Reality computing has seen some remarkable advances in recent years. The concept of reality computing is achieved through a set of technology components. As these components become more affordable and accessible, it’s become easier to straddle the line between reality and digital space in project planning and design.
The idea of reality computing is using technology to build a channel between physical reality and digital models of the real world.
The BIM Hub comparison between reality computing and ripping between reality computing and ripping, remixing and burning digital music: enabled by new technology, music fans are now able to capture, manipulate and share music in a digital format in ways that were impossible just a few decades ago.
The analogy helps demonstrate the power of creating a digital copy of reality. When real things are copied into a digital format, it’s possible to manipulate them in novel ways in the digital space and return that altered object into physical reality.
Components of Reality Computing
Reality computing is achieved and advanced through three general functions:
- Capture: Measuring physical reality and producing a digital representation of it.
- Create: Taking that digital information and manipulating it to achieve goals.
- Deliver: Producing physical representations of digital models.
When these three components are achieved through various technologies, an effective work flow is enabled that allows tasks to be completed in a digital space and delivered in the form of a physical results.
Reality Capture Technology
One of the most important advances in reality computing technology for BIM is the accessibility of reality capture technology. This technology includes:
- 3D Scanners
- 3D Cameras
- Point Surveyor/Laser Scanners
- Photogrammetry and Photograph Analysis Software
In the few years since the first 3D scanner for AEC was introduced, 3D scanning technology has become affordable and widespread in the AEC industry.
These technologies create highly detailed digital representations of physical reality. Unlike models built “from scratch,” in the digital space, these are not in the form of geometric models. They create high-density point clouds that represent physical objects as a collection of points.
Working on Digital Representations
Once reality is measured and recorded, the second piece of reality computing is working with that data to achieve useful outcomes.
Refine Data
High-density point clouds are the best way to record the information that reality-capturing devices measure, but they are not convenient to work with.
Advancements in software help convert high-density point clouds into more usable formats, like geometric models and distinct objects that make the models easier to work with. This is also important for reducing the file size of high-density point cloud files, as the larger files can reach sizes on the terabyte scale.
Point cloud to Revit modeling is the process of taking the high-density point cloud data and converting it into a useful format for construction design and 4D BIM.
Simulation and Clash Testing
When working on an existing structure, digital representations of reality are useful ways to create simulations of proposed designs for digital testing.
This has important applications in developing a realistic 4D BIM. Every stage of the development process can be simulated digitally and run through clash testing. A notable example as reported by The BIM Hub:
Stiles Corporation used Reality Computing to coordinate the installation of an 8.5-ton chiller during the renovation of a performing arts center in Florida. To limit the center’s downtime, the firm used scanned reality data of the facility’s existing mechanical room and the access hallway, combined with a digital design model of the chiller, to perform 4D clash detection and carefully plan the movement of the new unit.
Deviation Analysis
An important application of the capture-manipulate cycle of reality computing is deviation analysis.
The process of scanning installations to measure deviations between reality and design is called deviation analysis.
To minimize delays due to on-site discrepancies between design dimensions and physical reality, continuous deviation analysis throughout the project allows installation deviations to be addressed with all of the digital tools at a designer’s disposal.
Detailed Maintenance
An important aspect of reality computing for BIM is having a precise knowledge of building design for maintenance.
By taking regular scans of a building through each phase of construction, building operators can perform arthroscopic repairs on components inside of walls without removing any significant structure. This saves on repair costs and time, and is especially important in buildings with high demands for space (such as hospitals).
Remote Site Planning
Scanned representations of reality enable remote planning.
With detailed information about a work site, construction firms are able to plan equipment placement and logistics without visiting the site.
This is especially significant for remote construction firms that work internationally – it can mean incredible savings in airfare and time for preliminary site visits.
Delivering Digital Representations into Reality
The final piece of reality computing is delivering physical representations of digital models.
Some technology for this piece is decades old, such as computer numeric control (CNC) machines. More recently, technology like 3D printing and augmented reality (AR) have multiplied the possibilities for creating physical representations of digital ideas.
These technologies include:
- 3D printers
- Computer-controlled manufacture
- Machine-controlled earthworks systems
- Image visualization software
- Augmented reality visualization
Physical Objects and Models
A simple example of a physical representation of a digital model is an object created by a machine-controlled system, such as a 3D printer.
By using a computer to control the machine that manufactures an object, one can build an exact portrait of a computer model in physical space.
Traditionally, physical models have been common practice in BIM. Especially with very large or overly complex projects, creating a physical model can be exceedingly difficult or resource-expensive. Alternatives to physical models have displaced the need for physical models in BIM.
Computer-Generated Visualization
With the right technology and expertise, a computer-generated visualization of a design is more effective in communicating details than a physical model and much more cost-effective.
BIM reality computing allows visualization experts to augment photographs of existing sites and structures with proposed design to convey the highest amount of information to viewers. While limited to a 2D display, effects such as rotation and perspective can communicate three-dimensional concepts effectively.
When investors and planners are able to visualize proposed ideas in a physical space they are familiar with, they can reach a higher level of understanding, approval, and involvement in project design.
As digital visualizations have become more common, they’ve become the industry standard for presenting design and 4D BIM concepts. They are faster and more resource-efficient to produce and are portable and easy to share, as digital copies can be sent instantaneously to remote collaborators.
Though architecture and design students still labor over detailed hand-built models of their concepts, physical models are impractical as compared to computer-generated visualizations. This has rendered the latter the standard for modern construction proposals.
Machine Controlled Earthworks
A very precise level of accuracy in earthworks is achievable by use of computer design and GPS-assisted machines.
Much like larger versions of classic CNC machines, modern “smart” GPS-enabled earth movers can accurately grade and level surfaces to the specifications of a computer model.
These machines are able to achieve a higher level of accuracy than human-controlled earth movers, in part because of the accurate GPS and LiDAR technology they integrate.
Advancements in augmented reality have the potential to enable users to view proposed designs on-site with devices on hand, such as mobile platforms and tablets.
This student project to design a sustainable “living building” is an excellent example of how augmented reality can convey construction design ideas to people with mobile devices. Beyond communicating ideas, this project aims to integrate collaboration via their AR interface.
An article by Engineering Design details the application of AR in presenting design proposals on-site both before and during the construction process to convey concepts to collaborators efficiently.
Physical models lack the context of reality, but AR offers the possibility of placing an interactive 3D concept into a true physical context of a work site.
Conclusion
Reality computing has become a part of modern BIM and it’s important to understand all of the technological components of reality computing to see how its applications have evolved.
Using detailed and accurate digital representations of reality, one can plan and design effectively in the digital space and communicate important concepts in a number of powerful ways to collaborators.