Faro 3D laser scanning ... numerous benefits.
Game changer
01 October 2017
Faro’s 3D laser scanning technology has transformed the construction industry, giving users an unprecedented advantage.
Proven laser scanning technology from Faro supported by next-gen software applications is helping empower general contractors, concrete construction contractors, and floor inspectors with unprecedented real-time build environment insight and analysis.
Faro prides itself to be the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement, imaging and realisation technology, and its laser scanning solutions enable contractors to continuously monitor construction sites throughout the entire project lifecycle helping minimise the project timeline, according to a company spokesman.
“By quickly capturing the project site throughout all phases, defects and errors can be quickly detected thus eliminating additional rework or project delays. In addition, web-based cloud solutions permit data collaboration by various project partners simultaneously.
“This helps in minimising overall project costs by providing accurate as-built conditions for the building life cycle.
“One can eliminate rework, wasted raw materials, improper installations and cascading tolerance issues by quickly identifying defects or failures on-site. Laser scanning also improves risk mitigation by reducing the number of field-visits in hazardous areas,” he explains.
Another advantage of these scanning solutions is that it allow contractors to effectively monitor the construction progress in real time. Project engineers can manage specialty trades to ensure that mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems are installed to specifications, ultimately raising overall construction quality.
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One of the 3D laser scanners by Faro is the Focus3D X 330, claimed to be the smallest, lightest, most portable, most affordable, and easiest to use in the market.
The Focus3D works in combination with Scene software to automatically stitch together a seamless, target-free scanning image. And what was once a challenging registration process that could take hours is now accomplished with on-the-fly speed and convenience, he says.
“Contractors can expect handsome paybacks on using a Focus3D. In fact, one company calculated a saving of about $150,000 on the first project it scanned. In effect, the Focus3D had paid for itself and then some in less than a single week,” states the spokesman.
When it comes to controlling quality during wet concrete pour, Faro’s 3D laser scanner can be helpful. It can immediately identify high and low areas, which can be fixed while the concrete is still wet, especially when it concerns extreme concrete floor flatness (FF) and floor levelness (FL) for buildings such as health centres, warehouses and distribution centres.
Laser scanning concrete platforms and being able to fix high and low areas will help ensure that the project will pass FF/FL inspections, give companies a favourable reputation, and save money that would be spent going back and grinding high spots and filling low spots. It also helps mitigate risks associated with grinding down concrete and possibly grinding too low. The data can be archived and referred to in the future if a dispute arises to prove that the concrete was delivered within tolerance at the time of the pour.
A common perception in the industry is that a laser scanning workflow can be difficult to implement in the field and office, according to the spokesman.
“That maybe true if one plans on doing Building Information Modelling (BIM) co-ordination and modelling from scan data, for which an engineer familiar with BIM is needed. However, the laser scanner can be used for much more than BIM co-ordination and modelling.
“Even a field worker can operate the laser scanner and the software. With a single scan, the registration and Quality Control (QC) processes are easily accomplished. The Rithm Apps are designed to be intuitive and easy to use for both engineers and field personnel. This easy, step-by-step process enables a user to essentially bring the office to the field and drastically reduce turnaround time,” he concludes.
