3D Surveying | Answering the demands of complex renovation projects in Dubai

Words by BSBG Media Team, Monday 03 September 2018

In this blog, we look at the project implementation of 3D Surveying and LiDAR; solutions that could have huge ramifications for an emerging trend in the UAE and Dubai - the renovation and refurbishment of existing buildings.

During the architectural boom years in Dubai, hundreds of developments sprouted simultaneously from the deserts in a relatively condensed period of time. Now, many of these buildings are approaching a critical phase in their life span, as the need for elements of restoration work, refurbishments and upgrades displays prevalence for the first time. The complexity of working on existing buildings for renovation or refurbishment work requires a high level of competency and, due to the relatively young age of much of Dubai’s notable architecture, there is not currently an abundance of locally-based architects capable of meeting what will soon surely become a widespread demand in the emirate.

BSBG is currently involved a new confidential project, which is arguably the most complex existing refurbishment to be undertaken in Dubai to this point - a challenging and intricate renovation of one of the emirate’s most famous landmark buildings. The group has implemented the use of 3D Surveying and LiDAR for the first time in the UAE on a project of this nature, working with information from a company called Urban Surveys to build a 3D Revit model of the entire development - accurate to within 2 mm. Urban Surveys is a digital surveyor, based in Dubai Design District (d3). The company combines the latest technologies in high precision laser-scanning, drone data capture and 3D modelling services for the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR is a method of surveying that uses pulsing laser light. Laser scanners send out pulses towards a predefined target, measuring return times and wavelengths to create an accurate 3D representation. Nicholas Sykes, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Urban Surveys, explains the history and the application of this unique method of mapping existing buildings. “LiDAR originated in the oil and gas industry, with its primary application being for MEP facilities that required maintenance. It was then adopted within architecture and construction to help gain a holistic picture of existing conditions and component positioning, particularly in buildings where there was a lack of accurate data available." Although already widely used in the UK for architectural projects, the application of LiDAR in the construction industry is new to the UAE. The significance of the introduction of this approach here is that it provides a solution for what is essentially a widespread lack of accurate as-built information available for existing buildings. By combining the use of high-precision laser scanning with detailed 3D modelling capabilities, a digital interpretation of real life geometry with the highest level of accuracy can be provided in different formats. This information can then be used with traditional 2D methodology, or in the case of BSBG, in BIM.

Tripods are positioned with laser scanners in multiple locations around the building exterior, with lasers creating point clouds, typically defined as X, Y and Z co-ordinates. This data is then processed and made available in the format the architect, developer or contractor requires. “There is an increasing amount of 3D design in architecture,” Nicholas tells us. “And so there is a need to control accuracy in three dimensions as well as 2D. If you’re working in 2D CAD drawings and there’s an error, it becomes exponentially larger when the data is extrapolated from 2D to 3D. Designing in 3D requires a higher level of accuracy and this is what LiDAR surveying allows for. That accuracy then converts into numerous benefits throughout the project.”The benefits of this level of accuracy affect every part of the building life cycle; from design, through construction, to building management. A lack of accurate plans will invariably cause problems and delays throughout construction, as contractor variations result in time extensions, and additional cost to the developer. The effect of inaccuracies also impacts operations of the development once construction is finished. “Inaccuracies in drawings will continue to cause problems with the operating and maintenance of the facilities,” Nicholas says.

Time, efficiency and accuracy

In addition to accuracy, another benefit comes with time savings, as the need for a team taking physical measurements and photographs of the development becomes a thing of the past. For this particular BSBG project, the scanning process has been broken up into zones, and a workflow has been created that allows for 3D Revit modelling to commence before the entirety of the building survey has been completed. “With BSBG, we have adopted a unique and innovative approach,” Nicholas continues. “We have divided the development into 50-metre zones, which has enabled us to scan the zones, pre-defined by BSBG, at intervals. It made it very easy to schedule the process, which involves the scan, information processing and then handover. This segmented approach allowed for us to overlap the stages of the scan, so while scanning would begin on one zone, the previously scanned zone would be in the information processing stage, and the zone before that would be with BSBG who would work on the 3D modelling. This staggered approach has elevated the project’s efficiency and has massively saved on time.”

