Midwestern Consulting

3D laser scan data can now be easily imported into Revit

One of the most exciting developments in our industry in the past year has been the release of Imaginit’s “Scan to BIM” software that allows digital point clouds to be imported into Autodesk Revit. In 2010, Midwestern Consulting was selected as a beta tester for “Scan to BIM” and now have several projects under our belt using this revolutionary software.

As more and more AEC firms have moved to Autodesk Revit, we started becoming concerned about our ability to deliver files in our clients’ native format.  Midwestern Consulting had been using standard work-arounds such as Navisworks or 3D AutoCAD and then redrafting the information into Autodesk Revit. This costs the client two valuable things: time and money. In general, we have seen up to a 40% reduction in time spent managing the data point cloud and a roughly 40% reduction in project costs.  This is big news and should encourage AEC project managers to utilize the new tool.

According to the Imaginit website, “The Scan to BIM™ software add-on takes the ordeal out of the process of getting 3D laser scanning data into Revit. It enables you to import point clouds directly into Revit, visualize them directly in Revit, and interact directly in Revit with automated recognition and placement of walls and openings, as well as pipes and ducts.”

The user will “eliminate time spent working with point clouds outside of Revit – eliminate the ordeal of scanning to BIM. Work faster and more accurately, gain new revenue streams, and stay on top of client demands. The Scan to BIM software add-in for Revit actually makes scanning directly to BIM a reality.”

Brandon Walker, PE is a senior project manager at Midwestern Consulting, Ann Arbor, Michigan (734.995.0200).  Let Brandon know how he can help you save money on your next existing conditions modeling project.

Data point cloud from the UT project

(Norcross, GA, 13 July 2010) The iconic Founders Hall at the University of Texas at Dallas is undergoing a speedy HVAC renovation and upgrade thanks in part to Midwestern Consulting, an engineering and surveying consulting firm, and its use high definition laser scanning technology.

Founders Hall was the first permanent structure built at the University soon after it was established in 1969. In 2009, the University initiated a $27.8 million renovation of the structure to improve energy efficiency and update classrooms, laboratories and meeting rooms in all three structures while adding modern amenities.

A key part of the efficiency improvements was to upgrade the complex’s existing 35,000-sq-ft HVAC piping and equipment located in the basement of the original Founders Hall Building C.

Using a Leica HDS 6000 from Leica Geosystems, Midwestern surveyors scanned the basement over the course of a week, collecting nearly 5.5 billion points of information. Then, with help from Ceeko, Inc., a data capture, processing and visualization firm, created a color-coding 3D model.

Brandon Walker, senior project manager with Midwestern Consulting, says, “With the 3D model, the architect and contractor were able to digitally compare the HVAC renovations with existing conditions and avoid potential clashes. We estimate that laser scanning saved at least three major conflicts, at an estimated $15,000 per conflict, on the project and three weeks time.

The Founders Hall renovation project is on schedule for completion in fall 2010.