Scan to BIM in industrial construction: keys, advantages and trends

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Why are more and more companies starting a project by scanning the existing building? In recent years, Scan to BIM has ceased to be a technology reserved for large projects or leading contractors. It is increasingly common to find this kind of solution in the refurbishment of industrial buildings, retail unit refits and complex technical upgrades.

And that is no coincidence.

When work needs to be carried out on an existing structure, often without up-to-date drawings or with construction solutions improvised over time, scanning the building before designing makes it possible to reduce errors, anticipate technical conflicts and make decisions based on real data.

But what exactly is Scan to BIM? How does it work? In which cases is it worth applying? And what advantages can it bring when refurbishing an industrial building? We tell you everything in this post.

What is Scan to BIM and what is it used for?

Let's start at the beginning: Scan to BIM is a process that combines 3D scanning technology with digital modelling to generate an exact replica of an existing building in BIM (Building Information Modelling) format.

In other words, the building is scanned with a laser or a drone, a point cloud is obtained (millions of spatial coordinates that capture every corner with millimetre precision) and, from that information, an intelligent digital model is built with precise geometry and real technical data.

This BIM model can include not only the building's architectural structure but also electrical installations, HVAC systems, columns, ceilings, floors, doors, windows and any other element relevant to the design and execution of the works.

And what is it used for? It has a variety of applications:

• To plan refurbishments without surprises.
• To detect deviations between what was designed and what was built.
• To coordinate disciplines (architecture, structures, building services) in a single digital environment.
• To optimise costs, avoid errors and reduce construction time.
• To make subsequent building maintenance easier.

To sum up: Scan to BIM makes it possible to design and build on reality, not on assumptions. And that can make a significant difference to how the project develops.

>> Read more: BIM, Tekla Structures, Revit: keys to integrating design and construction.

How does the Scan to BIM process work? Step by step

Although the concept may sound complex, the Scan to BIM process can be divided into four main phases, all of them fully integrated into a digital workflow:

1. Data capture

A 3D laser scanner or a drone with LiDAR sensors is used to record the geometry of the existing building. The result is a point cloud, a kind of three-dimensional map with millions of spatial reference points. This step is carried out on site and is fast, non-invasive and highly accurate.

2. Point cloud processing

Once captured, the point cloud is cleaned and prepared for use. This involves removing interference, classifying elements and converting the information into a format that can be used in BIM software. At this stage it already becomes possible to distinguish walls, ceilings, structure and furniture.

3. BIM modelling

From the point cloud, a digital BIM model is created with the level of detail the project requires. This model is not just visual: it contains useful information on materials, dimensions, construction systems and building services.

4. Integration and use in the project

Once generated, the BIM model is integrated into the project workflows. It can be used for architectural design, clash detection, energy simulations, construction planning, asset management, maintenance, etc.

5 key advantages of Scan to BIM in architecture and engineering projects

Applying a Scan to BIM workflow often brings a substantial improvement in timescales, costs, accuracy and overall project management. These are some of the most notable advantages:

1. It reduces errors and unforeseen issues: by starting from an accurate model of the building's actual condition, many of the usual uncertainties in refurbishment or rehabilitation projects are eliminated. This minimises errors on site, reduces rework and avoids budget overruns.
2. It speeds up decision-making: the BIM model generated allows the space to be visualised clearly, interventions to be simulated and decisions to be made with more information and further in advance. This is key in complex projects or in early phases where every decision has a major impact.
3. It improves coordination between disciplines: having a model shared by all parties involved (architecture, structures, building services…) makes it possible to detect conflicts before they reach the site. Coordination improves and workflows are optimised.
4. It saves time on site: better planning, based on real data, reduces construction times. In addition, accurate information allows the necessary resources to be adjusted more precisely.
5. It makes building maintenance and management easier: the BIM model can serve as the basis for digitalising the entire management of the building: from maintenance tasks to planning refurbishments or integration with sensor systems to create a digital twin.

At ALTERTECNIA we incorporate this and other technologies to offer more accurate, efficient and sustainable solutions. And we do so with the same philosophy as always: combining technical expertise, experience and cutting-edge tools in the service of each project.

Would you like us to help you take the next step in your project? Get in touch with our team and we will assess it with you.