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Laser scanningof existingand renovateddatacentershas
been usedprimarily by contractors and engineers to aid
mechanical, electrical, andplumbing (MEP) coordination
throughthepost-processingofexistingMEPandstructural
content. It’s also being used as a design assist for
architectural and structural engineering teams. But if you
are only thinking about laser scanning during the MEP
coordinationphase, youprobably aren’t getting asmuch
outof the toolorequipmentasyoucould.
On mission critical projects preplanning is everything.
Consider laser scanning as a tool that canbeused at the
preconstruction, construction, and close-out phase of a
project. In thepre-constructionphase, laser scanning can
providedatacenter ownerswithadetailed imageof their
facilitybefore it isevenbuilt. It ishard for someowners to
visualize the final product through black and white 2D
drawings. However, scanning, modeling, and creating a
visual representation of a project within the 3D
environmenthelps theownermakebetterdecisionsabout
thebuilding and its endproduct. Laser scanning reduces
thetimerequired for field investigation,greatlyreducesthe
number of unforeseen conditions, and therefore, reduces
riskofchangeordersduring theconstructionstagesof the
project.
DaveLeonard, Chief DataCenterOfficer of ViaWest said,
“Wehaveprobablysavedhundredsof thousandsofdollars
in change orders due to using laser scanning early in the
process. JE Dunn introduced laser scanning and BIM to
eliminate conflicts suchaspipes running intoother pipes,
and that has been ahugebenefit toeveryone involved in
theprocess.”
Some clients have been requesting a laser scan of their
building to assist in the development of the contract
documents.We’verecentlyworkedwithSwansonRink,one
of the industry leaders in 3DMEP design, and theywere
able to incorporate our post-processed laser scan to
produce more accurate design drawings. Detailed and
complete design documents help ensuremore accurate
pricing.
Thevalue laserscan technologybringscontinueson to the
constructionphase. InconjunctionwithabetterdesignBIM
model, the post processed laser scan; we introduce
fabricationBIM from our sub-contractors. The enhanced
level of coordination using these technologies provides
opportunities for multi-trade prefabrication during
construction. With a detailed, fully digital model of an
existing space, largeamountsof prefabricatedassemblies
can takeplaceoff site, simultaneous toother construction
activities. This can help with commissioning, safety,
preventingweatherdelays, cost, andschedule.
Another use for laser scanning that we are helping data
center owners realize is in leasing, marketing, and post-
constructionconsiderations. Laserscansarebeingused to
lease space at colocation data centers. In the past, our
clients have hired amarketing company todevelop a 3D
model of their facility to showcase it for potential clients.
Additionalmarketingcostcannowbeavoidedbecausethe
digitalmodel thatwasbuilt fromthe laserscancanbeused
for thispurpose.
Ifyouareconsidering investing in laserscanningequipment
to aid inpreconstruction, constructionMEP coordination
andevenpost-construction andmarketing activities, you
shouldconsiderseveral factors.Wehavecompiledatopten
list toaid in laser scanningsuccess.
TOPTENTIPSONSUCCESSFULSCANNING:
1.Needadedicated teamwhereeveryone is trained to laser
scan.
2. It is critical to have a scanning plan in place prior to
showinguptothesite.Scanscanbecomeunusable if the
pointofreference is lostortheorderand flow is incorrect.
3.Establishsitecontrolprior to laserscanning.Control can
be used for building and system layout during
construction. This allows you to scan in the future if a
sectionof thebuilding ismissedduring theoriginal scan.
4.Discusswhattheelectronicdeliverablewillneedtobe for
thedesignerto leveragethetechnology.Notalldesigners
use thesamedesignsoftware.
5.Always scanmoreareas thanyouneed. It’s easy toadd
areas toascanduring thescanningprocess.Trying togo
back toaddanotherarea isdifficult.
6.Have aplanonpaper before scanning. Thiswill reduce
scan time.
7.Laser scanning is line-of-sight technology. It’s important
thatyouschedule timingarounddemolitionactivities.
8. If youneed toscanprior todemolition; youmayneed to
remove ceiling tiles as much as possible to ensure
adequatecoverageof thescan.
9. If the project schedule requires scanning prior to
demolition itcould requiremore time fordatacollection
process. Planaccordingly todetermine thebest time for
laser scanning tooccur.
10.We have found success when the general contractor
leads the scanningprocess. Because theGCs hold the
subcontractor contracts, they can better manage the
coordinationamong the full team.
MikeFernholz, PE, RITP, LEEDAP is SeniorM/EEngineerat JEDunnConstruction.He canbe
Ifyouare thinkingaboutusing laserscanning just for thesakeof
MEPcoordination, youcouldbemissingoutonsomebigopportunities.
