Drone Scan to BIM: The Elios 3 Digitizes a Cement Plant
A cement plant in France recently completed a groundbreaking Scan to BIM project using the Elios 3 drone, equipped with a LiDAR scanner. This initiative marked a significant step forward in digitalizing industrial infrastructure, allowing for accurate and comprehensive site modeling.
Key Benefits at a Glance
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Comprehensive Data Coverage
The Elios 3 provided full scans of both internal and external structures, ensuring no areas were left uncovered. This level of detail is difficult to achieve with traditional terrestrial laser scanning. Plus, the process can be easily repeated for updates without any major disruption. |
Speed and Efficiency
Instead of taking 10 days with a terrestrial scanner, the Elios 3 completed the scan in just one day. This drastic reduction in time significantly improved project timelines and resource allocation. |
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Minimal Site Disruption
By using the drone, the need for on-site contractors was reduced from a week to just one day. This minimized workflow interruptions and enhanced overall site safety. |
Cost Savings
With faster data collection and in-house processing, the project became more cost-effective. There was no need to hire external contractors, saving both time and money. |
Scan to BIM has become a game-changer in the construction and infrastructure sectors. By converting real-world environments into detailed BIM models, it enables engineers and architects to simulate projects, identify potential issues early, and ensure that as-built designs match the original plans. This not only improves communication but also reduces errors, rework, and overall costs.
In the cement industry, companies like Holcim are leading the way in adopting digital transformation. Their "Plants of Tomorrow" initiative aims to integrate Industry 4.0 technologies, including BIM, into their operations. This includes digitizing assets, optimizing plant management, and reducing carbon footprints.
One of the key components of this initiative was the creation of a digital twin of a cement plant in France. The goal was to use this model to plan future improvements, streamline collaboration with contractors, and track sustainability efforts. The data collected through this project could also help in securing European funding and demonstrating environmental responsibility.
Why the Elios 3?
The Elios 3 drone was already in use at the plant for asset inspections and stockpile monitoring. Its ability to navigate tight spaces and provide high-quality LiDAR data made it the ideal choice for the Scan to BIM project. Pilots on-site were confident in its accuracy and reliability, which led them to choose it over traditional methods.
The challenge was to capture the entire site, including hard-to-reach areas between pipes and ducts. Traditional methods would have taken weeks and required expensive external contractors. Instead, the Elios 3 completed the task in just one day, collecting all necessary data efficiently.
Post-processing took about two days, resulting in a complete point cloud model and .las files. This data was then used to create a detailed BIM model, which met the requirements for a schematic design (level 200). The model was shared with subcontractors, proving its value and improving project coordination.
Real-World Impact
The success of this project allowed the plant to reduce costs, improve data accuracy, and enhance planning efficiency. It also demonstrated the power of integrating drones and BIM technology in industrial settings. With the ability to quickly update models and conduct remote inspections, the plant is now better equipped for future upgrades and sustainability initiatives.
Looking ahead, the plant plans to continue using the Elios 3 for further digitization and safety-focused inspections. As the adoption of Industry 4.0 continues to grow, the combination of drone technology and BIM is set to revolutionize how industrial sites are managed and maintained.
NC pipe production line
NC pipe production line
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