Construction Time Cut in Half Thanks to 3D Lasers

3D laser scanning has been rapidly evolving and being used in various fields and has now entered the construction world. As this technology develops and changes, it will gain adoption across the globe due to its versatile uses. There are many benefits to this technology. It is no longer only used for doctors’ offices but has now begun to replace dangerous jobs, especially on a developing site.

Project managers are now understanding the various ways to use 3D laser scanners and are reaping the benefits of this technology.  3D laser scanners can enhance employee safety, as well as building stronger and sturdier structures. Not only do these improve public and workers’ safety, but it is also more budget-friendly than other ways of scanning an area to collect information.

The man behind the scenes

Amr Raafat who is the Autodesk Innovator of the year, he has also won awards for using drones to capture 3D imaging of a construction site. He then used the images and information for building information modeling, used to oversee the worksite.

He has now partnered with a robotics software company. Together they would create the new 3D laser scanner that would save money and time when working on construction sites.

Not only does it save time and money, but it is also more adaptable to chaotic terrain than previous models. Meaning this specific 3D laser scanner can move on uneven and bumpy surfaces. Another cool fact about this new piece of technology is that instead of one person scanning and observing for hours, this scanner can scan a scene in 16 minutes. Scans must be taken several times a day for several days, if not weeks. This is a crucial part of structuring and planning secure buildings or roads.

Construction sites can be unstable and chaotic

With all of the great benefits of 3D laser scanning, it’s hard to believe this technology hasn’t entered this field sooner. There are a few reasons for this, Sophia Zelov explains “We know that more robotic integration on the jobsite is coming, but it has been relatively slow to implement as sites and projects are unique, conditions are always unpredictable and the industry is segregated.” Sophia Zelof is an EAC industry engagement manager for the Autodesk Technology Center.

How 3D scanning actually works on a construction site

3D laser scanning is the act of taking thousands of pictures per second. It collects microscopic details of a place that can then be studied. The information collected from the device can then be transferred in a matter of minutes to a partnering program where a user can see the image and manipulate it.

After this, a user can test different scenarios in the program seeing how added infrastructure would work and prove how it would do in the real world. Not only that, but the users have the option of creating a virtual reality world where they could view the end result.

Adding this technology in construction jobs could save thousands, if not billions of dollars. 3D laser scanning takes the danger away from humans and saves time of having someone go physically scan a scene. As this technology advances, more construction managers will adopt this technology, reaping all of its benefits.