The Challenge
A large facility required confirmation that newly installed structural steel members were erected in accordance with approved construction drawings. Accurate verification was critical to ensure structural integrity, downstream trade coordination, and proper project handover to the owner.
Traditional manual inspection methods are limited in accuracy and often fail to capture cumulative deviations across large structural assemblies. The project required:
- Precise validation of steel member placement
- Identification of dimensional deviations from design
- Documentation of discrepancies for revision
- Accurate as-built drawings for long-term facility records
Without digital verification, undetected misalignments could impact mechanical installations, equipment placement, and future modifications.
The Solution
3D Laser Scanning & Overlay Analysis
AsBuilt performed high-resolution 3D laser scanning (LiDAR) immediately following steel installation. The as-built scan data was registered into a point cloud and overlaid directly with the original structural design drawings.
This scan-to-plan comparison enabled:
- Exact positional verification of structural members
- Elevation and alignment confirmation
- Rapid identification of deviations
- Quantifiable comparison between design and field installation
All discrepancies were clearly documented and incorporated into revised as-built drawings.
Deviation Reporting & As-Built Updates
Using 3D modeling and deviation analysis tools, AsBuilt generated structured reporting to support redline updates and drawing revisions. This ensured:
- Clear communication of field changes
- Accurate documentation for record drawings
- Transparent coordination between contractor and owner
- Verified structural data for downstream trades
The updated as-built drawings reflected true installed conditions rather than design intent.
Quick Facts
Correct As-Built Drawings
Structural steel was scanned within hours of installation to confirm conformance with construction plans.
Tracking of Changes
All deviations were digitally documented and communicated for revision and redline updates.
Future Modifications Simplified
Engineers now have accurate structural data for future retrofits, expansions, or equipment installations.
Proper Project Handover
The facility owner received verified structural as-built documentation reflecting actual installed conditions.
Deliverables
- Registered point cloud
- 3D structural modeling
- Deviation reporting for redline updates
Results & Impact
The project provided precise scan-to-plan verification of structural steel installation, ensuring compliance with construction drawings and eliminating uncertainty during project closeout. By leveraging 3D laser scanning and deviation reporting, AsBuilt improved quality control, streamlined documentation updates, and delivered accurate as-built records to the facility owner.\
