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32 TheStructuralEngineer Project focus

November 2013 Digital surveys

Working
Current status of BIM on
refurbishment projects
One of the key aims in BIM is to build
information-rich models that inform all
project activities, including operation and
maintenance. Hence, one of the main

with existing
challenges for the use of digital surveys in
construction, is how to economically add
good quality information.
To date, the focus of BIM implementation
has largely been on new build projects.
This has been primarily due to the

structures difficulties of accurately capturing and

processing digital information on existing
assets. Digital surveys are very good
at capturing the form and location of
everything visible but not at capturing

in a model
detailed information about the individual
objects. That has to be added manually.
Within the construction industry the
use of point cloud data (see page 33)
has largely been focused on converting
the point cloud information into a BIM

environment
model, such as Revit. The original point
cloud data is then largely ignored in the
on-going works.
As such, the successful use of the survey

10%
E Figure 1
Increasing
proportion of
construction
embodied carbon
1970s
Embodied carbon
Operational carbon (After Sartori 2007)
Tony Bassett Director of Project
Excellence, Ramboll
Carl Brookes Team Director, Advanced
Engineering and Geomatics, Ramboll
Introduction
As a global society we need to reduce the
energy we use to reduce environmental
demands on our planet. An important step
towards this, is to improve the energy
efficiency of our built environment. Hence,
the construction industry has a vital role in
developing viable solutions to reduce our
energy and carbon use.
In recognition of this, the UK
Government's recent Construction 2025
report1 has set a target of a 50% reduction
in greenhouse gas emissions in the built
environment. BIM is seen as an important
enabler in meeting this target.
The biggest gains are envisaged in
the operational stage of buildings. The
energy use in the construction stage is
H H H
40% 100%
2016
(dwellings)
2010
2019
(offices)
(After Thormark 2002, Rawlinson 2007) (After NHBC 2009)
still a relatively small part of the whole
life energy use of a building. However,
as the operational efficiency of our built
assets improves, so the importance of the
embodied energy grows (Figure 1).
This energy improvement is relatively easy
to manage on new build projects but proves
much more challenging for existing assets.
Successful environmental design of buildings
relies on a holistic, not elemental approach, to
energy performance. This requires a complete
picture of how the building works, requiring
engagement from the whole project team.
Many structural engineers feel they have
limited influence in environmental design of
buildings, believing their main impact is in
the specification of the structural materials.
The extent to which this is true depends on
the degree of collaboration in the design.
This is also true of BIM projects where
success relies on collaboration between
all members of a project team, not silo
mentalities. Hence, successful BIM should
create a design culture that helps improve
environmental outcomes.
data is reliant on the modeller transferring
all necessary information from the point
cloud into a BIM model. This approach
is, in turn, reliant on knowing exactly how
the model will be used when scoping the
survey. Unfortunately, all too often, little
thought is given at this briefing stage,
meaning that opportunities to maximise the
use of the survey are lost.
For this approach to be economic at
the modelling stage, not all the information
can, or should be, processed and
reasonable rounding errors need to be
introduced. Conversely, time can be
wasted modelling information that is not
needed.
This introduces limitations into the
quality of the BIM model that are not always
understood by the design and construction
team who, all too often, wrongly see the
BIM version of the point cloud as the source
of truth about the asset.
Encouragingly, better tools have emerged
such as Pointools and more recently Recap,
to allow unprocessed point clouds to be
viewed in building modelling software
such as Revit or Microstation. This allows
the design team to easily interrogate the
original point cloud data at any stage of the
project.
These tools enable hybrid models to
be used where the point cloud and the
model of the new works can be seen in the
same environment. This means that the
existing building can be integrated into the
design model without spending time turning
the point cloud into a building model.

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Table 1: The use of point cloud data

CIC Work Stage

Description Effort Usage
(stage number)

3D geometry model for design and early analysis Concept design to

Approximate manual surfacing of point cloud Medium
(structural, environmental simulation using CFD) construction (2-3)

Provides 3D model for mainly organic forms, for Concept design to

Semi-automatic meshing of point cloud Medium
visualisation within CAD and BIM construction (2-4)

Virtual inspection and good for desktop Concept design to

Scan visualisation using web browser Low
investigation, measurement, planning etc. installation (2-5)

3D geometry mode for structural assessment Developed design to

Detailed manual surfacing of point cloud High
and design proposals where fit is critical installation (3-4)

