Integration of building information modeling and laser scanning in construction industry

ABSTRACT: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Laser Scanning tools and applications have established their footing in different sectors such as engineering, architecture, and construction due to their capabilities and potentials in enhancing the quality, as they are accurate in collecting and analyzing the data, and reducing the time and cost of a project during different phases of design, construction and maintenance. The purpose of this study was to raise awareness and understanding concerning the use and promotion of these applications, especially in their integrated forms, in construction industry. Furthermore, the effort was made to investigate the use, purposes, benefits, and future of these novel technological means among academics, construction firms and their managers, engineers, architects etc on the individual and integrated bases. This study includes two parts: the first part consists of administering a questionnaire to a sample of 48 participants from different contexts and companies in order to investigate their perceptions on the employing of BIM and Laser Scanning in their workplace. The results of this survey instrument indicated positive and significant results as to the awareness, information and optimism towards the use and capabilities of these two applications. The respondents were almost cognizant of the benefits and purposes of both BIM and Laser Scanning in the lifecycle of a project from the bidding to the maintenance of a construction project in general and enhancing the time, cost, quality, health and safety in particular. The second part of this study addresses conducting a case study in order to practically examine the application of Laser Scanning tools and BIM software in construction sector. This was a study of Technology Development Center, Technopark, in Famagusta located in North Cyprus. A CADeyes camera was exploited to capture spatial and visual data within three different coordinates and from various angles from the building of this center. Then Point cloud data was analyzed by Revit, which is one of the BIM software, in order to generate a 3D model. The details of conducting the application of Laser Scanning and BIM tools were followed and displayed graphically and the outcomes revealed the efficient and effective use of these tools. This study therefore recommends utilizing these game-changing technological means by all stockholders ranging from the designers to end-users so that they can meet the basic requirements of construction projects as well as to deal the challenges of a construction project including errors, risks, and costs. Keywords: Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D Laser Scanner, 3D Modeling, Construction Management. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………