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How Do Measured Surveys Help Building Assessment Accuracy?
In the realm of building assessment and property development, the intricate and detailed nature of planning and design requires utmost precision. One significant tool that bolsters this precision is a measured building survey.
As technological advancements have begun to make their mark in the industry, the inclusion of laser scanning and the creation of digital twins are becoming increasingly common, revolutionising the way we approach these surveys.
In the realm of building assessment and property development, the intricate and detailed nature of planning and design requires utmost precision. One significant tool that bolsters this precision is a measured building survey. As technological advancements have begun to make their mark in the industry, the inclusion of laser scanning and the creation of digital twins are becoming increasingly common, revolutionising the way we approach these surveys.
Measured building surveys for building assessment accuracy
Measured building surveys provide detailed and accurate representations of structures. They record elements such as building layout, structural details, and architectural features. Traditionally, manual methods were employed to conduct these surveys, but the introduction of laser scanning has dramatically improved the accuracy, speed, and overall efficiency of these operations.
What is laser scanning?
Laser scanning is a non-contact and non-destructive technology which captures the shape of physical objects using a line of laser light – rendering millions of densely spaced data points in every scan combined to create a ‘point cloud’.
This point cloud can be processed to produce a highly detailed 3D model of the structure. The precision offered by laser scanning reduces the chances of human error, ensuring that the data collected is accurate and reliable, thereby aiding precise building assessments. Additionally, laser scanning provides a complete picture which means repeat visits are not necessary if additional details are needed.
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Laser scanning to create digital twins
The 3D models generated from laser scanning can be used to create what’s known as a ‘digital twin’. These are virtual replicas of the physical structures that allow for real-time monitoring, simulation, and analysis.
Digital twins offer a multitude of benefits from showing current conditions to predictive analysis for maintenance, testing potential modifications before they are physically implemented, and facilitating improved communication between architects, engineers, and other stakeholders involved within the project.
Fire strategy drawings in measured building surveys
Fire strategy drawings make up another crucial part of the building safety case. They denote all relevant fire safety information, including the locations of fire alarms, extinguishers, escape routes, and more.
Incorporating accurate fire strategy drawings into a building’s digital twin provides an added layer of safety analysis, making it possible to accurately simulate evacuation scenarios and refine safety measures in a virtual environment.
This can be critical in improving a building’s fire safety strategy, ultimately contributing to the well-being of the occupants.
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The golden thread of information
Central to all these interconnected practices is a concept called the ‘golden thread’, stated within the Building Safety Act.
The Building Safety Act is a UK legislation developed to enhance building and fire safety in residential properties, particularly high-risk buildings. Inspired by the Grenfell Tower fire, it introduces rigorous regulations impacting building design, construction, and maintenance.
The golden thread is about maintaining accurate and up-to-date information throughout a building’s lifecycle, from inception and design, through construction and occupation, to refurbishment and demolition.
Measured building surveys and the golden thread
Measured building surveys, particularly those enhanced by technologies like laser scanning and digital twins, can provide the foundation for this golden thread. By producing high-fidelity, detailed records of a building’s current state and potential modifications, they support effective management and transparency throughout the lifecycle of the structure.
To summarise, measured building surveys play a pivotal role in enhancing building assessment accuracy. They provide a comprehensive and detailed picture of the existing structure, aiding design decisions, and facilitating robust safety strategies.
Laser scanning and digital twins, while still emergent technologies, are proving their value in the construction industry, offering a level of detail and precision that was previously unthinkable to the industry. The future of building assessment lies in harnessing these technologies to ensure safety and efficiency. And at the core of this future is the measured building survey – an old tool refined by the power of the new. Whether it’s about creating detailed fire strategy drawings, generating digital twins, or establishing the golden thread, the measured building survey is a critical first step, shaping the trajectory of a building’s life cycle towards accuracy and reliability.
Enquire with us today to find out more about our geometric data capture approach to measured surveys.
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