Creating point cloud sub-sets, increasing
granularity and unifying file formats for
subsequent processes
Used in hybrid CAD to represent the built
Developed design to
Medium environment. Useful to overlay proposals to
installation (3-5)
check appearance and fit. Backdrop for BIM

Developed design to
Scaled and orthotropic projections of point cloud Medium Recording archaeology and historic fabric
as constructed (3-6)

Used in hybrid CAD to precisely fit new build Developed design to

Zoned raw scan data Medium
components installation (4-5)

To monitor structural movement and physical Installation to in use

Zoned raw scan data from different periods High
changes (5-7)

Managing site surveys photography may be more appropriate. Point cloud

While most major surveying companies
are familiar with different methods of
laser scanning and the ways in which
this technology integrates with other
measurement methods (often using
scanning as a method of first choice over
traditional survey techniques) there is
generally little communication with the
design teams. As a result, many surveys
continue to be defined in terms of 2D
drawing requirements e.g. the measurement
brief is phrased in terms of the detail
required for different drawing scales. Also,
the recipient of the data who thinks in terms
of drawings gives no consideration to the
very basics of 3D modelling, such as the
use of a single and consistent coordinate
system. Successful usage of laser surveys
to feed BIM, requires proactive engagement
from all parties, certainly until protocols
are well established and whilst the industry
adjusts to a new way of working.
The objectives of laser surveys have to be
defined in terms of how the data will be used
in subsequent applications and processes,
not simply accuracy. Uses will vary according
to the stage of a project, and include
3D visualisation, to provide approximate
geometry to be used with analysis and to
record detailed geometry. For purely visual
applications other technologies based on
For analysis, approximate data is often
fine and for structural monitoring precise
measurement will be required for comparative
work. Quite often, because of the difficulties
of gaining access for surveys, making repeat
visits is costly. Fully comprehensive data is
captured, which is subsequently sampled to
produce models with appropriate detail and
features, often referred to as 'granularity', for
each future work stage.
Managing point clouds also presents new
challenges for the IT infrastructure. With
data sets measured in hundreds of Gbytes
for each project, conventional networks and
intranets cannot stream data fast enough
for on-demand CAD applications. Instead,
to circumvent this problem, data is moved
temporarily to local devices and subsequent
changes are backed up manually. As the use
of point cloud data expands, the solution
to data management would seem to be
a combination of dedicated servers (for
modelling) and web hosting (for viewing
applications).
How point cloud data is subsequently
used will depend on the nature of the
subsequent modelling processes and the
construction stage. Some of the most
common processes are outlined in Table 1
along with the CIC stages where they would
most likely be used.
Laser scanners as well as some other
digital measurement technologies can
very rapidly record millions of distance
measurements. These are then configured
into a single coordinate system that may
contain billions of measurement points.
The whole assembly is then referred to as
a 'point cloud' with measurement density
so fine that the cloud can often be used
directly to visualise the surveyed object.
The Government’s BIM Task Group has
produced a client guide to 3D scanning
and data capture2.
Digital survey methods
Various digital measurement techniques
have emerged including those associated
with photogrammetry, ground penetrating
radar and bathometric investigations,
but laser scanning is now the most
popular digital survey method used in the
construction sector. Commercially available
laser scanners from the likes of Leica, Z+F,
Riegl and Faro among others, are able to
scan up to one million points per second.
Instruments vary in their measurement range
and precision but typical land surveying
equipment can be expected to perform well
in ranges up to 100m with measurements at
best within 2-3mm. Different measurement

