The Challenge
AsBuilt was engaged to support the replacement of a Blowdown Sump Pump Discharge System piping network within an operating industrial facility. The project required highly accurate as-built data to enable design engineering, ensure proper pipe fitment, and maintain full compliance with Management of Change (MOC) requirements.
The existing discharge piping system operated within a congested mechanical area containing structural steel, adjacent process piping, and utilities. Outdated documentation increased the risk of:
- Spool misalignment and fabrication errors
- Field rework during outage windows
- Schedule overruns
- Incomplete MOC documentation
- Compliance and audit risks
Because the installation would occur during a scheduled outage, design precision and pre-fabrication accuracy were critical.
The Solution
Pre-Engineering Laser Scan & Modeling
AsBuilt conducted a high-precision terrestrial laser scan (LiDAR) of the blowdown sump pump discharge area to capture all structural, mechanical, and utility details. The scan data was processed into a registered, colorized point cloud and used to generate an accurate 3D as-built model.
This digital foundation enabled:
- Verification of existing pipe routing and elevations
- Identification of spatial constraints
- Accurate tie-in point confirmation
- Clash detection prior to fabrication
IFC Spool Package Development
Using the validated as-built data, AsBuilt supported the development of an Issued for Construction (IFC) piping spool installation package, including:
- Detailed spool drawings
- Installation layouts
- Field-fit verification
- Bill of Materials (BOM) for procurement and fabrication
This approach ensured fabrication accuracy and reduced installation risk during the outage window.
Post-Installation Scan & MOC Documentation
Following installation and completion of post-outage work, AsBuilt returned to perform a final post-construction laser scan to capture true as-built conditions.
The updated scan and model were used to:
- Document all installed piping modifications
- Update as-built records
- Support formal MOC documentation
- Provide long-term digital asset records
This closed-loop workflow—from pre-design capture to post-install verification—ensured both construction accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Deliverables
- Raw laser scan data
- Post-processed, registered point cloud
- Photorealistic 3D visualization
- 3D as-built model
- Design engineering support
- IFC piping spool package with BOM
- MOC-ready documentation
Results & Impact
By integrating laser scanning, 3D modeling, spool design, and post-install verification, AsBuilt minimized outage risk, improved fabrication accuracy, and ensured complete MOC compliance. The project demonstrates how reality capture and digital engineering reduce rework and support safe, efficient piping system upgrades in operating facilities.
