#point clouds

Terry Winters' paintings for Point Cloud Pictures at Matthew Marks Gallery reference data collection methods and patterns from the natural world. The colorful and energetic works leave it up to the viewer to make their own associations.

From the gallery’s press release-

Winters’s work centers on abstraction as a catalyst for exploring the natural world. In his paintings, composition and color give new meaning to a wide range of technical references, which include advanced mathematical principles, musical notation, botany, and chemistry. In the artist’s own words: “I’m taking preexisting imagery and respecifying it through the painting process. Information is torqued with the objective of opening a fictive space or lyrical dimension.”

The title of the exhibition refers to the seven Point Cloud paintings on view, in which overlapping grids of ringed particles create complex, amorphous shapes. Borrowed from the field of three-dimensional modeling, a point cloud refers to a set of data points in space, often used to articulate objects or landscapes in digital models. “The forms can also suggest the collective behavior of animals, such as the murmuration of starlings and the schooling of fish,” Winters says. His paintings build an illusionistic sense of ever-expanding depth, as the varying size, shape, and angle of his painted data points lend a dynamism to his canvases. With the utmost attention to pigment, the paintings are built up in layers of oil, wax, and resin, further eliciting the energetic potential of their compositions.

Created through a parallel process, each painting on paper fills a large sheet from edge to edge. To make these works, Winters chose a paper size called a double elephant, which was first developed in 1826 to accommodate J.J. Audubon’s life-size depictions of birds. As Winters has described, “I’m interested in these givens, working within the parameters of that aspect ratio, and how that affects the building of the work.” Together, the works create a space that is both immediate and imaginary, what Winters has called a “vitalized geometry.”

Introduction:

In the realm of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the integration of point clouds into Revit has emerged as a game-changer. Point clouds, generated through laser scanning technology, offer a wealth of spatial data that can revolutionize the accuracy and detail of BIM models. In this article, we delve into the transformative potential of point clouds within the Revit environment, exploring how they enhance the comprehensiveness of BIM modeling.

Understanding Point Clouds:

Point clouds represent a collection of data points in three-dimensional space, capturing the precise geometry and spatial characteristics of physical environments. These data sets are generated through laser scanning devices, which emit laser beams to measure distances and record millions of points within a scene. The result is a highly detailed representation of real-world structures, encompassing everything from intricate architectural features to subtle surface irregularities.

Point clouds serve as digital replicas of physical spaces, offering an immersive and detailed view of real-world environments. Generated by advanced laser scanning devices, these data sets consist of millions of individual points, each representing a specific location in three-dimensional space. Laser scanners emit laser beams that bounce off surfaces within a scene, measuring distances and capturing the spatial coordinates of points in the process. 

Integration with Revit:

Revit, renowned for its prowess in BIM modeling, provides a robust platform for integrating point clouds seamlessly into the design process. By importing point cloud data directly into Revit, architects, engineers, and construction professionals gain access to a wealth of information that serves as a foundation for their BIM models.

This integration bridges the gap between the physical and digital realms, allowing for unparalleled accuracy and fidelity in virtual representations of built environments. The integration of point clouds with Revit, a premier software in Building Information Modeling (BIM), marks a significant advancement in the construction industry's digital transformation. Revit's capabilities extend far beyond traditional CAD software, offering a comprehensive platform that facilitates the creation, analysis, and documentation of building designs. With the ability to directly import point cloud data, Revit empowers architects, engineers, and construction professionals to leverage the wealth of information captured through 3D laser scanning technologies.

Enhancing Accuracy and Precision:

One of the primary advantages of incorporating point clouds into Revit is the enhancement of modeling accuracy and precision. Traditional methods of manual measurement and documentation often fall short in capturing the intricacies of complex structures. Point clouds, on the other hand, offer a level of detail that surpasses conventional techniques, enabling designers to create BIM models that closely mirror reality. From as-built documentation to renovation projects, the use of point clouds ensures that BIM models accurately reflect existing conditions, minimizing errors and discrepancies throughout the design and construction process.

Facilitating As-Built Documentation:

In retrofit and renovation projects, accurate as-built documentation is essential for informed decision-making and seamless execution. Point clouds provide a comprehensive record of existing structures, allowing designers to capture precise measurements and dimensions with minimal disruption to ongoing operations. By importing point cloud data into Revit, stakeholders can create as-built BIM models that serve as a reliable reference throughout the project lifecycle. This streamlined approach not only accelerates the documentation process but also mitigates the risks associated with inaccuracies and discrepancies in existing conditions.

Visualizing Complex Environments:

The visualization capabilities of point clouds within Revit are unparalleled, offering designers the ability to immerse themselves in highly detailed 3D representations of physical spaces. Whether analyzing existing structures or conceptualizing new designs, the integration of point clouds provides invaluable insights into spatial relationships, material properties, and architectural nuances. By overlaying point cloud data onto BIM models, designers can make informed decisions regarding spatial layout, clash detection, and design optimization, thereby improving the overall quality and efficiency of the design process.

