Whether it’s a point cloud or a full as built model do clients realise the value of this information and all the additional added value that can be extracted from it. In our experience most of them don’t. They see this as a one off survey and often a lot of the data will be discarded once the project comes to an end.

In the past we’ve been asked to resurvey the same sites either because the client hasn’t retained the data or the project has been passed to a new team who don’t have access to the original survey.

This is where the Digital Facility concept comes into play. What if once the survey was completed the information was stored into a 3D model linked to a database that all stakeholders could have access to?

Over the life of a plant or facility new surveys are added into the database along with condition reports, technical information, documents and historical data.

In this scenario nothing ever gets lost, documents don’t become muddled, as built plans are maintained and everyone has access to this through a 3d visual interface making it easy to find the information they require.

If this sounds too good to be true then think again. Tools for asset management or asset virtualisation been around in the petrochemical sector for a while and now with the huge rise of BIM (building information modelling) the same systems are starting to be applied to onshore building and infrastructure projects including everything from factories to healthcare.

One powerful piece of software which makes this is possible is the ArtrA system. Rather than providing a fixed set of protocols and functions ArtrA is toolset that can be fully customised for any project.

Once a site has been surveyed using laser scanning the point cloud is vectorised (converted to a solid model) and loaded in to ArtrA. Once in ArtrA the really clever stuff can happen. Databases users can tag individual elements with all kinds of information, tags are customised to suit the type of maintenance or survey information you wish to monitor. For example one use of the model may be to model corrosion. Custom tags can be created to show levels of corrosion for pipes and this data can be supplemented with photos or notes that are then saved as attributes of that element.

Equipment and elements are given barcodes on site that are linked back to the virtual asset in the database, this allows engineers on site to read in a barcode and instantly have all the service history and technical documentation for an item at hand.

Digital Surveys are working with a number of clients to help implement a Digital Facility solution.

The laser scanner very quickly captures a dense point cloud of data. This information is fed back to the office to then generate very accurate as built plans and models. Once converted to 3D the plant models can be used for accurate clash detection for refurbs ensuring a first time fit on site.

As well generating the 3d deliverables, Digital Provide WEBSHARE for every project. Webshare allows every scanner location to be viewed online. This provides an invaluable tool for asset managers and allows all engineers and stake holders to virtually inspect a site from the office.

REGISTER NOW:
Applicants must have extensive laser scanning & dimensional control experience on and offshore and be in possession of current offshore survival certificate.

Send CVs to peter.bennett@digitalsurveys.co.uk

Once completed the facility will provide cable construction facilities for the Katy Field approximately 14km northeast of the Kelvin platform location, within the ConocoPhillips’ Carboniferous area of the Southern North Sea.

http://youtu.be/VllssjXYTWU

Building Information Modelling is the future of the construction industry.  BIM Show Live is a unique opportunity to see how practices and organisations are using new processes and technology to harness the potential that BIM can offer.

With a range of speakers covering all aspects of the BIM lifecycle, and an exhibition demonstrating some of the latest technologies, BIM Show Live is a conference that will open your eyes to those opportunities. The show will take place on the 1 November 2011 at the Business Design Centre, London.

eBIM MD Ben Bennett will be presenting on the following:

eBIM – Creating As built Building Models

• Digital documentation of the built environment using 3D Laser Scanning
• Converting 3D point clouds to BIM models
• CASESTUDY – eBIM in Practice, Monument Mall Newcastle
• Advantages of eBIM for refurbs and retrofits

LASER DATA CAPTURE

The 3d laser scanning was carried out over 10 days at the Cathedral using a Faro Photon120 phased based laser scanner. All the scans were carried out a very high point density and colour photography was also taken at each scanner setup.
As the cathedral is open to the public daily a lot of the work was carried out after hours. This provided a fantastic opportunity for the surveyors to explorer the building and carry out the survey uninterrupted. However the Cathedral is also known for its many ghosts especially the monks dormitory where it is said the voices of long dead monks can be heard talking at night. This certainly kept the team on there toes and that area was surveyed extra efficiently.

SCAN DATA PROCESSING

Over 250 scans were captured and processed using Faro’s Scene software. Scene allows for automatic target extraction and registration making it easy to manage and process large projects. All the individual rooms were broken down into clusters and sub clusters. This helps the software find corresponding target more accurately without having to search every single scan.
The project was also broken up by floor and two versions were created, one with photos and one without.
Once processed ortho rectified images of every elevation were generated. These were created in monochrome and colour at 1:20 scales. The images could then be used in Autocad to trace up all the detailed 2d plans and elevations.

IMAGES

It’s been many months in the pipeline but finally we are ready to launch our latest service. eBIM ltd (Existing Building Information Modelling) is a brand new company made up of architects, architectural technologist, surveyors and 3D laser scanning experts. Together we form a collective offering the best in Building Information modelling services for retrofit and refurb projects.

Utilising the latest 3D laser scanning data capture techniques and cutting edge data extraction, plus years of BIM modelling experience, eBIM can provide a fast turnaround on complex modelling projects.

The first service of its kind in the uk, eBIM have already completed a number of prestigious projects, including a 20,000 sq m conference centre in Bristol.
eBIM offers a full service solution from survey to as-built BIM model, allowing our clients to get on with what they do best – designing.

For more information on eBIM visit www.ebim.co.uk