02 May Automating Construction Verification
The adoption of digitalization in construction projects, within the building space (vertical and complex buildings), has been substantive.
Having the right tools and software is key to realising the full benefits and productivity of a scan to BIM digital workflow. If we were to apply the concept of reverse engineering, we would move from asking the question, “What can the tools and software do?” to “What did we need to do and what do we need to achieve?”. The answer is an incredible verification workflow that reduces costly rework from as-built variances.
One key challenge is executing complete, precise, rapid, and cost-effective validations of constructed features when compared to design models. This is especially true for the complex structures that designers, and their clients, seem to be obsessed with, but also for other practical reasons.
Current verification methods– offers a varying degree of precision and accuracies.
The use of traditional equipment (such as tapes, digital levels and total stations to verify constructed elements) is both risky and time consuming as one is only able to check major elements while assuming the rest of the constructed elements are okay.
Use of conventional scanners
Automating data capture, by introducing scanning, ensures human error is removed or limited and less time is spent on capturing data at a construction site. However, time gained during data capture could be lost in processes that follow, if incorrect software is used.
Conventional scanners have some limitations as most sites will require setting up of survey control points, using a total station. A scanner that supports traverse registration methods, like the Topcon GLS-2000, is desirable. Processes such as using targets will still need some adjustments to be done with conventional scanners.
Why the scanning robotic Total Station GTL-1000?
Adding scanning to a robotic total station has provided the perfect solution for automation of construction verification, by offering an instrument that does work for two. The GTL-1000 is fixed on top of the Topcon GT robotic total station (TS): the World’s fastest robotic TS with a turning speed of 180 degrees per second, gearless design and ultrasonic motors, basically converting sound into energy. The GTL1000 is considered suitable for BIM.
Verification with verity for Navisworks
Verity enables one to bring in the scan data, model data and compare data to check elements are within acceptable tolerances. Out-of-tolerance work can be highlighted, annotated and shared to project members as an HTML file.
One needs to bring in the scan into Autodesk recap and subsequently Navisworks. Verity has a direct integration with Navisworks and BIM 360, hence, one can put comparison data and reports out into the cloud for various project stakeholders to access. Verity can generate heatmaps indicating the variations between a scanned and a design model, colorized by a scale.