Revit Modeling and Virtual Design and Construction
Autodesk Revit is well-known as a premier architectural and building systems engineering analysis, design layout, and drafting productivity software application. The point cloud to Revit modeling add-on is a relatively new and emerging application feature.
Revit along with the point cloud module allows for a 360-degree AEC planning of large-scale infrastructure models with optional design workflows – 2D orthographic layouts (vector data), GIS digital imagery processing (raster data), 3D solids modeling, and point cloud to Revit modeling – which uses aspects of all these previous technologies.
Point cloud to Revit modeling converts the raw data of laser scanned real-world structures and terrain (point cloud data) to generate accurate geometric data of building interiors and exteriors, topographies and urban landscapes, and even manufactured items such as furnishings and equipment. An ASCE published report details BIM industry challenges and trends as discussed at the 2014 International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering.
Industry consensus supports implementing point cloud technologies to augment 3D modeling (and especially BIM applications). The application features rapid capture of existing three-dimensional built environments; yet in the past, there have been challenges with the implementation of this technology which was also discussed.
Since that international conference, the Revit platform has overcome many of the stated challenges that existed only a few years ago, and those emerging trends which were predicted have been realized through the Autodesk Point Cloud to Revit Modeling add-on modules, such as:
- the reduction of labor-intensive hours required to convert discrete 3D point cloud raster data into viable geometric vector data
- specific design approaches to implementing 3D point cloud data into Revit models, and other built-environment design, construction, and management efforts
- the automation of point cloud data to include intelligent geometric feature detection and reconstruction of point arrays into vector and surface elements
- how point cloud data can benefit Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) at various stages of a project’s lifecycle
Virtual design construction (VDC) intentionally uses visualization management tools and techniques to support both the design and construction phases of a project. In other words, both desktop and mobile platforms are used to efficiently access, view, and obtain detailed information in real-time, from digital drawing files versus searching through and fumbling with hand-held field drawings that are often not current with engineering changes and owner-requested revisions.
The once fragmented space that existed between design and engineering and construction and erection can now move into a concurrent workflow of shared information between office and field. With Point Cloud to Revit Modeling, all of a project’s stakeholders can access the integrated project database. Virtual design construction methods can be used to accomplish tasks such as system connections between existing field infrastructure and new installations.
What is Point Cloud Technology, Exactly?
Point cloud technology utilizes various high-definition laser technologies to scan multiple perspectives of the physical environment, whether a structure, landscape, or an interior. The type of laser technology used will depend on the range of data required, the speed of data translation, and the amount of accuracy required to generate a data point for each targeted three-dimensional surface. The resulting image consists of millions of data points capturing the targeted image in a 3D coordinate system, or point cloud.
AutoDesk’s robust point cloud engine creates an RCS/RCP file which is then linked into Revit’s powerful point cloud functionality tools. Revit will integrate the discrete, indexed point cloud raw data (.rcs file) into a project file (.rcp file) which can be attached or overlaid (similar to an external reference file or .xref) to an existing Revit model to depict the scanned imagery as true geometric vector, planar, and cylindrical objects.
This marriage between raw data points and AEC-design elements uses algorithms from AutoDesk’s reality capture technology or ReCap. ReCap automatically converts laser-captured data into accurate and scalable 3D point cloud images that can be accurately used to build a 3D Revit model. The software includes intelligent clean-up of erroneous data points and prepares the information for import into Revit for annotation, measurements and dimensioning, or clash detection between systems and structures.
Benefits of Point Cloud to Revit Modeling
Speed, accuracy, and unparalleled built-environmental imaging are the hallmarks of using point cloud to Revit modeling. Point cloud background geometry can dramatically speed the time required to verify in field conditions for adding plant capacities such as mechanical room upgrades, renovations to existing commercial, retail, or industrial facilities, and additions to residential and other structures.
Immediate time and cost savings are discovered when point cloud information is added to 3D models to determine if any new building systems will clash with existing infrastructure. The Revit designer can then model critical, congested areas for appropriate solutions before construction, keeping projects on schedule and within budget. Major benefits of using scanned point cloud data for modeling new construction or renovations include:
- a designer can extract inferred geometry points and measurements such as plane intersections or the centerline of a cylinder, etc.
- AutoDesk algorithms automatically segment and groups point cloud data into delineated surfaces and edges
- creative visualizations and client presentations are achieved by applying stylized colors and dot-pattern densities to adjust transparency or opaquing levels
- assists field conditions verification with by accurately depicting multiple objects that are integrated within a structure
- removing labor-intensive field measurements by accurately modeling fine details within a built-environment
- accurate restoration portrayal of intricate craftsmanship, embellishments, and scrollwork of architectural building products
From clash-detection, renovations, additions, and as-built field verification, laser scanning to point cloud to Revit models is a cost-effective solution to a once time-consuming portion of the engineering and design phases of construction.
Implementing Point Cloud to Revit Modeling
Point cloud data can be gathered from the field using a skilled high-definition surveyor or scanning service who will take multiple scans of the targeted environment from several different perspectives to generate an extremely dense data cloud. Another option is to obtain spatial and terrain data which can be imported from vast amounts of aggregated cloud vector and raster data sources such as Open Street Map and BingMap.
Whichever method of raw source data is chosen, the next step is partnering with a professional outsourced Revit modeling service to define the shapefiles and vector rays into manageable 2D or 3D Revit elements. Outsourced Revit modeling services will have the 3D and BIM workstations with sufficient system hardware requirements for running large point cloud files; files which require robust workstation processors, motherboards, memory, and graphics cards.
For a successful virtual design and construction project, appropriate data exchange files among separate vendor, client, and contractor applications is crucial. Engineering services firms will ensure your data can be meaningfully shared between multi-party collaborators. Additionally, outsourced firms are experts in software automation, which means your firm receives full utilization of productivity and automation features to save time in the design schedule and costs in manpower budgets.
Point cloud to Revit modeling is just the beginning of your VDC project. Obtaining a single, interactive project model which depicts the existing landscape and built community opens the door for concurrent, multi-discipline decision making in all phases of the design/construction project. The options become limitless for input of intelligent data, such as construction materials, fabrication shop drawings, and erection process scheduling.