Measuring the benefits of scan-to-BIM application in building projects

Abstract

This study examines scan-to-BIM theories and practices and looks in to how to measure the effectiveness of scan-to-BIM in building projects. The benefits of scan-to BIM can be achieved because the BIM models developed using this approach have more assured quality, with systematically integrated information and more closely linked to the intended use of the models. Therefore, it can lead to cost savings for specific jobs such as checking and evaluating the models, cost savings due to not having to update information into the model to serve subsequent BIM applications and cost savings due to the reduction of indirect costs (overhead costs) due to shorter implementation time of tasks using scan-to-BIM solutions compared to other methods. The article proposes formulas to calculate the relevant costs and savings, thereby helping to calculate the benefits of implementing scan-to-BIM in building projects.

Keywords: Laser scanning; scan-to-BIM; efficiency; BIM; building works; existing buildings.