Streamlining Collaborative Workflows:

Effective collaboration lies at the heart of successful BIM projects, and point clouds play a pivotal role in facilitating communication and coordination among project stakeholders. By centralizing point cloud data within the Revit environment, multidisciplinary teams can work collaboratively on a unified platform, ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information. This integrated approach fosters greater transparency, reduces rework, and enhances the overall efficiency of project delivery.

Conclusion:

Summary

§  Millions of Point Clouds recorded by Laser Scanners are making BIM useful

§  As a single source of truth, Point Cloud to BIM models are capable of producing exact details of digital models with a physical space

§  Laser Scans help building managers keep an updated version of their BIM for a renovated section or older structure

§  Point Clouds help detail every aspect and convert it into a BIM-based schematic of existing buildings to enable building maintenance

§  Architects can begin with a 3D model & superimpose a BIM on top of it

§  The capability of matching building plans with various development stages and aligning them to achieve the result serves as an effective tool

§  Scanning each phase of the construction project & comparing it to the BIM plan helps identify critical errors to avoid delays & guarantee the project moves according to plan

Challenges in Renovation, Retrofitting, and Expansion

§  High cost of renovation, retrofitting, or expansion

§  Lack of funding

§  Challenges in adopting new processes and technology

§  Complete compliance with regulations and building codes

§  Health and safety requirements

§  Tenants resistance to disruptive renovation or retrofitting

§  Delays in renovation due to scope creep

§  Inadequate building resources

§  Incomplete & inaccurate building surveys

Benefits of Scan-to-BIM technology

§  Better transparency, coordination, and collaboration

§  Enhanced performance, reliability, and QA based on a 3D model

§  Significant reduction in renovation and retrofitting budget

§  Quick decision-making based on any model change

§  Better renovation sustainability

§  Early error detection to reduce rework

Applications of Scan-to-BIM to build As-Is BIM models

§  Design

1.   Designing with a 3D site model

2.   Quality Assurance and Quality Control

3.   Progress Tracking

§  Construction

1.   Virtual installation & assembly

2.   Safety management

3.   Digital reproduction

4.   Construction documentation

§  Operations & Maintenance

1.   Energy performance analysis

2.   Accessibility analysis

3.   Structural analysis

4.   Operations and maintenance

5.   Space management

6.   Renovation planning and execution

7.   Emergency management

§  Application in the Design Phase.

1.   Better understanding and decision-making of site terrain and conditions based on As-Is BIM models

2.   Improved visualization of existing buildings through visual memory, design compatibility, aesthetics, and architectural features

§  Application in the Construction Phase.

1.   Better quality assessment or quality control (QA/QC) of onsite construction or prefabricated building components

2.   Improved comparative analysis based on tolerances to identify inconsistencies between as-designed BIM and as-is BIM

3.   Various QA/QC checkpoints for dimensional inconsistencies, surface distortion, and flatness, surface spalling defects, and positioning errors

4.   Achieving building milestones with progress tracking through 4D BIM scheduling

5.   Actual project schedules are compared to the planned schedule in a BIM environment

6.   Virtual installation and onsite assembly with accurate As-Is model assemblies become achievable with Scan-to-BIM

7.   Verification of virtual installations and assemblies help identify problems before actual onsite assembly and installation

8.   Quick identification of clashes between prefabricated components & other construction activities leading to time and cost savings

9.   As-Is BIM through Scan-to-BIM models also help enhance construction safety management for onsite personnel

10.                Laser scan data can be used to identify excavated pits to mitigate fall hazards

11.                Complex geometry can be re-printed in a construction 3D printer using Scan-to-BIM models

§  Application in the Operations and Maintenance Phase.

1.   Documenting building textures and geometries is a crucial application of Scan-to-BIM in the operations and maintenance phase

2.   Scan-to-BIM based documentation enables greater preservation of heritage facilities and buildings

3.   An As-Is Scan-to-BIM model helps project stakeholders build better retrofit systems to improve performance viz. accessibility, energy consumption, structural integrity, etc.

4.   Various FM applications of Scan-to-BIM models include space management, renovation planning, emergency management, etc.

§  Planning the 3D Laser Scanning and Scan-to-BIM process.

