The document discusses the methodology used in a project applying terrestrial 3D laser scanning in building information modeling (BIM). It describes using a Leica Scan Station C10 laser scanner to collect point cloud data of a target building. Cyclone software was then used to combine the point cloud data with a 3D BIM. Autodesk Revit, a BIM software, was used to create 3D models from the point cloud data. The project involved laser scanning a ship garage to collect point cloud data, processing the raw data in Cyclone, and creating a 3D BIM of the garage in Revit based on the point cloud.

1. Application of terrestrial 3D laser
scanning in building information modeling
3.Methodology
3.1 Equipment and Method
C10 Leica Scan Station is a new high-definition
Surveying scan station which is designed to increase
surveying productivity and accuracy in both routine
surveys and large, complex projects. This information
will be collected by central controller system to
combine one view of the target building.
Figure 3.1.1 the synopsis of C10 Leica Scan station
Cyclone Software is software which is used to
combine point cloud data with 3D building information
models.
Figure 3.1.2 an example of combining 3D views by using Cyclone
Autodesk Revit is a building information modeling
software which is widely used in designing architecture
and structure during a building’s life cycle. It can also
empower both designers’ and builders’ ideas to modify
the constructions with a coordinated model-based
approach
Figure 3.1.3 a sample of creating 3D models by Autodesk Revit.
4. Discussion and Results
The name of my project is the Application of Terrestrial 3D Laser
Scanning in Building Information Modeling. According to what I
have done in my project, overall I have come to a greater
understanding of its applications, advantages, disadvantages as
well as its potential to be used diversely in the industry.
1. Introduction
Recently, a new methodology called application of
terrestrial 3D laser scanning in building information
modeling is being widely used in the construction industry.
1.1 The advantages of using laser scanning and BIM
method in building industry
The advantages of using laser scanning technology and
BIM method is that the human resources and economic
funds during construction process can be dramatically
saved and these methods can also minimize the
consumption of human resources and getting models of
target building more effectively.
1.2 The limitations in using laser scanning and BIM
method
Although there are a lot of advantages from using the new
construction planning design method, there are still some
limitations which can restrict future development in the
building industry. First of all the accuracy of scanning data
depends on many conditions, such as weather, sound or
even the reflection of targets. Beside, to get the accurate
internal structure models, we also need to repeat the
scanning process many times in different positions. It is
also difficult to transform the format of raw data.
2. Purpose
For this project, 3D building information model was created
by using the new technology. Compared with traditional
construction methods such as the manual measurement
process and drawing architectural blueprints, the new
method still has more potential developments and
opportunities in the future.
5. Conclusion
As a consequence, the laser scanning technology
and building information modeling methods will be
widely used in construction industry. In summary, by
comparing with traditional as-build method and
measurement process, new technology have more
opportunities because of its efficient and effective
during whole project life cycle.
4.1 Laser scanning process
Laser scanning process is the first step of seeking the point
cloud data and measurement result of target building. In this
project the target building is a ship garage in Smart Water
Company.
Name: Tianji Ma
Industry Partner: Griffith University
Degree: Bachelor of Engineering
4.2 Raw data processing
The next step is modified the raw data by using
special software named Cyclone. Since each point
cloud image only covers a part of target area, some
views scanned in different positions were combined
into 3D image of target area. In this stage, our
scanning data was uploaded and modified by Cyclone
software.
4.3 Creating 3D building information models
When the point cloud image loaded in Autodesk
Revit, the point cloud data can be set up on the
first floor. In the beginning, the basic load-bearing
walls were created on the first floor base on the
3D point cloud image. The shapes of our target
building’s side face walls were not rectangular
walls, the height of the wall could be modified in
different directions.
4.4 WIDER PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
There are two professional issues such as the over-cost economic
issue and the heritage management issue of old buildings will limit
the future development of new methodologies. For example, the
C10 Leica scan station value nearly 100000 dollars so that it will
bring economic pressure to a construction company.
Heritage management issue of old buildings is another professional
issue of using BIM in rebuilding process. Because both as-build
methods and construction materials are totally difference between
modern constructions, the characters of old building cannot be
analyzed only by creating BIM.
Figure 2.1
The BIM method using in modern project life cycle and the trend in
future as-build life cycle.