Scan-to-CAD for Fabrication Design

Terrestrial laser scanning As-Built survey of existing shade structure for detailed design and textile fabrication.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Diospatial was engaged to complete an as-built survey of the framework of a shade structure. The shade membrane had been damaged, removed and a replacement shade needed to be designed and installed.

Due to the complex 3D geometry of the supporting structure, the membrane fabricator required a wireframe CAD model of the structure to use in their design software.

Project Scope
Terrestrial laser scanning
Terrestrial laser scanning
Feature Extraction
Feature Extraction
As-Built Survey
As-Built Survey
DIOSPATIAL SOLUTION

Due to the need for an accurate digital twin of the existing structure, Diospatial developed a terrestrial laser scanning solution. The laser scan accurately captured the structure within 2 hours on-site.

From the point cloud, a detailed feature extraction of the key elements of the structure was completed. This produced an accurate wireframe which could then be used to produce the required files for the membrane fabricator to complete his design of the new shade structure. The deliverables included a wireframe CAD DWG file and a PDF plot for reference.

Terrestrial laser scanning provided a digital twin of the structures true condition—this identified unknown damage and saved the client cost and time that may have been incurred.

Upon delivery of the spatial data to the client, the client identified that one of the arms of the structure was bent, and an attachment plate was missing. This was unknown to the client, and so provided integral information to both the membrane fabricator, as he completed his new design, and to the client, to ensure the structure was fit for installation. Without this information, the new shade membrane may not have been successfully installed after being manufactured, resulting in additional cost and time.

The works were completed in 2 hours on-site, and during the early hours of the day so as not to interrupt normal business activities at the site.

Laser Scanning point cloud for scan-to-CAD as-built survey for fabrication design
The use of terrestrial laser scanning, compared to manual measurements, accurately captured the structure and identified an unknown bend in one of the arms (third from the left) of the structure. This ensured the membrane fabricator’s design of the replacement shade was fit for purpose.
scan-to-CAD for fabrication design
The scale-accurate point cloud allowed the client to virtually explore the site, zoom in to specific locations and take millimetre accurate measurements. Providing more robust spatial data at the front end of the project to reduce uncertainty and replace assumptions with facts.