HOCHTIEF ViCon, a leading service provider for virtual construction and building information modelling (BIM), has extended its service portfolio in Qatar by adding laser scanning and associated as-built documentation on select projects.

Recent advances in hardware technology and BIM are helping to usher in a new level of scanning utilisation for the building construction industry, according to a spokesman for Hochtief ViCon, who added that scanning technology is becoming a critical function to complete the integrated BIM cycle and provide a clear value-add for the integrated BIM workflow.

“3D laser scanning solutions provide a cost-effective and efficient method for gathering existing locations of building components and offer a range of options to satisfy the needs of diverse construction projects,” said the spokesman.

“The ability to capture detailed information about elements in their physical space allows for more precise use of data. Whether capturing 3D information for co-ordination and prefabrication, or leveraging the quantity information for estimating and scheduling, laser scanning is surely a necessary endeavour to increase the accuracy of project information. Decreasing hardware costs and increased software capabilities have made 3D laser scanning a competitive advantage to complete integrated BIM cycles and to provide a clear value-add for the integrated BIM workflow.”

ViCon recently secured two new laser scanning projects within Qatar’s Education City and will be responsible for developing a proper as-built BIM documentation based on 3D laser scanning converted into an augmented BIM model.