Outlining the benefits of 3D laser scanning reality capture for recladding projects in Sydney, Australia
Safety of project work crews and, ultimately, building occupants is a paramount concern in the construction industry. After the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017, many legislators, regulators, and construction professionals around the world began taking a closer look at certain structures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Recently, we discussed the state of recladding projects in Sydney, Australia, with Luke Chivers of Multivista Sydney.
“There were some similar fires here in Australia, thankfully not as tragic as Grenfell,” he said. “These fire investigations found various types of unsuitable aluminium composite panels (ACP) had been installed on Class 2 residential developments. These products were deemed unsuitable as they contained a percentage of combustible material within the buildup of the aluminium composite panel.”
This specific discovery led to a government mandate for hundreds of apartment buildings to replace their cladding or potentially face eviction as the cladding could pose a risk to the occupants and first responders in the event of a fire. This issue has also led to massive hikes in building insurance costs for the residents living in buildings that contain ACP.
Here’s how 3D laser scanning is helping with essential recladding efforts in Sydney:
3D laser scanning offers speed and accuracy
To perform these cladding-replacement projects safely, efficiently, and with the least impact to residents, construction teams like Sydney-based recladding specialists Murcon are turning to 3D laser scanning and modelling to avoid the traditional slower methods of measurement.
“Previous to Multivista, we generally used existing drawings, conventional surveys, and even taking measurements by hand,” says Murcon director Michael Murdocca. “When using old as-built information, it often ends up not being so especially accurate, and when taking measurements by hand, sometimes things get missed.”
With Multivista’s 3D laser scanning and scan-to services, Michael and his team are given quick access to highly accurate 3D models and plans of the buildings they’re replacing the cladding on. “We principally use the scans to prepare the design/workshop drawings prior to commencement,” Michael says, adding that the scanning and modelling provide a fresh, fast, and reliable start to a project: “Very much, yes.”
A BIM model of the existing building to be reclad created from Multivista’s 3D laser scanning service
Laser scanning also allows repeat measuring from accurate 3D models
On a particular small apartment building with tricky access, Multivista’s 3D laser scanning experts were able to scan the entire building within a day from the ground, communal areas, rooftop, and a couple of typical balconies to capture the data required to create a complete 3D model without bothering the residents.
The ability to design and build cladding replacement sections to the exact measurements required and go back to the scan data and models at any time to check measurements or get new ones helped Murcon build more efficiently and with less waste.
“The ability to measure directly from the photographs on the Multivista portal is also a great benefit,” Michael says. “Multivista provided a friendly, prompt, and efficient service.”
With highly accurate, measurable, and easily shareable 3D models and measurable photos of each project, recladding teams like the ones at Murcon can focus on what matters: getting the job done right so the residents of their city can feel safe in their homes.
Want to learn more about the benefits of 3D laser scanning or modelling on any jobsite? Contact us for a demo.
