Varied Applications of Scan to BIM

The motive behind applying a Scan to BIM is to capture the actual as-built conditions of the building. BIM helps in serving a knowledge repository that generates as well as coordinates building facilities throughout the lifecycle. Let’s touch upon how Scan to BIM can be beneficial at different stages of construction projects.

1. Design
   In the design phase, the as-built BIM model of the construction site terrain and the surrounding buildings and environment enable the designers to understand the site conditions better and to make better decisions about the building design.

2. Construction
   During construction, BIM widely represents all the on-site construction works that are going on. It identifies any kind of discrepancies between the as-built BIM model and an as-designed BIM model, which is further compared to the tolerance values specified in the relevant codes and regulations. In the construction phase, there are different aspects like:

• • Virtual Installation: With accurate as-built BIM models of construction, virtual installation and assemblies have become possible with the help of a Scan to BIM. Scan-to-BIM can be adopted to simulate the installation and assembly process in a virtual environment. This will identify any potential problem or difficulty before the actual installation, known as clashes, leading to a significant time and cost savings.
  • Safety Management: The Scan to BIM model has the potential to enhance construction safety management as it identifies all the safety hazards and suggests measures to be taken to ensure the project’s complete safety.
  • Digital Reproduction: Scan to BIM helps in replacing thousands of drawings by providing a detailed 3D model on a digital platform. It also offers the ability to visualize the design and make necessary amendments to the design.
  • QA/QC: The BIM model covers all the prefabricated components that are all processed for quality assurance/quality control.

3. Facility Management (FM)