3D laser scanning has transformed the AEC industry for better design through enhanced visualization and sustainable construction

§  Applications supported by laser scanning viz. Point Cloud to BIM is sufficient in terms of point density or quality

§  Mitigation of human error is crucial to reduce waiting times, deliver high-quality results, and reducing mistakes

§  Accurate planning allows project stakeholders to define precise location sets, quality, and accuracy

§  The planning needs to conform to 4 crucial requirements viz.

o   No. of scans

o   Requirements of a color or greyscale scan

o   Scan complexity

o   Characteristics of the site location

Step 1:

Plan to Prepare:

§  Pre-investigate the project site to build a baseline control grid

§  Control grids & job planning are critical to laser scanning and Scan-to-BIM

§  Determination of information capture needs to be identified on the site

§  Scan locations can be recorded moving through the site, or 2D plans can be used to achieve greater precision to plan the scan points

§  Identifying key personnel to create site inspection checkpoints and laser scanning enables an efficient planning process

Step 2:  

Minimize the number of scans and minimize the scan path:

§  Laser scanners use a line of sight to capture measurements

§  Jobsites with many corridors, pillars, and other elements will require a greater scan coverage

§  Analyzing the level of detail required can help understand the intent of the scan

§  Full-coverage of the area is key to achieve a successful scan

§  Fewer scans of the job site can make the Scan-to-BIM process easier and augments the registration process  

§  Joining the scans would require an overlap of about 30 % – 50 % based on the software and onsite uniformity

Step 3:

Reduce errors after the scans are combined.

§  The greater the number of steps between any given scan, the more are the numbers of propagation errors

§  Uncertainties increase by a value of +-4mm for every scan that strays away from the previous scan

§  The presence of a site grid is necessary to set fixed targets with a known relative location to reduce these errors

§  Calculating the number of required scans can mitigate the need to set up a site grid

Step 4:

Augment the process with targetless scanning or multiple zone scans.

§  Targetless scanning saves time by mitigating the need to evaluate target placement

§  With a larger scan probability, it can save scanning time for large projects

§  Targetless scanning can reduce time to scan, yet extend time in poor workflow or cloud alignment

§  Setting multiple scan zones helps improve accuracy and reduce propagation errors

§  This also helps reduce data set size for quick and efficient processing

Proposed Scan-to-BIM Framework.

1.   A Scan-to-BIM framework moves towards BIM to build as-is BIM

2.   The Scan-to-BIM process can be achieved in 4 steps viz.

§  Requirements for identification of information

§  Analysis of required scanned data quality

§  Acquisition of scanned data

§  As-Is Scan-to-BIM or reconstruction

BIM Standards

Point Cloud accuracy can be defined in a myriad of ways viz. LOA or Level of Accuracy. Point Clouds registered by the scanner are classified into various levels of accuracy.

LOA 10 (Lowest value of Accuracy)

LOA 20

LOA 30

LOA 40

LOA 50 (Highest value of Accuracy)

§  Other parameters to define the accuracy of the point cloud include Precision and Correctness

§  Precision is defined by random deviations of a sensor or describes the bandwidth of statistically independent measurements

§  In comparison to precision, correctness is determined by systematic deviations viz. mis calibrated equipment, inaccurate angles of incidence, etc.

Scan-to-BIM with Machine Learning capabilities.

§  Machine learning helps identify BIM objects from scanned data

§  It helps build quick Scan-to-BIM models through Machine learning capabilities

§  Machine Learning framework identifies various objects in a Point Cloud based on a Scan-to-BIM framework and creates accurate color codes for multiple objects

§  This annotation process enables clear and better visualization

Benefits of using Machine Learning for Scan-to-BIM.

§  Reduction in site visits to collect data

§  Reduction in errors and reduced rework costs

§  Quicker and greater data processing through machine learning

§  Output can be imported into any BIM software

§  Quick project turnaround based on machine learning algorithm for Point Cloud Data extraction

Various Laser Scanners – Station-based and Mobile.

§  Trimble TX 8

§  Trimble TX 6

§  Faro Focus

§  Faro Focus m 70

§  Geo Slam Zeb Revo

§  Paracosm PX-80

§  Faro Freestyle

Conclusion.

§  The construction landscape will continue to evolve with Point Cloud to BIM

§  3D laser scans are reliable for their accuracy, speed, reliability, and simplicity of use

§  The adaptability and flexibility of laser scans make it an ideal tool to model building elements in various locations

§  BIM Engineering US, L.L.C. delivers top-notch solutions for AEC companies to make good business sense through reduced site visits, accurate site plans, control points, reduce costs, and more

§  High-quality point cloud recording and Scan-to-BIM solutions are key to quick, effective, and efficient renovations, retrofitting, and expansion.    

Contact Us: - 703-994-4242

Seattle ARCHICAD User Group – May 26th, 2016

It’s that time: we’re having another Seattle ARCHICAD User Group. Once again we’ll be meeting at DeForest Architects. Thanks Geoff, John, and everyone else at DeForest for letting us invade your space.

Date:

Thursday May 26th, 2016 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location:

DeForest Architects 1148 NW Leary Way Seattle, WA 98107

Hosts:

Geoff Briggs, Thomas Bormann, and Jared Banks, AIA

Topics:

To continue the…