The Complete Guide to 3D Technology for MEP Workflows
Whether you’re working on new construction or retrofitting an existing building, the success and timeline of the entire project relies on documenting accurate and comprehensive data of the site. 3D reality capture is easy to use and ensures building designs are compatible with CAD and BIM systems . You can work with more confidence – and faster than ever before.
Download the guide to learn:
- How different 3D data capture tools and software can bring value to your business.
- The specific value 3D technology delivers throughout every step of the MEP workflows, for new builds and retrofit projects alike.
- What real-world MEP professionals have to say about using 3D solutions on site.
How 3D Technology Can Transform MEP Workflows
Discover how 3D laser scanning and software solutions helps increase profitability by improving as-built accuracy and reducing reengineering for both retrofit and new build projects.
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUILDING
With Traditional Methods
The MEP contractor verifies
the structure was built
according to the coordinated
drawings using only 2D
drawings and
measurements.
When performed using a
tape measure and total
station, verification can be a
very time-consuming and
tedious process.
MEP contractors perform installation verification of major MEP trades with a total station and/or tape measures and adjust accordingly in the field.
Using tape measure and total station measurements, the specialty MEP contractor creates 2D as-built drawings.
The prefabrication process begins on a small scale.
With FARO® 3D Technology
Engineers draw and provide the diagrammatic
design intent in the form of 2D drawings.
Multi-trade MEP professionals then begin the
coordination process in 3D.
The MEP contractor verifies
the structure in 3D against
the coordinated drawings
with a FARO® FocusS 350
Laser Scanner.
Then, they can convert the
raw point cloud into tangible
information using FARO
SCENE Software and FARO
As-Built ™ Software to
accurately verify that the
built environment matches
the design, and share it with
project stakeholders
anywhere using FARO®
WebShare Software.
MEP contractors use FARO® BuildIT Construction Software to confirm installation accuracy of the other trades and ensure everything is placed according to the BIM-coordinated model.
The MEP specialty contractor uses the As-Built Modeler to simplify point cloud data and streamline their existing workflows, creating 2D and 3D as-built drawings simultaneously.
Contractors are able to take full advantage of the coordination, and prefabrication can be performed on a larger scale.
RETROFIT/REMODELING
With Traditional Methods
MEP contractors verify the
existing conditions, which is
time consuming and prone
to human error. They take
manual notes of any
deviations from the originally
provided documentation.
Because this process
typically takes weeks and
requires multiple team
members, it often disrupts
business operations or has
to be completed during
off-hours.
The VDC/CAD team then begins coordination of the new systems with the existing systems as noted on the manually collected 2D data. With only 2D data, the possibility of accidental human error is much higher.
The team e-mails or uses Dropbox or other data storage platforms to share 2D documentation with stakeholders.
MEP coordination is performed in 2D, referencing manual drawing notes and measurements.
With FARO 3D Technology
MEP specialty contractors receive and review
the original design documentation, which is
often unavailable or unreliable, since it is
common for changes to be made and not
communicated back to the original drawings.
MEP contractors capture
precise pre-existing
conditions of complex MEP
systems and other structural
components within minutes
with a Focus Laser Scanner
or FARO® Freestyle 2
Handheld Scanner, creating
a complete view of the
existing conditions.
This process can typically be
completed in just a few days
with a team of 1-2 people
and minimizes disruptions
to business.
The VDC/CAD team can easily visualize the captured conditions and utilizes the As-Built Modeler Software to assist in modeling the current environment in either AutoCAD® or Revit® in 3D, reducing the risk of human error.
The VDC team uses FARO WebShare to share the resulting 3D environment with all stakeholders and the model is viewable via a web browser.
MEP coordination can be done completely in 3D using traditional workflows utilizing the accurate conditions captured on site.
Pittsburgh-based Limbach enhanced the efficiency of their MEP workflows and accelerated project completion with 3D laser scanning solutions.
By scanning the location of all foundation wall embeds for steel beam placement, Clayco identified any variation in embeds, avoiding an adverse trickle-down effect on the structure.
Reality capture helps the UK MEPs prepare for a post-pandemic building surge with fewer people needed on-site.
Ready to talk about improving quality and efficiency in your next MEP project?
“3D laser scanning helps us assure consistency of deliverables, accuracy of installation, and reduces our liability from specifications not being met. Laser scanning accuracy exceeds the standard of care. Objectively validating results raises the level of quality, making us more preemptive.”
Vice President of Virtual Design and Construction Clayco