The Challenge
A legacy coal-fired power plant was required to upgrade its bottom ash handling system to meet new regulatory requirements. The planned conversion from a wet ash to a dry ash system represented a complex, multi-million-dollar capital project.
Complicating the effort, current and reliable drawings of the existing ash handling area were not available. Without accurate as-built documentation, the project carried significant risk related to equipment fit, constructability, demolition sequencing, and installation planning.
The Solution
AsBuilt utilized 3D laser scanning to capture the complete as-is condition of the bottom ash handling system and surrounding infrastructure. The scan data was processed into a detailed 3D model, providing a reliable digital representation of the existing equipment and structures.
Scanning and modeling covered the basement level and two additional elevations above, ensuring full visibility of the work area. New dry ash handling equipment models were then overlaid within the point cloud environment to validate placement, clearances, and interfaces prior to construction.
Key Outcomes
- Accurate As-Built Conditions
Scan-based 3D models provided a more reliable foundation than legacy 2D drawings could offer. - Multi-Level Visualization
Capturing three vertical levels enabled better planning for rigging, demolition, and installation activities. - Improved Stakeholder Alignment
3D models allowed plant management, operations, and maintenance teams to easily review and align on the proposed solution. - Early Clash Detection
Equipment overlays identified spatial conflicts early, reducing downstream construction risk.
Deliverables
- Registered 3D Point Cloud
- Navisworks 3D Model
- Clash Detection Support
Why It Matters
Regulatory-driven upgrades at legacy power plants demand certainty. By establishing accurate as-built conditions and enabling early design validation, AsBuilt reduced risk on a high-value infrastructure project and supported a compliant, constructible path forward.
