Scan to BIM: Ovidius University of Constanța

Company: Popp & Asociații
Location: Constanța, Romania
Software used: Autodesk Revit, GRAITEC PowerPack for Revit, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Recap Pro

Project details

• Ovidius University of Constanța: structural strengthening, extension, and attic addition of the Rectorate building (B+GF+1F+A)
• Bd. Mamaia no. 124, Constanța
• Total built-up area: 7,790 sqm
• Importance class II according to P100-1/2013
• Stages completed by the PABT team so far:
  • 3D laser scanning of the building;
  • building information modeling (BIM);
  • quantity estimation based on the 3D model for demolition of specific building sections;
  • preparation of technical documentation, including formwork and reinforcement plans for structural elements, to obtain the building permit.

The building was constructed between 1940 and 1950, featuring a structural system made of masonry walls and reinforced concrete slabs.

The main western façade, facing Bulevardul Mamaia, is approximately 80 meters long, while the secondary northern façade measures about 32 meters.

A distinctive feature of the building is the Aula Magna hall, located on the southern side. In this area, the floor height is doubled due to the removal of the slab between the ground floor and the first floor.

Additionally, the spans reach approximately 14.30 meters, which led to the placement of massive structural elements at the level of the roof slab above the hall.

Technology Used

In this project, our team employed Autodesk RecapPro, Autodesk Revit, PowerPack for Revit, Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Using the point clouds obtained through 3D laser scanning, we generated a Laser Scan Model, which was subsequently exported in RCP format and accessed via Autodesk ReCap Pro. This software enabled us to visualize the model, measure distances, and identify materials with precision.

Additionally, by utilizing PowerPack for Revit, the reinforcement modeling and detailing process was significantly streamlined, reducing the time required for this task. The available tools allowed us to automatically generate rebar within concrete structures. Furthermore, PowerPack facilitated the automatic generation of material quantities for reinforcement.

The challenges encountered during the project and how they were overcome:

• The most important challenge, which arose after the project started, was the need to maintain the main façade of the building, which holds architectural value for the heritage of the city of Constanța. To support the façade, before it was reinforced with cladding and connected to the new structure, it was decided to create a metal scaffolding to ensure its stability during demolition and execution works and to prevent the lateral collapse of the pediment.
• The second challenge was related to carrying out deep excavations near the neighboring buildings that were in operation, which required the installation of a support system consisting of bored piles and metal bracing.

The advantages gained from using Graitec/Autodesk technologies include:

1.  We worked with a large volume of data generated by the building’s total area of nearly 8,000 sqm, and Autodesk RecapPro made processing the information easier, improving both efficiency and accuracy within the project. Additionally, the collaborative mode in Autodesk Revit allowed for easy distribution of information to other colleagues, enabling multiple users to interact and work efficiently on the same model. This reduced the project time and prevented potential overlaps or errors.

2.    Based on the 3D model in Revit, we quickly and accurately extracted the quantities of materials resulting from the demolition phase of the building, which was essential for the project’s progress.

3.  Moreover, the time required for reinforcement modeling was significantly reduced using the PowerPack for Revit plugin. In addition, the quantities of materials needed for reinforcement were generated quickly and with high accuracy.

4.    One of the Autodesk Revit functions successfully utilized in this project was defining project phases within the same file for both the existing condition and the consolidation solution (Existing phase, New Construction phases). By creating and applying filters, we were able to instantly track any intervention made during the project at any stage of work. Using the same model, we were able to generate demolition quantities and concrete volumes without needing to create a new model, which reduced the time spent extracting quantities and reports at each stage.