Bringing an Old Glass Factory Back to Life: As-Built BIM with Laser Scanning

Problem Statement from the client :

The client, a multinational pharmaceutical company involved in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, pharmaceutical substances, and intermediates, is planning to convert one of their oldest properties in Bengaluru, a non-operational glass factory for decades, into a convention center and other commercial blocks. However, the lack of accurate as-built information posed a significant obstacle to the client's design and execution planning. Without a comprehensive understanding of the existing infrastructure, the client encountered unexpected design challenges, including structural limitations, hidden utility lines, and others. This resulted in numerous design modifications, reworks, and increased expenses. Additionally, accurate quantification of the building's existing assets, such as steel structure quantity and mechanical and electrical equipment, was unavailable. This information is crucial for future procurement planning.

Scope of Work

• Development of As-Built BIM Models & Drawings using Laser Scanning Technology.
• Provide elevation plans & detailed information drawings for the factory steel structure.
• Submit the 360-degree Trueview Site Walkthrough Files enabling clients to virtually walk around the interior and exterior of the building, and easily navigate to a specific location, to see what it would look like or to take measurements.

Project Location

Bengaluru

Software used

• Cyclone Register 360
• Autodesk Revit 2021
• Autodesk Recap Pro
• Leica TruView 22
• Revu Bluebeam

Project Timeline

We had set a 15 working days schedule for this 1,50,000 Sqft. property.

05 Days for the Site Survey team to visit the site and conduct Laser Scanning & further 10 days to submit all the deliverables including Trueview Site walkthrough Data & the As-Built BIM models & Drawings.

Key Challenges & How we solved the problem

• As the property was non-operational for decades there was not enough light facility at the site, and there were movements of dangerous reptiles observed. This caused an interruption in scanning. It was brought to the notice of the client and necessary arrangements were made to overcome these challenges.
• A storage tank (part of the building) was completely filled with Silica and had no access to carry out the scanning process, further, the silica was removed completely enabling the scanning procedure.   
• As the Client team was new to the software, and had earlier practiced manual methods for As-Built documentation, it was difficult for them to navigate through the BIM Models and the trueview site walkthrough files. We conducted multiple workshops and provided manuals with software instructions which made them familiar with the software.

Deliverables shared:

• As-built Drawings (CAD & PDF)
• As-Built 3D BIM Models (Revit & Navisworks files)
• 3D CAD files to access in SketchUp Software.
• Trueview Site walkthrough Files (.lgs)
• Point Cloud Data (RCP)

Outcome or How the client got benefitted:

• As-built drawings generated by laser scanning helped the designers create accurate space plans and layouts that take into account the exact dimensions and features of the existing space. This also helped them to maximize the use of available space and create functional and efficient design layouts.
• The Submitted As-Built BIM model enabled the client to accurately extract the quantity of the existing assets of the building - the steel structure quantity, doors & windows, Mechanical & Electrical equipment, etc. which further helped them in their future procurement planning.
• Clients could gather accurate building area information. 
• With the true view site walkthrough files they could have a clear and precise representation of the existing factory’s physical features, and the 3D BIM models helped them to easily visualize design concepts and test out different design options that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.