The last few decades have been characterized by a rapid evolution of information technologies and the resulting innovations are being implemented in all business fields. Of course, this trend applies to engineering and construction, and technology is drastically changing the way projects are developed and operated.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been a revolutionary concept, expanding construction documents from two-dimensional annotated drawings to three-dimensional models with detailed component properties. Modern design software also automates many repetitive and tedious steps of construction design while enabling visualization of equipment layouts that was not possible with conventional 2D drafting software.
BIM becomes an even more powerful tool when combined with technologies such as drones, laser scanning and augmented reality. Models are becoming much more complex and detailed, but at the same time more useful and accessible.
Improve operations and management with a smart building model.
Applications of Drones in Construction Projects
Being in the air, drones can capture images of the project from angles that were previously only possible from a helicopter. As a result, drones can be extremely useful in applications such as surveying and surveillance. They also make on-site surveys faster and safer, as engineers can inspect hard-to-reach locations without being there in person.
Drones can also be programmed to collect a series of images from various angles and altitudes. The data is then processed with software, creating an extremely detailed model of the project site. This approach is very useful when creating a computational model of existing infrastructure; consider that many projects were built decades ago, when not even 2D drafting software had been developed.
In short, drones offer two main advantages: They can gather visual information about projects more quickly and from perspectives that were not previously possible.
Laser scanning
Although BIM is an extremely powerful tool, it is still necessary to create a detailed 3D model of the project in question. This is not a problem in new projects, as the model is normally created as part of the design process. However, modeling can consume a significant amount of time on existing infrastructure, especially in complex buildings such as manufacturing facilities or power plants. Laser scanning technology can scan existing infrastructure, creating three-dimensional models in just a fraction of the time required by humans.
Keep in mind that laser scanning only provides a geometric model, which indicates the size and shape of the components, but not their properties.
- For example, a laser scanner can easily identify the location and diameter of exposed piping, but not the material used – this information must be provided by engineers after the model is generated.
- Once the geometric model is available, the information collection process can be carried out quickly with mobile devices. Engineers can simply open the model on a tablet and add component information while inspecting the site.
Enhanced Reality
If an augmented reality helmet is connected to a smart building model, information can be overlaid on the user's field of vision. This is extremely useful when components are difficult to see or completely hidden. The following are some examples of how augmented reality can be used in building operation and maintenance:
- When the user looks up at the ceiling, an augmented reality helmet can display all of the electrical conduits, communications trays, and air ducts above. If a specific component needs to be inspected, maintenance personnel will know exactly which ceiling tiles to remove.
- This is even more useful for pipes and conduits embedded in walls, which can only be accessed by cutting grooves in the wall. The same applies to components embedded in slabs or buried underground.
- Components belonging to different construction systems can be color coded to avoid confusion.
- Existing damage to equipment and infrastructure can also be color-coded and displayed with an enhanced reality helmet. For example, cracks in concrete elements are not obvious, but an augmented reality system can display them in an eye-catching color, such as orange or red.
Augmented reality is also useful in planning building expansions or modifications, making all hidden components visible. This way there are no surprises, such as demolishing a wall and damaging a built-in pipe that the contractor was not aware of.
Conclusion
Innovative technologies create new possibilities in all fields of business and engineering is no exception. The latest tools available allow for digital representations of existing infrastructure, which is extremely useful for operation and maintenance. Keep in mind that technology does not replace the role of engineers, but actually enhances it – a powerful tool can only be used effectively by someone who understands the physical principles underlying building systems.
