As laser scanning grows in popularity as an essential tool in construction planning, we sat down with Shiel Sexton’s Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), Shannon DeVon, to talk about this technology and how our teams have utilized it on many projects over the past couple of years.

What is laser scanning?

Laser scanning is the use of a laser scanner to capture the actual environment of a building, place or object by gathering data points. Laser scanners use light to capture millions of data points (color and distances) that the laser hits and reregisters into a data point cloud. The point cloud is the most accurate representation of an environment you can get because it displays as-built conditions. It can then be incorporated into multiple workflows and software platforms like Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and more.    

Why use it?  

Laser scans are the most accurate way to document the true reality of a project.  It provides a virtual map that you can use to explore a project, find unknowns and manage project risk. Shiel Sexton has leveraged the use of laser scanning on multiple jobs, including both new construction and renovations.  Point clouds are integrated with 3D Building Information Models to assist with coordination efforts by verifying existing conditions as well as assisting with Scan to BIM efforts.  In some instances, it was used during construction to capture post tension tendons and rebar before concrete is placed to ensure the 3D coordinated sleeves avoid the post-tension tendons. It can also verify correct trades installation as well as investigate and ensure the accuracy of floor flatness levels.  But those are just a few of the many benefits of using laser scanning in both planning and during construction.

Multiple Shiel Sexton projects have benefitted from this technology including:

• Ironworks Hotel
• Indiana University Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
• Bottleworks District multi-use development
• Hotel Carmichael
• Purdue University Electrical Engineering and Multiple Building Renovations (EGP)

Laser scanning allows for quick, accurate and to-scale depiction of an environment captured in a deliverable object, and it’s one of the many ways Shiel Sexton helps deliver an Expect More® project to our clients.  If you are interested in utilizing laser scanning on your upcoming project, let us know!