3D Laser Scanning Services in Iowa

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

With 3D laser scan data, the client can accurately verify the existing HVAC and mechanical equipment within the building without having to worry about positioning or measurement error. This helps them to design their new systems more accurately and efficiently.‍

3D scanning services were performed for a 10-story office building, capturing existing above-ceiling interstitial HVAC systems on each floor, as well as mechanical rooms, chiller rooms, air handling unit rooms and a basement tunnel connecting the utility area to the office building. Over 240,000 square foot of space was laser scanned to document the as-is conditions. The client was upgrading the HVAC system and GPRS developed a 3D model to aid the design process and reduce clashes.

With the 3D laser scan data collected by GPRS, the client could accurately verify the existing HVAC and mechanical equipment within the building.

Location: Toledo, Ohio Task: 3D scanning services were performed for a 10-story office building, capturing existing above-ceiling interstitial HVAC systems on each floor, as well as mechanical rooms, chiller rooms, air handling unit rooms and a basement tunnel connecting the utility area to the office building. Over 240,000 square foot of space was laser scanned to document the as-is conditions. The client was upgrading the HVAC system and GPRS developed a 3D model to aid the design process and reduce clashes. Challenge: With the site being an active office building, it was critical that the required lidar scanning data was obtained with minimal interruptions. Accuracy was important and the space was vast, they needed complete documentation to plan for system upgrades, including above the acoustic tile that was to remain in place. Solutions: Using the RTC360 and P40 Leica 3D laser scanners, GPRS Project Managers 3D laser scanned the interstitial and mechanical space in the evenings to avoid interrupting the office workday. A laser scanner mounted to a tripod was extended above the ceiling tiles to capture the interstitial space. With the 3D laser scan data, the client can accurately verify the existing HVAC and mechanical equipment within the building without having to worry about positioning or measurement error. This enables them to design their new systems more accurately and efficiently. Deliverable: GPRS delivered point cloud data in .rcs file format usable in Autodesk products (Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, etc.) so the client can align and overlay the point cloud to their existing 3D Revit model to verify the location of large format ductwork located in the interstitial space. GPRS also provided a 3D model of the mechanical rooms, chiller rooms, air handling unit rooms and basement tunnel. An LOD 100 model of the structural space and an LOD 300 of the MEP space was delivered to the client. Added Value: GPRS customizes deliverables for each client, so they are only paying for what they need. Also, upon completion of the HVAC system upgrade and prior to ceiling tiles being installed, GPRS will re-mobilize to the site to capture the new as-built conditions of the space for future reference.

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3D Laser Scanning

Raw point cloud data provided an engineering firm in California the accurate measurements they needed to design and plan the expansion of a water treatment facility in Texas thanks to 3D laser scanning

Capture accurate existing conditions and provide raw as-built, point cloud data for the expansion of a water treatment plant

An engineering firm was generating construction drawings to expand an existing water treatment plant. The firm required accurate field conditions in raw point cloud data (.rcp files and related supporting files) to create new layouts for construction.

No as-built drawings existed for the water treatment plant. Accurate existing conditions were needed to plan for the facility expansion • Exact dimensions were required to plan modifications and fabricate pipe • The project's engineering firm was located in California; the water treatment plant was located in Texas. They needed accurate information available in a digital platform to begin design planning Solution • Using a Leica Scan Station, a GPRS Project Manager completed 40 laser scans of the building to capture architectural, structural, and MEP features • The client received a colorized point cloud in ReCap (.rcp files and related supporting files) and TruView files that allowed the engineering firm and the plant to coordinate off-site planning and prefabrication for the expansion Benefits Laser scanning is an extremely efficient and accurate way to gather data necessary to create construction drawings of a building or space. • 3D laser scanning eliminated the firm's travel to the Water Treatment Plant. In one day on site, enough scans were taken to create a complete colorized point cloud of the space. • 3D laser scan data provided the Engineering Firm critical tie points on tanks and lines, information that was crucial to the expansion.

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3D Laser Scanning