Scan to BIM for a group of warehouses in Melbourne

Overview

ORIGIN team took over the 3D warehouse modeling project, which involved creating detailed models of a series of medium-sized warehouses that accommodated various purposes, from car body painting and parts assembly to manufacturing lines and much more.

The buildings had to be modeled based on point cloud data for further space planning purposes. To ensure maximum accuracy, the client requested precise warehouse models with a strong focus on structural components and MEP elements, such as lighting, piping, ducting, and fire protection systems. The requirements included equipment modeling, too.

Input:

Full Point Cloud of the interior and exterior parts.

Project deliverables:

A complete 3D model of both exteriors and interiors;
Precise warehouse models featuring detailed structural components and MEP elements;
A set of drawings including floor and ceiling plans, exterior elevations, etc.

Services:	BIM, STRUCTURE
Subservices:	Scan to BIM
Industry:	Industrial
Object type:	Warehouse
Area:	2300 m² / 24760 ft²; 4000 m² / 43060 ft²; 4500 m² / 48440 ft²
Tools used:	Autodesk Revit, Autodesk ReCap
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Project stages

1. Input analysis of the input and gathering additional requirements

2. Selection of the optimal team structure

3. Creation of the building’s architectural shell

4. Detailed modeling of warehouse structure, including steel connections

5. Addition of MEP-related elements

6. Creation of drawings

Overall description

The modeled warehouses were spacious, large buildings with a metal skeleton structure and trusses serving as girders. While there were many architectural similarities among the warehouses, some had unique features — all of them had to be considered during modeling. Each building structure would typically feature an office area, which may be one or two stories. Depending on the building’s initial purpose, there might be mezzanine levels or numerous catwalks. The outer shell of the building mainly consisted of sandwich panels, with modest glazing and a wide canopy along one side. Some warehouses included gantry cranes and their supporting constructions.

Point cloud vs Model — Warehouse #1

MEP Modeling

The ORIGIN team meticulously modeled all warehouse components to accurately reflect the state of the building as captured during the laser scanning process. Following a highly detailed approach, we ensured that every aspect of the MEP systems was represented with high precision for efficient further planning.

Here’s a list of elements that were incorporated into the warehouse model.

Point cloud vs Model

Fire protection systems

These elements consisted of a network of small pipes located strategically at fixed intervals beneath the roof. Additionally, this system included sprinklers, fire extinguishers, fire cabinets, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other essential safety devices all around the warehouses.

Point cloud vs Model — Warehouse #2

Ducting systems

Ducting systems encompassed both ductwork and various types of ventilators. These systems were initially designed to support air circulation and maintain air quality by removing air contaminated by various processes within the warehouse.

Point cloud vs Model

Piping systems

These systems catered to multiple functions, including water supply and discharge, rainwater drainage, and other essential fluid management tasks. Pipes, valves, fittings, pumps, and control systems were all components of these systems.

Point cloud vs Model

Electrical systems

These included lighting, various types of electrical boxes, sockets, switches, cable trays, and conduits to support the warehouse’s operational needs throughout the facility.

Point cloud vs Model — Warehouse #3

Equipment and production lines

Some warehouses included models of machines and production lines, which the client also requested to be modeled. As agreed, they could be represented either as outline boxes or with enough level of detail sufficient to understand the shape and function of each piece of equipment. The challenge lay in the equipment’s density: the farther it was from the surveying point and the more obstacles in the way, the harder it was to accurately capture its shape.

Point cloud vs Model