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34 TheStructuralEngineer
November 2013
technologies are used, time of flight or
frequency modulated, and the type of
technology also influences the rate and
accuracy of measurements as well as
the cost of the instruments themselves.
Scanners are generally used on fixed
tripods but the use of mobile scanning is
increasing where scanners are mounted on
moving platforms such as aircraft, drones,
boats, trains, road and off-road vehicles,
and hand held. For updating the scanner
position and orientation, mobile scanners
have to be used with other systems, for
example GPS (Global Positioning System)
and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) but the
speed of measurement means that surveys
over similar ranges can be almost as
accurate as those obtained using stationary
platforms. The aim of both stationary and
mobile scanning systems is to assemble a
point cloud (Figure 2) that will often contain
billions of individual x, y, z measurements of
the surveyed environment.
Laser scanning is one example of
technology described generally as geomatics.
NS Figure 2
Point clouds obtained from stationary platforms (above) and mobile platforms (below) of the same environment
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Project focus
Digital surveys
E Figure 5
Using hybrid
CAD to change
existing arrangements
and explore options
Geomatics is a relatively new term and
includes land surveying, remote sensing,
cartography, geographic information systems
(GIS), GPS, photogrammetry, geography
and related forms of earth mapping. As
in the case of mobile scanning, many of
these technologies are combined together
to deliver point clouds and to provide
structured and easy access of the data.
For example, technologies are combined
to visualise laser survey data with digital
photography using a web browser and a
mapping interface to navigate to the location
of the site. Laser scanning data sets can also
be georeferenced to allow wider access,
particularly if different BIM environments
co-exist as part of a large estate.
Point clouds are becoming an increasingly
common method of capturing high fidelity
3D measurement data. Apart from laser
scanning, point clouds are being produced
by sonar devices used in bathometric
surveys, by ground penetrating radar
investigations and more recently obtained
indirectly from spatially coordinated
digital photography. How this data is
then used depends on the downstream
applications, but the first stages generally
involve sampling and meshing of one form
or another. Interestingly, in other areas
such as fine art and gaming, point cloud
data is nearly always associated with a
triangulated mesh that is assembled during
the measurement process, never available
as raw x, y, z points, and subsequent
applications start by using the triangulated
mesh. This is probably because the meshes
are largely required for visualisation only.
Although point clouds connect the
existing environment to BIM, precise
geometry is not always required. If purely
3D visual information is needed then digital
photographical techniques may be sufficient.
Spheroidal photography can give good
viewpoint 3D imagery, and photography
with images post-processed for spatial
coordination can be used (in some cases) to
build reasonable 3D geometry. Both these
photographic techniques are generally
less expensive than laser scanning but
measurement accuracy is compromised.
Benefits of using digital surveys
The ability to precisely integrate the
new proposals into an existing building
is an important part of managing risks in
refurbishments. Accurate digital surveys
allow the implications of site tolerances,
such as bowing walls, to be more fully
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understood and allowed for. Being able
to interrogate an accurate model of the
existing building improves understanding
and, for example, helps avoid issues
associated with aligning and fitting
proposed works amongst existing features.
Digital measurement allows accurate
surface models of everything to be
scanned. The fact that laser scanning
allows accurate capture of distant objects,
reduces the need for scaffolding and safe
access platforms and hence, associated
SE Figure 3
Desk based survey of
London Bridge station vaults
TSE23_32-37.indd 35
health and safety risks.
Many of the free viewers of point data
cloud such as Leica TruView, allow all
project stakeholders easy access to carry
out site inspections from their desk via
a web hosted model (Figure 3). These
allow dimensions to be taken, full 3D
photographic quality views (black and white
or colour) and mark-up capability to share
comments with the project team.
A well planned digital survey will minimise
the need to visit sites, reduce the risk
W Figure 4
Semi-automatic
modelling of Landsoldat statue
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of information being missed during site
inspections and allow understanding of
the building to be developed in a safer
environment; your desk, not on site.
Digital surveys offer significant benefits
in the recording of historic monuments.
They are able to accurately record the full
detail of all surfaces even at high level. Such
models can be accurate enough to make
casts for reproducing historic artefacts
e.g. gargoyles. Software to automatically
mesh surfaces is making the cost of such
techniques more affordable (Figure 4).
Where digital surveys bring the biggest
benefits to BIM is in their use as a platform
to improve the efficiency, accuracy and
effectiveness of the next stage project
processes. BIM models also provide a
powerful platform for the basis of asset
databases. To do this the survey needs to
capture the right data. This needs to be
processed in a way that imports seamlessly
into the software used in the next stages.
This is currently not straightforward but
the rapid progress in the tools over the last
few years, show this will be a commonplace
approach in the future.
Scan data supporting the design phase
Hybrid CAD can be used to rapidly visualise
concepts by placing models of proposed
ideas into the point cloud (Figure 5). This
process allows 3D visualisation of early
concepts, to explore the architecture without
the need to generate complex CAD models,
saving time and money.
When working with existing buildings, 3D
models of proposed developments can be
combined with the existing built environment
(Figure 6) removing the need to develop
models of the existing environment. This
enables detailed designs to be developed
and coordinated with more confidence,
knowing that interface issues with the
existing fabric are understood and resolved.
Setting up survey models in a way that
allows direct import into analysis software
brings about real efficiencies. This has
several benefits; firstly the time saved by
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36 TheStructuralEngineer Project focus
November 2013 Digital surveys

