ARTICLE

3D Scanning: A Safe and Effective Solution

Safety, time and money. These are all top-of-mind factors for property owners when trying to determine what improvements are needed for a failing building or structure.

A safe and effective way to better understand existing conditions is utilizing 3D scanning.

How It Works

A 3D scan is obtained by our trained survey technicians utilizing Trimble scanning equipment, producing a point cloud that is analyzed in Trimble Business Center (TBC). The combination of the scan and software can determine existing conditions of the building, both mechanically and structurally, and provide accurate locations where building improvements are needed. 

Advantages

There are many advantages to utilizing 3D scanning prior to making improvements to your building or other structure. Some of these include:

  • It’s safe. Scans can be taken several stories in the air and keep survey technicians safely on the ground.
  • It saves time and money. Depending on the project size, scans can be performed in a day or two compared to conventional survey techniques which may take multiple days. And, it doesn’t require scaffolding or ladders.
  • It puts a picture behind the scan that captures current photographs and 3D modeling.
  • It captures thousands of data points to create surfaces that engineers can utilize to make accurate measurements in their CAD file/drawing.

Applications

3D scanning can be performed on nearly any hard-surface building or structure. Some of the types of projects we’ve applied this method to include: 

  • Bridges: 3D scans are most often used to obtain measurements. For example, we recently performed a scan of the historic Keystone Bridge in Elkader, Iowa. With 3D scanning, we were able to document the historic arches and identify the depths to run utilities. During design, the scans were used for measurements of the limestone block size and hydraulic openings.
  • Buildings & Walls: 3D scans can look for structural deficiencies and movement over time. This might include an initial scan, as well as a scan—at a later date—to document sinking, tipping, etc.
  • Tunnels: 3D scans gather accurate measurements for equipment, tunnel dimensions, access points and structural support members.
  • Pavements/Parking Lots: 3D scans provide measurements of existing site conditions, such as parking lots, curb and gutter, building doors and window locations.
3D scan of Historic Keystone Bridge in Elkader, Iowa
3D scan of Historic Keystone Bridge in Elkader, Iowa

Delivering Solutions

Another example of a recent 3D scanning project our survey crew performed was for the 100+ year old First Congregational Church UCC in Dubuque, Iowa. The interior and exterior were both scanned. From those scans, we were able to determine how the building lines and roof lines shifted over the years. 

Working with that information, our structural engineers provided an efficient engineering solution to stabilize the structure and make the necessary improvements. 

Commercial Education Energy Government Healthcare Industrial Parks & Recreation Real Estate Development Retail, Gaming & Hospitality Architecture Engineering Structural Land Development Municipal Traffic & Transportation Water Resources Land Survey Field Services
WORKING ON TOMORROW
CONTACT US

Are you interested in learning more? I can help you determine if 3D scanning is a good fit for your project needs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Craig Geiser, PLS is Team Leader for Origin Design's Land Survey Team, and he also serves on the company's Board of Directors. His experience includes preparation of boundary surveys, topographic surveys, alta surveys, construction staking and determination of proposed and existing right-of-way. He has worked on various projects requiring the interpretation of deeds and descriptions, and how this relates to specific state codes and laws.

Follow our journey.

We're celebrating ESOP Month by highlighting each of our Core Values. Today, Codi Putnam highlights Community and her role in creating a sense of community at Origin Design.

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #esopmonth #community

We're celebrating ESOP Month by highlighting each of our Core Values. Today, Gertrude Heimerdinger highlights Continuous Improvement and how she embraces that in her personal and professional experiences.

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #esopmonth #continousimprovement

We're stopping by the IRWA Fall Conference in Dubuque, IA, this week! Stop by the Origin Design booth and learn more about the services we can offer you!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #irwa

As we continue to celebrate ESOP Month, we're highlighting each of our core values. Today, Emily Crowe chats with us about Ownership Mindset and what that means to not only herself but everyone at Origin Design.

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #ESOPMonth #OwnershipMindset

Happy ESOP Month! Throughout the month of October, ESOPs around the country celebrate their employee owners and being employee owned. Fun fact: We're celebrating our fourth year of being 100% employee owned!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere #esopmonth

Hey Hawkeyes! Today's the day! Stop by the Engineering Career Fair from 11 AM to 4 PM in the Memorial Union to chat with Troy Wright & Bryson Winsky about our open job opportunities!

Learn more about the positions here.

#yourfuturestartshere #workingontomorrow #origindesign

Hey Pioneers! Today is the day! Craig Geiser & Eric Helminiak will be at the Engineering Career Fair today from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 3 PM to 6 PM!

Check out our open positions here.

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #yourfuturestartshere

Today's the day! Stop by Booth 118 tonight from 5:30 to 8 PM and tomorrow from 7:45 to 9:30 AM! We hope to see you there!

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere

Hey Cyclones! Today's the day! Stop by Booth S172 in the Scheman Building at the Engineering Career Fair from 11 PM to 5 PM. Morgan Johnson & Emily Crowe will be there and want to talk to you about careers at Origin Design!

Check out our career page to see our open positions.

#origindesign #yourfuturestartshere #workingontomorrow

Take a look inside our Corporate Headquarters located on Lower Main in Dubuque, Iowa! Prior to our move in August of 2021, Origin's Architects designed a collaborative and creative space for our employees and clients! Learn more about the remodel here.

#origindesign #creatingabettertomorrow #itstartshere

We're stopping by the Iowa League of Cities Conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, next week! Stop by Booth 118 on September 20 & 21 to chat with some of our #origincrew about how we're creating a better tomorrow!

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #itstartshere

It's that time of year again! Career Fair Season! Check out where we'll be stopping by this month below and while you're at it, learn more about life at Origin Design here.

#origindesign #workingontomorrow #yourfuturestartshere

See all posts