A review of the applications of vision-based 3D as-built data acquisition technologies in the construction industry

The proliferation of the research in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) vis-à-vis 3D as-built data acquisition technologies in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) industry has been dramatically increasing. Owing to their diverse applications that encompass the whole lifecycle of the construction project, they have become the recent research trend within the industry. However, the ramification of the research in this area appears to be inconspicuous, arbitrarily scattered and unorganized causing confusion for the researchers and practitioners who are interested in this area. Therefore, the aim of this research is to provide a lucid research guidance in the applications of the vision-based 3D as-built data acquisitions technologies including range-based laser scanning and image-based sensing technologies. This research is based on a critical and analytical review of the research efforts, that have been published between 2008 and 2017, on the 3D as-built data applications: 3D as-built BIM model reconstruction, progress tracking, quality control and quality assessment (QC/QA) and as-damaged and forensic modeling. Speaking of which, a systematic methodology is synthesized to compile and categorize a total of 145 research efforts. Subsequently, analysis of each research's targeted applications, methods, approaches, used algorithms, accuracy, contributions, gaps and limitations are explored. In addition to chronologically mapping and organizing the research efforts, lines of research and built-up researches in order to create the As-built Bibliometric Research Maps which, in turns, attend to visualize the research trails and their relationships. Ultimately, the review will draw conclusions regarding the research trends and future research trajectories in the 3D as-built data applications.