EE Figure 6
Visualisation of concepts within Hybrid
CAD for new build infill terrace development

not remodelling, and secondly by reducing

the time taken in coordinating design
development by a seamless transfer of
information between geometry and analysis
models. As this integrated design approach
improves, so will the use of direct structural
assessment.
Direct structural assessment is the use
of simulation to predict stiffness, deflection,
strain, strength, cracking, damage etc. without
carrying out separate code of practice
calculations. This brings real benefits when
structures (and their materials, geometry and
loading) are complex. In such cases, code of
practice calculations are very time consuming
and, therefore, expensive. In such situations
direct assessment can be more cost effective
and accurate.
Where a project has a high level of
interaction with the built environment,
the use of laser surveys can help link
architecture and engineering at a very
early stage, increase design certainty
and contribute significantly to reducing
construction time and cost. This was
NS Figure 7
CFD environmental simulation to predict wind patterns and comfort levels: typical mesh (above) analysis
of wind flows (below)
illustrated in recent work at London
Bridge station where the impact of new
roof foundations on the concourse and
underlying masonry arch vaults could be
immediately recognised. For instance,
computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software
can be used to simulate the microclimates,
taking account of factors such as
meteorology, solar heating and air handling,
and people movement (Figure 7). Being
able to design for good levels of comfort at
an early stage should significantly reduce
overall project and long-term asset costs.
Costs of such activities have historically
been prohibitively expensive at concept
stage but reuse of simplified, yet accurate,
geometry from visualisations makes
numerically simulating environmental
conditions a viable option. Simple 3D
models of cityscapes and ground terrain
are also readily available at reasonable cost,
although some pre-processing is generally

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S Figure 8
Overlays of laser scan survey information
required for analysis modelling.
Integrated modelling also brings the major
benefit of improved communication, improving
stakeholders’ understanding of proposals
through the use of 3D model and animations.
This can be economically done from the early
stages of the project using the digital survey
information. Better understanding brings
better decision-making that benefits everyone
and reduces wasted time and effort.
Laser scans for building monitoring
Work carried out to existing buildings
always raises the risk of triggering
movement. Traditional monitoring processes
are often carried out as a separate body
of work using new survey information and
targets around the building. Survey targets
can easily be damaged during the works
leaving important gaps in information.
It is now possible to overlay one laser
scan survey on to another allowing
comparative movement to be assessed
(Figure 8). This has the advantage of being
able to track movements in all directions
allowing heave, subsidence and lateral
movements to be measured.
Traditional monitoring has often relied on
comparative movements of isolated points,
making assessments of the bigger picture
of movement more taxing. Hence, although
the use of laser scan information for
monitoring is still in its infancy, its benefits
over traditional techniques means it will start
to be more widely used.
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Concluding remarks up to export into other BIM models, provides
Digital survey information offers a a powerful platform for the basis of an asset
powerful method of capturing appropriate database.
geometry information about existing There are still numerous challenges
assets, that can significantly improve the associated with the technologies for digital
quality and efficiency of subsequent work. surveying but the techniques and software
However, digital surveys only provide the are advancing rapidly, offering more
3D geometry, and to enable information rich opportunities to improve building modelling.
BIM, consideration has to be given to the The success of effective use of digital
collection of additional attributes such as surveys relies on thinking ahead. When
materials and specification data. commissioning a survey, the approach
Digital surveys only give surface geometry and processes for project delivery have
information. Full information, such as to be considered to allow models to
material or assembly requirements needs to seamlessly support future stages. Adopting
be added in other ways. However, having a traditional approaches to design will stifle
comprehensive 3D model, which can be set opportunities.
References
E1 HM Government (2013) Industrial Strategy:
government and industry in partnership - Construction
2025 [Online] Available at: www.gov.uk/government/
uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/
file/210099/bis-13-955-construction-2025-industrial-
strategy.pdf (Accessed: October 2013)
E2 HM Government Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills (2013) BIM Task Group Client
Guide to 3D Scanning and Data Capture [Online]
Available at: www.bimtaskgroup.org/wp-content/
uploads/2013/07/Client-Guide-to-3D-Scanning-and-
Data-Capture.pdf (Accessed: October 2013)
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