It’s Time to Convey Design Intent Value for Scan to BIM Projects

We all know that Scan to BIM (or point cloud to BIM) is the execution of cutting-edge surveying technologies like 3D laser scanning to build an as-built BIM model of an existing facility. Now it is predicted that will play an important role in construction as the industry moves forward.

The Scan to BIM provides a crucial beginning for stakeholders such as design teams, contractors, or building owners. No matter what type of project is, build a new building, or renovate an existing one, Scan to BIM makes everything easier and provides more accurate results. So adding values to Scan to BIM projects is extremely essential, especially design intent value.

However, too few stakeholders truly understand this. So why and how should you convey design intent value to Scan to BIM process? In this article, we’ll discuss their importance and how design intent value should be added in the 3D BIM models.

Why design intent value is vital to Scan to BIM

Scan to BIM can be used for a series of use-cases and reasons. Building owners are fond of as-built models for facility management. Architects and engineers use a 3D BIM model to iterate their design or understand existing conditions before revolution and retrofit projects.

In other words, Scan to BIM assures that designers, architects, and contractors have a reliable resource to make the project process smooth. So high-quality BIM models become more important. Disorganized 3D models can confuse future users. Creating a 3D model with unclear functionality and information is almost as useless as creating no as-built model.

Conveying the design intent value to Scan to BIM means that we aim to create as-built models that deepen valuable “information” and sufficient “function” to benefit the next project stages. A functional and informative model can help stakeholders process their tasks easily and efficiently.

• For the Design Team: As-built models provide them with much more detailed information to work with 2D floor plans, sections, and elevations;
• For the Contractors: They give them with a clear record of the changes in the stages of construction and know the exact intricate they can encounter.

So now you understand why they’re essential, it’s time to know how to add design intent value to your Scan to BIM. Below, we’ll discuss two important factors to help you do just that.

Bonus: How Scan to BIM is used in the construction phase

How to convey design intent value to Scan to BIM

1. Add functionality to 3D BIM models

Several people think that the as-built models just should focus on reflecting exactly existing building conditions. However, we realize that adding the functionality to BIM models is really necessary. This is also one of the important parts that will benefit your BIM project now and many years to come. The functionality of 3D BIM models presents that all models created must meet the exact building components, loadbearing structures.

Create functional 3D BIM models in Scan to BIM projects

The BIM objects with the correct functions will be of help to your design process and scheduling of the objects in the model. The following will be some criteria for making your as-built as clear and useful as possible:

• Assign the right function for all BIM elements such as walls, floors, and stairs (external or internal);
• Cleanly join BIM elements, especially walls in a continuous chain and detached from top/bottom;
• Add rooms throughout the project and correctly define bound. This makes it easy to distinguish the current room function;
• Consider the BIM deviation of all warped objects. Add tolerance to the distorted, broken walls, floors to know exactly how the current status of this project is.

Creating functional 3D models helps to make the process of reviewing becomes quick, accurate, and intuitive. Also, it helps you categorize the internal and external functions of the object in the design process. What’s more, it shows users to know the exact frame of the object and structures of a building.

2. Deepen valuable information

Quality of information matters in 3D BIM models. The architects or engineers want a parametric model that was flexible enough to respond to on-going design challenges.

In order to create highly detailed models, you must include a wide variety of information. We prefer to:

• Contain a size parameter within elements to identify the size through the property browser or a schedule;
• Include details of the BIM elements. For example, doors, door swing directions, and details (3D linework, ironmongery, etc);
• Assign the right materials of the elements;
• Record correct geometry and location in relation to the point cloud data;
• Use exactly Revit family categories, naming convention, and data storage;
• Note dates when changes were made.

Deepen valuable information for 3D BIM models

Although this can seem to be daunting and time-consuming, it’s extremely valuable to future usage. Once the BIM models have been completed, they can be used for various different purposes. The design teams utilize them to complete these drawings easier for any renovation or retrofit project. All the valuable information will be included, accurate, and sharable with everyone in the project. The contractors can also use the as-built models to know the intricacies of the project they might encounter.

Prioritize design intent value in every Scan to BIM project

If you want to provide the best possible Scan to BIM product for your stakeholders, it’s time to take your Scan to BIM projects to the next level. That’s where design intent value comes being into the picture. Investing in better Scan to BIM is worth your time and effort. It will benefit you not only now but also many years to come.

At ViBIM, we’ve implemented this in all Scan to BIM projects for the client. If you’re interested in this topic and want to discover more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are ready to help you bring more value to your Scan to BIM projects.