18 Tips for achieving fast, accurate structural steel as-built models

Manassas, Va. — ClearEdge3D released a report that highlights 18 tips for optimizing project efficiency and as-built model accuracy. Scanning and modeling professionals from Allen Construction Services, Cadworks, and Hale TiP share their experiences and insights utilizing 3D laser scanning and automated modeling software tools. Two case studies examine how these tools allowed the firms to meet ultra-demanding deadlines with incredible data and model precision.

The 18 tips are organized into three categories: project management, field data capture, and project modeling/deliverables. Tips from these AEC industry professionals include:

Project management best practices — Establish a data management plan that defines requirements around data processing, storage, and access. “In the beginning, we were using Dropbox to place the data,” said Jake Allen, CEO of Allen Construction Services. “Someone who was not involved with the project had access to Dropbox and deleted project data files. It was a valuable lesson learned.”

Field data capture effeciencies — Use multiple scanners for maximum efficiency. “We achieved 2.5X field efficiency by using two scanners and 2 field staff,” said Greg Hale, CTO, Hale TiP. “It’s noticeably better than simply 2X because staff can help each other use a leap frog approach for scanning and help with QC, etc.” Using drones and scan targets are also mentioned for field data capture optimization.

Office modeling & deliverable creation tips — Implement a workflow that combines ClearEdge3D EdgeWise software and Autodesk Revit to improve accuracy of the final model based on the software’s precise modeling algorithms and robust QA/QC tools for piping and structure. “Extraction software is more accurate than humans because we approximate too much,” says Hale. “Modeling existing conditions can be very challenging. EdgeWise doubles our modeling speed and, at the same time, allows us to mitigate risks by providing accurate representations.” Using ClearEdge3D Verity software as a model checker is also considered a backoffice best practice.

“3D laser scanning has rapidly gained popularity for its automatic capture of complete as-is geometry of structures and sites,” said Chris Scotton, CEO of ClearEdge3D. “Users like the ones interviewed in this report have also increasingly turned to automated software tools like EdgeWise and Verity that help them quickly convert rich laser scan point clouds into accurate as-built CAD and BIM deliverables.”

This free report is available for download at https://info.clearedge3d.com/steel-report-pr.