Lessons Learned from 'Scan to BIM' for Large Renovation Projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Savannah District recently invested in the adoption of a process of transferring 3D Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scan data into a Building Information Model (BIM), a process commonly known as Scan to BIM. This research explores the challenges and benefits of adopting and using this technology for large renovation projects in USACE. Two buildings were evaluated as part of the study. The BIM for one building was developed using traditional methods of physically capturing dimensions. In the second building, data captured from LiDAR scanners were used to develop the BIM. Lessons learned from the development of Scan to BIM process and a comparison of how this is accomplished in USACE is discussed. Key issues identified from interviews with stakeholders include reduced labor for documenting existing conditions and improved accuracy of the data captured. Participants also identified the cost of equipment, cost of training and development of organizational standards as being important for future use of Scan-to-BIM technologies.