Reality Capture for BIM: Application, evaluation and integration within an architectural plan of works

The paper explores the use of reality capture and building information modelling for collaborative retrofitting projects within an architectural SME. Through the use of a series of ‘live’ case studies, mixed and multiple methods of data and reality capture are tested for speed, cost, accuracy, interoperability and level of detail suitable for concept / detail designs, outline costing, options testing, energy modelling and visualisation tasks. The paper demonstrates an approach to reverse engineering from the perspectives of the different technical and non-expert stakeholders involved within a multi-disciplinary design team to ensure reality capture is appropriately specified and fit for purpose. Specific tasks / activities for (i) data / reality capture, (ii) data integration / editing and (iii) data analysis within a retrofitting architectural and construction project are described using the IDEF0 process mapping methodology and integrated within a standard RIBA architectural ‘plan of works’. Examples include measured building survey, photo-matching, structured photogrammetry survey, thermal imagery and both ground level and aerial LiDar survey, combining primary and secondary data sets and utilising a mix of software packages. A comparative evaluation of these reality capture methods sets out the appropriate operational requirements and specifications for a BIM Level 2 project within an SME. The paper explains the benefits of process mapping to understand the interactions between different disciplines and the important role that BIM has in supporting collaboration between SMEs within the AEC sector. The authors also discuss the benefits of utilizing hybrid models as part of a collaborative and unpredictable design process and make recommendations for cost-effective reality capture.