Scan To BIM of waste chute at incineration plant
In this case study, we explain how we used our drone and 3D LiDAR scanners to create a building information model at an incineration plant.
Key points from the case:
The need behind the case:
We were contacted by a customer, a Danish waste incineration plant, who needed a detailed 3D model of their waste shaft, including precise measurements to use during the replacement of the existing structure. The shaft played a key role in the plant’s operation, so it was crucial that the renovation was planned with high precision to avoid disruption and ensure that all components fit correctly in the technically complex environment.
The customer wanted a model that not only reflected the structural dimensions, but also contained the necessary details to plan the renovation effectively. The model would act as a tool for technicians and engineers coordinating the renovation, allowing them to work from an accurate basis and ensure that all necessary elements were taken into account.
It was important to the client that the model could be used to visualize the existing waste chute and help plan all technical and logistical aspects of the renovation. This would ensure a smooth implementation of the changes without unnecessary downtime while maintaining high safety and functionality.
Why did the customer choose our drone solution?
The drone can get EVERYTHING on its scan as it can move and scan simultaneously – even in the most complex environments.
The customer chose to use our drone solution because the drone has the ability to scan complex areas with high precision where traditional manual scanning techniques cannot keep up.
The drone is able to move while scanning, which means it can navigate around, up and into the tight and hard-to-reach areas, such as between pipes and ducts, found around the facility’s waste chute. This is something that a stationary scanner simply cannot do. The manual scanner requires constant adjustment and repositioning, making it nearly impossible to capture every detail in the complex, tight and high areas that characterize the waste chute.
The drone, on the other hand, can quickly and efficiently adapt and scan all elements in the area without losing detail. This flexibility and precision was exactly what made our drone solution ideal for the customer’s needs.
Fast and efficient scanning
In addition to the drone’s ability to reach places where a stationary scanner cannot, it also has a significant advantage in terms of scanning speed.
Our drone was able to complete a full scan of the area around the chute in just half a day – something that a traditional stationary scanner would have taken 2-3 days to do, and without achieving the same level of detail. A manual scanner requires the operator to constantly move the device from place to place, which is both time-consuming and increases the risk of errors. This process also increases the risk of losing important data or getting a less accurate model.
In contrast, the drone is able to navigate and scan efficiently while maintaining a high level of accuracy. The drone can find its way around the 3D point cloud and automatically connect multiple flights into one coherent model. This means we were able to deliver a complete and accurate result in a short time, which is both time-saving and financially beneficial for the customer. The drone’s ability to generate a fully integrated 3D model with every detail not only saves time, but also ensures that nothing is overlooked – a great advantage in a project where precision is of the utmost importance.
Drawing done by professional architects
After completing the scanning of the structure, the collected data was processed by professional architects who converted the point cloud into an accurate 3D model in both Revit and AutoCAD formats.
By using experienced architects in this process, we avoid potential errors and ensure that the final model meets the highest standards of quality and accuracy. The architects’ expertise allows us to deliver a product that is not only technically correct, but also reflects the customer’s specific requirements and wishes. This thorough approach means we can guarantee that our delivered material is both reliable and accurate, which is essential to fulfill the customer’s needs in the further planning and renovation of the chute.
The result
The final 3D model delivered to the customer met all their requirements and expectations for precision and detail. By combining the extensive drone scanning and subsequent conversion of the point cloud into a 3D model in Revit and AutoCAD, we were able to deliver a complete and accurate digital representation of the trash chute structure. This model provided the client with a valuable tool to plan and coordinate the renovation of the chute with great precision.
The result was a detailed, coherent model that not only illustrated the existing structure, but also made it possible to visualize the technical and logistical requirements for the renovation. The model included all necessary measurements and dimensions, enabling the client to make informed decisions and ensuring that the renovation could be completed quickly and efficiently without errors.
The customer was also able to use the model to optimize work processes, reduce downtime and minimize risks by having an accurate and reliable foundation for their planning. This digital solution delivered both time savings and increased accuracy, giving the customer the confidence they needed to successfully complete the renovation project.
