The Challenge
A facility required a like-kind replacement of critical saltwater cooling piping. Existing drawings were limited, outdated, and largely illegible, leaving engineers without reliable documentation to design replacement components.
The engineering team faced immediate pressure to produce accurate replacement drawings, but the lack of dependable as-built data created risk around pipe alignment, spigot locations, and fabrication accuracy.
The Solution
AsBuilt utilized 3D laser scanning to capture the full piping system in its current state. Scanning was performed using a tall tripod setup, reaching heights of up to 24 feet, to capture pipe spigots and connection details that were not visible from grade and not documented in existing drawings.
The scan data was converted into detailed 3D models, which were used directly by pipe designers to create precise spool designs for custom 24-inch ductile iron fabrication. This approach ensured replacement components matched existing conditions exactly.
Key Outcomes
- Recovery from Poor Documentation
Illegible and incomplete drawings were replaced with accurate, usable 3D data. - Fabrication-Ready Design
Designers produced reliable spool drawings directly from scan-based models, reducing fabrication risk. - Improved Visibility of Elevated Piping
Elevated and hard-to-reach pipe features were captured that could not be measured safely or accurately by hand. - Future-Proof Documentation
Once modeled in 3D, the piping system can be used to support future replacement parts without re-scanning.
Deliverables
- Registered 3D Point Cloud
- 3D As-Built Models
- 3D Design Backgrounds for Fabrication
Why It Matters
When facilities rely on outdated or unreadable drawings, even simple replacements become high-risk projects. By capturing accurate as-built piping conditions, AsBuilt enabled confident fabrication, reduced downtime risk, and created a long-term digital asset the facility can reuse for future maintenance and upgrades.
