3D Laser Scanning Services in Connecticut

Architects and mechanical contractors could plan both the demolition of the existing systems and the implementation of the new systems without jeopardizing the Frank Lloyd Wright Unity Temple's aesthetics and spatial design.

To laser scan both the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple and produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation.

GPRS laser scanned the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple to produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation.

Location: Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois Task: To laser scan both the interior and exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple and produce a 3D BIM model for historical renovation documentation. Challenge: The challenge in this case was to be able to thoroughly document the 1909 Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece—in order to prepare for a multi-million dollar building restoration—without compromising the building’s historical identity or disrupting ongoing tourism and church activities within Unity Temple. Solutions: Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a major practice within the AEC industry, specifically for new construction, adaptive reuse, or buildout projects. But how does this practice of “build twice” translate to restoring an early 19th century architectural marvel? By means of High Definition Surveying (HDS). HDS is a non-contact measuring tool that collects visible information of existing conditions in a fast, precise way while, at the same time, reducing damage risks and time associated with traditional measuring methods. Visible information is captured in 360 degrees, generating a 3D point cloud with accuracy up to 2 to 4mm. These point clouds ultimately become 3D virtual worlds of the building, making the method a fast and cost effective way to generate as-built documentation (both 2D and 3D) for project analysis and coordination. In the case of Unity Temple, TruePoint was hired for its expertise in historical preservation by means of laser scanning and BIM modeling. TruePoint’s team of architects and engineers performed a comprehensive laser scan of the building’s interior (temple, offices, mechanical basement, classrooms, etc.), exterior, roof, and skylights in order to capture explicit detail of Unity Temple’s current condition. TruePoint then created a 3D Revit model from the point cloud data so that the construction management firm and subcontractors (mechanical contractors, concrete restoration, architects, etc.) could investigate the building’s existing state and accurately assess their project designs for restoring Unity Temple. Deliverables: Deliverables included a 3D Revit model of the building’s interior, exterior, roof, and skylights; a colorized point cloud in Autodesk Recap file formats (.rcp/.rcs) to be used directly in Autodesk Software (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, etc.); and TruView photographs. Added Value: The colorized point cloud generated from laser scanning gave explicit detailed information that would be otherwise nearly impossible or extremely difficult to document without risking damage to the fragile building elements. Examples of two key architectural features are the intricate window panes (e.g., clerestories, skylights) and the wood trim throughout Unity Temple. Both of these features were collected in the point cloud data in congruence with other building information (structure, mechanical systems, etc.). Additionally, TruePoint trained the client on how to create 2D elevations, sections, and a Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) directly from the point cloud data within AutoCAD. These AutoCAD sheets contained precise measurements and photographs, making it quick and easy for the client to identify the exact piece and location of each element for its removal, restoration, and re-implementation. TruePoint also provided the client with TruViews. The TruView utilizes a free plug-in for Internet Explorer in order to view each scan location from the scanner’s perspective. This offers a quick, easy way to take rudimentary measurements, make hyperlink notes, and perform project collaboration, thereby reducing the hassle, time, and cost associated with on-site visits. Another added bonus of producing a comprehensive point cloud and BIM model of Unity Temple was documenting the existing mechanical room and tunnel in relation to the entire structure. Mechanical contractors and architects could then plan both demolition of the existing systems and implementation of the new systems without jeopardizing Frank Lloyd Wright’s aesthetic and spatial design.

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3D Laser Scanning

In just one day on site, GPRS was able to capture the entire existing condition of the facility, even in dense pipe runs and hard-to-reach spaces, with 2-4mm accuracy to provide the client with an accurate 3D BIM model for planning, fabrication, and clash detection

An engineering firm needed to have existing conditions of a power plant documented and modeled to plan for renovations.

An engineering firm needed to have existing conditions of a power plant documented and modeled to plan for renovations.

Problem • The client needed to accurately document the existing conditions of the plant without interruptions to the power supply • Many of the pipe runs were dense and impossible to accurately measure by hand • The client required 2-4 mm accuracy of dense piping and pipe runs throughout the facility • The client needed to guarantee that installations complied with safety regulations Solution • In one day on site, GPRS' Project Manager used the Leica RTC360 laser scanner to capture 150 laser scans, documenting existing conditions of the facility • Many of the pipe runs were dense and impossible to accurately measure by hand • GPRS generated a 3D BIM model for use in CAD software, including all civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical features, piping, and conduit 1" and larger Benefits • Due to the vast space and density of the piping, it would have been much more difficult and time consuming to accurately depict the location of pipe runs, structural features, and other details in the plant manually • The point cloud data from laser scanning was used by CAD technicians to create an intelligent 3D BIM model for planning, fabrication and clash detection • Verified measurements and virtual planning guarantee installations will comply with safety regulations • Using virtual 3D models, the firm can plan and model future developments to manage the facility without having to re-enter the site

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3D Laser Scanning

This client requested as-built data, 2D CAD drawings, and a 3D BIM model of their 150,000 square feet facility in 12 business days. The 3D model will allow this manufacturer to discover any discrepancies between the design model and existing conditions so they can make necessary adjustments before the facility upgrade begins.

The demand for wood molded brick continues to grow as architects and designers utilize more brick in building designs. To keep up with this demand, our client, the largest molded brick manufacturer in the United States, is planning upgrades to its Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania facility. These upgrades include adding a second kiln to increase capacity and modernizing equipment to improve product quality. The client requested point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings, and a 3D Revit model to understand the existing conditions of the facility.

The client requested point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings, and a 3D Revit model to understand the existing conditions of the facility.

Brick Manufacturer Uses 3D Laser Scanning For Facility Upgrades Location: Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania Task: The demand for wood molded brick continues to grow as architects and designers utilize more brick in building designs. To keep up with this demand, our client, the largest molded brick manufacturer in the United States, is planning upgrades to its Shoemakersville, Pennsylvania facility. These upgrades include adding a second kiln to increase capacity and modernizing equipment to improve product quality. The client requested point cloud data, 2D CAD drawings, and a 3D Revit model to understand the existing conditions of the facility. Challenge: Our client was on a tight timeline. They requested as-built data, 2D drawings and a 3D BIM model of their 150,000 square feet facility in 12 business days. To complete the facility upgrades, they needed line, equipment, and tie-in points. Solution: 150,000 sq. ft. of space was 3D laser scanned in two days on-site with the Leica P50 ScanStation and the RTC360 laser scanner. 279 laser scans were taken to capture complete as-built data of the site’s structure, equipment, and MEP. Deliverable: GPRS delivered an LOD 200 design-intent architectural, structural, and MEP Revit Model, 2D AutoCAD floor plans and interior elevations, and an RCS point cloud file. MEP piping and conduit 2 inch and larger, HVAC ductwork, pumps, motors and equipment were 3D modeled to within ¼ inch accuracy. The 3D model will allow our client to discover any discrepancies between the design and existing conditions so they can make necessary adjustments before the facility upgrade begins. Added Value: Coordinating the work of designers with structural, MEP, and other construction teams is often difficult. Laser scanning provides a fast and accurate way to collect large amounts of site measurement data which can be used to expedite the retrofit design process. 3D scanning will help this client design to the actual as-built conditions, reducing clashes and change orders. Inaccurate data would slow teams down, increase the risk of miscommunication, and create prefabrication and installation problems that could lead to rework.

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3D Laser Scanning