built modelling (scan-to-CAD/BIM)
In many projects plans are outdated or incorrect, the data obtained through reality capture is used to create a new 3D design model. This provides a close-to-reality perception and reduces the potential risk of making mistakes at the time of renovation and repair.
Site awareness and visualisation
The project can continue without having to constantly visit the site. The use of this visualization system allows users a full 3D image of the asset from the comfort of the office. Visual checks and measurements can be extracted and used to make decisions, while data can be shared and observed by the team.
Clash detection
In new construction or renovation projects it is quite common that components do not fit in the intended location. This can be the result of design errors or human oversight. The actionable 3D data can be used in a coordination software to ensure that the design models fit together and changes, if any, can be made in time..
Construction verification and deviation reporting
Compliance with design specifications is possible by validating and checking the proper positioning of the work as it is performed. Either to make corrections or to report that the location may need to be changed. Thanks to this, well calculated decisions can be made in advance, avoiding waste of materials and delays on the construction site.
During construction, it is not unusual for time, effort and money to be lost due to errors and rework. There are many reasons for this problems like the poor execution of the work and differences from the planned to the real work.
With the use of reality capture, a capture of the current site conditions can be made digitally and continuously during the project to be able to compare and contrast the reality with the designed model. To check the data it is necessary to use a specific programme such as C2Bplatform – to warn of any irregularities, and take corrective action without the need for unforeseen large costs.
Reality Capture for transportation projects
Cost management, downtime reduction and health and safety must be taken into account in the construction of roads and bridges. However, there are also other factors to consider such as environmental disturbance and traffic management. For large area road projects need to be mapped. This technology ensures that users can capture data about the environment and thus reduce disruption. With reality capture they can be easily identified and resolved, and inspections can be carried out with confidence that the work is completed on time and according to design.
Proper information is also essential for bridge construction, through analysis and reports that explain the control dimension and quality of abutments and supports. To make sure that all elements of the bridge are constructed exactly identical to the design.
Laying new rail tracks and building tunnels, or maintaining both, subjects workers to hazardous work exposure. Even the complexity of the work required at each stage of these projects is essential to ensure that the work is structured in a safe manner when it is completed. The data provided by Reality Capture techniques ensures construction efficiency during workflows, while also making operations safer and more convenient to manage maintenance and monitoring.
Understanding the data
The investment in Reality Capture software ensures the user can go from database to delivery as quickly and efficiently as possible. This involves preparing, modeling, visualizing and exchanging data to convert it into information based on real conditions.
Point clouds can be joined and georeferenced during post-processing at the preparation stage. From here, it is modeled and visualized to assess changes that can impact on the designed plans and activities without the need to visit the site.
In short, reality capture is a technology that has come to facilitate the process of both construction and renovation. Through its 3D technology, it saves time, effort and money during the project, being able to anticipate errors in both design and installation, and without the need to be continuously on site. In addition, the data can be shared among all the interested parties and the digital design can be visualised as if it were the real physical design.