An Opportunity to Bridge the Gap

As construction timelines are compressed, it becomes a necessity to ensure field installation quality is not compromised and fully aligns with digital coordination efforts. The goal is to bridge the gap between the field and the digital world in a timely and accurate manner.

Quality Control

Columbia utilized LiDAR technology to scan the steel and metal decking on a recent high-rise residential building after it was erected but before the concrete floor slab pour. Importing the 3D point cloud scans into the Navisworks coordination model highlighted discrepancies between what was planned and what was installed. Capturing these differences early in the construction process allowed ample time for correction while still maintaining the construction schedule. Key benefits of field verification scanning include:

• Confirm structural steel is fabricated and installed as planned, including all coordinated beam penetrations required for MEP/FP systems.  
• Analyze additional structural elements not included in the fabrication model against the 3D coordination model and adjust MEP/FP systems virtually before installation.  
• Use the scan as a quality control check to verify that MEP/FP components have been installed as coordinated. If any components are not installed in the proper locations, necessary adjustments before the next trades’ installation can be accommodated. 
• Check all slab penetrations before the concrete pour to ensure proper locations and not impact the architectural wall layout.
• Upload the point cloud to a web viewer allowing for easy review and analysis for remote team members who cannot regularly access the construction site. The field scan also provides a historical record for future reference if any questions arise after systems are concealed.