Setting the bar for renovation projects in Dubai

BSBG Lead Architectural Technologist and BIM Lead, Mark Vaughan, has worked closely with Urban Surveys on this project, driving the use of this technology, as well as the strategy adopted and model management. He foresees the group utilising 3D mapping on future projects. “Typically in Dubai, we find ourselves faced with demanding time frames and fast track projects,” Mark explains. “3D Surveying and the use of LiDAR means the end of architects having to visit the site to take photos, as well as the need to piece together CAD files from very limited information. On this project, we have been able to model the entirety of the project complex without any elevations, sections or level information. We had 2D CAD GA plans, and the rest of the information has come from the survey. This is unheard of in the UAE, and the level of accuracy, as well as the streamlined process, has made this renovation project the bar against which all other Dubai building renovations in BIM will be measured.”

Mark confirms that BSBG has been able to model 75 linear metres per day, providing a 3D Revit model in whichever format is required. “This level of efficiency and accuracy has enabled us to complete a full existing model of a huge development, which was complex in geometry, a full month before the end of the concept design stage. We were able to provide pre-defined sections of the model as they were complete, which allowed the concept architects to begin work while we modelled the next section. This approach has proven particularly fruitful. BSBG has always been keen to adopt new technology and to attempt to set the standard in terms of efficiency and workflow in the industry, with no compromise on quality. With our work on this project, and in collaboration with Urban Surveys, I believe we have ushered in a new era of competence for the UAE just at the right time; with so many huge renovation projects now on the horizon.” BSBG’s Winnfred van den Akker is the Lead Architect on the project, and has worked alongside the design architect 5+design on the project, “For all parties involved, having the 3D survey information was like being virtually on site,” he explains. “We were able to integrate the survey files and see the actual condition on site, right here on our desktop, which meant we were able to check pipe routing, height of beams, location of manholes and available head height, immediately, right from the comfort of our desks. This greatly reduced response times to queries, as well as enabling us to produce design sketches quickly and with confidence, knowing we are working from real world data.”

This approach provided a new level of support to the development of the concept design. With such accurate existing 3D information, interpreted by BSBG into Revit, an exceptional foundation was provided from which the concept architect was able to work. 5+design Principal, Mi Sun Lim, expressed how impressed she has been with this new level of site data provided by BSBG at such an early stage in the project. “Designing spaces within a much cherished existing building requires a thorough and intimate understanding of it from the start. Site visits have been an absolute must for getting a good sense of spatial quality, as well as cataloging the architectural details. The virtual site information BSBG has provided from the 3D Survey bridges the gap between site and desk. I’d compare it to having a photographic memory where you are able to accurately access every last detail. The team was able to examine high resolution survey images for investigating the materiality and details of the existing building elements. Having the Revit model based on the 3D Survey allowed the design team to work with a higher level of precision, knowledge, and sensitivity of the existing conditions early on in the design phase.”

Complemented by 3D Printing

To complement the completion of 3D Surveying and Modelling, BSBG was also able to provide a 3D printed model of a section of the building, and Winnfred managed this process: “From completing the 3D model in Revit, to providing a physical 3D printed model of a particular area of the building to the client, the turnaround has been very short,” he explains. “The client has been able to visualise the project area, see the proportions of the space and discuss the proposed design solution while having the study model in front of them.”

Winnfred 3D-printed an existing part of the building along with the proposed design, which slotted into the model. This served to show the client that as the design evolves, new iterations can easily be printed and added to offer a unique insight into the proposals. In addition, he continues, 3D printing has been of real use to contractors. “During the tendering processes of a previous project, the contractors needed to understand the full complexity of a particularly complex steel to concrete connection detail , this was difficult to convey through drawings and 3D views. A 3D printed version helped demonstrate to the contractors the geometry and complex nature of the detail. Instantly we were able to convey information which would have required lengthy discussions to explain using drawings. 3D printing is the icing on the cake and is a relatively simple process, yet it achieves so much in terms of conveying design intent.”

The overall success of the project has particularly impressed BSBG Managing Partner, Alistair McMillan. “Our vision is to set the highest standard of design and delivery internationally, and achieving this relies on a number of components,” he tells us. “Contributing factors include the provision of the highest level of training and support for staff, as well as continual review of best practices and procedures. But another key element is the need to remain at the forefront as an advocate of key new technology within the architecture industry. This technology and workflow has proved hugely successful, and in exploring the possibilities of LiDAR and 3D surveying techniques, we have once again demonstrated our commitment to adopting methodologies that add accuracy and efficiency to our working practices.”

BSBG Media Team

Related Articles

BSBG announces Executive Architect role on Solaya

BSBG announces Lead Consultant role on Wedyan

Construction Update | EYWA Dubai