Lawani, K; Sadeghineko, F; Tong, M and Bayraktar, M (2025) Methodology for retrospectively developing a BIM model from point cloud scans using ongoing building project as case study. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 23(4), pp. 1243-1261. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the suggestions that construction processes could be considerably improved by integrating building information modelling (BIM) with 3D laser scanning technologies. This case study integrated 3D laser point cloud scans with BIM to explore the effects of BIM adoption on ongoing construction project, whilst evaluating the utility of 3D laser scanning technology for producing structural 3D models by converting point cloud data (PCD) into BIM. Design/methodology/approach: The primary data acquisition adopted the use of Trimble X7 laser scanning process, which is a set of data points in the scanned space that represent the scanned structure. The implementation of BIM with the 3D PCD to explore the precision and effectiveness of the construction processes as well as the as-built condition of a structure was precisely captured using the 3D laser scanning technology to recreate accurate and exact 3D models capable of being used to find and fix problems during construction. Findings: The findings indicate that the integration of BIM and 3D laser scanning technology has the tendency to mitigate issues such as building rework, improved project completion times, reduced project cost, enhanced interdisciplinary communication, cooperation and collaboration amongst the project duty holders, which ultimately enhances the overall efficiency of the construction project. Research limitations/implications: The acquisition of data using 3D laser scanner is usually conducted from the ground. Therefore, certain aspects of the building could potentially disturb data acquisition; for example, the gable and sections of eaves (fascia and soffit) could be left in a blind spot. Data acquisition using 3D laser scanner technology takes time, and the processing of the vast amount of data acquired is laborious, and if not carefully analysed, could result in errors in generated models. Furthermore, because this was an ongoing construction project, material stockpiling and planned construction works obstructed and delayed the seamless capture of scanned data points. Originality/value: These findings highlight the significance of integrating BIM and 3D laser scanning technology in the construction process and emphasise the value of advanced data collection methods for effectively managing construction projects and streamlined workflows.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 3D laser scanning; 3D modelling; BIM; construction project management; point cloud scans |
| Index terms: | project cost, point cloud, rework, duty, cooperation, workflow, completion time, laser scanning, methodology, construction process, integration, collaboration, construction project, acquisition, 3D model, case study, efficiency, building information modelling, data acquisition, implementation, 3D modelling, effectiveness, construction project management, construction work |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, business, organizational analysis, project controls, information systems, management, performance management, economics, project management theory and practice, psychology, operations management, contractual arrangements, analytical methods, computational design, contractual role, building construction, research methods, production management, digital design |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Digital Applications, Contract Administration, Time Control, Site Management, Organizational Design, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here