3D Point Cloud Mesh Solution for Clash Detection Analysis

Pointfuse’s unique and innovative 3D meshing solution means it is now possible to perform detailed clash detection analysis comparing design information with real world scanned data. This proactive approach helps identify issues before starting construction, preventing unnecessary delays and helping to deliver projects on time and on budget.

Clash detection analysis has become a standard step in many BIM workflows. By combining design data from all parties, such as the structural model with the MEP model, potential design clashes can be identified and rectified before a contractor arrives onsite, preventing costly hold-ups. It is estimated that each clash can cost $17,000 to resolve once construction has begun, a cost which can quickly multiply into millions on big budget schemes.

With large potential savings, it makes sense to extend this analysis to include as-built models

Pointfuse, a point cloud to mesh conversion software, makes this possible by automatically segmenting mesh models into separable surfaces, creating intelligent, 3D mesh models. Features and objects are then easily identified by their geometry and textures, allowing them to be selected, classified and exported into common formats like IFC and FBX.

Performing this directly in Pointfuse means only those features that are required for the clash detection analysis are exported. Eliminating problematic noise and redundancy has the dual benefit of minimizing the number of falsely flagged clashes, while reducing the working file size still further.

Once exported, Pointfuse meshes behave in a similar way to the design data they are being combined with. Clash detection analysis can therefore be performed in exactly the same way, in the same software packages, such as Autodesk Navisworks. Where a designed wall clashes with an existing one, for example, the two conflicting surfaces will behighlighted, making it easy to identify and group clashes, speeding up the whole redesign process.

Complete Collaboration

Pointfuse’s new release allows users to upload models directly to BIM 360, Autodesk’s next generation project delivery and construction management platform. From there, as-built models can be compared, construction progress monitored , with models available to be opened with ease in a variety of desktop software packages, directly from the cloud. This creates an environment built for complete collaboration, with users able to view over 50 different file formats, quickly share 2D and 3D models and review designs in real time on any mobile device. This makes BIM available at anytime, anywhere and to anyone, helping better decisions to be made and eliminating costly delays, by ensuring all parties are up-to-date and involved at every stage.

Pointfuse reduced the working data size by 99.4% to 70MB.

The project, located on Fenchurch Street, to the east of the City of London, comprises the design and construction of a 15 storey building, containing office and retail space.

Working to a tight deadline, Skanska commissioned SES Ltd. to perform a laser scan of the site following demolition of the previous structure, which they delivered as a point cloud in Autodesk Recap format. To perform a quick clash detection in some key areas, the raw point cloud was taken into Autodesk Revit, which proved to be a slow and difficult task, not a suitable solution to scale up to the whole project. 

Instead, Skanska LSE decided to process the data in Pointfuse. Once complete, the working data was reduced from a 12GB point cloud, down to just a 70MB intelligent mesh model. It was then easy to open the model in Autodesk Navisworks to quickly perform a thorough clash detection analysis, saving time and money.

3D point cloud mesh workflow

Pointfuse can be introduced into an existing BIM workflow, with a minimal learning curve and immediate efficiencies. This is because Pointfuse is easy to use, has industry standard output formats, and, once set up, the conversion is completely automatic, requires no human interaction, so saves on valuable man hours. Using Pointfuse to extend clash detection analysis will, therefore, be a beneficial addition to any BIM workflow.

Reality capture

Pointfuse can process point cloud data from any source, including airborne LIDAR and photogrammetry, as well as terrestrial and handheld scanners. With easy to understand, inbuilt processing profiles, the whole process is completely de-skilled, meaning users of any level of experience can quickly achieve high quality results.

Segmented mesh model

Pointfuse automatically converts point clouds into high fidelity, intelligent 3D mesh models, with discrete, selectable surfaces. These meshes can be easily classified within Pointfuse, meaning only those regions which are most useful are exported, reducing file sizes and making clash detection a quick and easy process.

Clash detection

Pointfuse offers the ability to upload meshes directly into BIM 360, for quick and easy collaboration with other project stakeholders. Once uploaded, or exported in FBX or IFC formats, the meshes retain their classification hierarchy, making them an effective tool within BIM Coordination software, such as Autodesk BIM 360 Docs.