Riverside Northampton
3D Steelwork Survey Model
Metra Surveying was appointed by Ridge Steel Fabrications to produce a highly accurate 3D Model of the existing steel beams located on the roof of a retail park. The 3D Model was required to incorporate the entire existing structural arrangement, including the primary steel beam and all associated secondary structural elements. As is typical with refurbishment projects, the site presented challenges in visibility, accessibility, and general manoeuvrability. Careful planning of site access and sufficient area clearance were therefore essential to capturing the data needed for the development of the 3D Model.
To obtain all information necessary for the creation of the 3D Model, Metra Surveying Ltd utilised advanced 3D laser scanning technology. This methodology increased on-site efficiency while ensuring a comprehensive and precise representation of all existing conditions. Leica HDS laser scanners were used to collect high-quality point-cloud data, which was subsequently processed in CAD to generate the final 3D Model.
3D Laser Scanning
3D Modelling in CAD
Services
Scope of Works
Establishing Control:
The workflow began with establishing a robust survey control network using the Leica TS16 total station. This ensured accurate positioning and provided a reliable coordinate system to support all subsequent setting-out tasks and 3D Model production activities.
3D Laser Scanning:
To address the typical constraints of refurbishment sites—limited access, confined spaces, and obscured details—high-performance 3D laser scanning was deployed. Leica HDS scanners captured millions of precise data points, converting them into detailed point clouds for the 3D Model.
3D Modelling:
Following data capture, Metra’s CAD specialists processed the point-cloud information to develop a precise and fully detailed 3D Model. Every dimension, angle, and geometric feature was incorporated to support the client’s design, fabrication, and installation requirements.
Results & Benefits
Increased Efficiency:
3D laser scanning dramatically accelerates data acquisition while enabling the integration of supplementary information that may support future design needs. This workflow allows the 3D Model to achieve any required level of detail, from overall arrangement to intricate geometric representation.
High Precision and Accuracy:
3D laser scanners acquire millions of data points within minutes, enabling the production of 3D Models that accurately reflect complex architectural and structural forms. This level of precision is especially valuable for detailed refurbishment works. For this project, the final 3D Model achieved a tolerance of approximately 5 mm, supporting the client’s detailed design and installation processes.
Custom-Made Task:
Every project presents unique constraints and expectations. Effective communication between the client, the on-site team, and Metra’s technical specialists ensured that the most suitable technologies and methodologies were applied to develop a bespoke 3D Model that fully satisfied project requirements.
Improved Analysis:
The resulting point clouds captured the entire steel roof structure, color-coded by steel type. This level of information enabled the creation of highly accurate 3D Models for elements that would have been impractical, time-consuming, or near impossible to measure manually.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 3D laser scanning offers a rapid, highly accurate, and inherently safe approach to capturing complex spatial data. By providing exceptional levels of detail and reducing the risks associated with traditional surveying practices, 3D laser scanning is transforming how projects are documented, planned, executed, and maintained.
For this project, achieving the same outcome through manual surveying would have been impossible and would have taken more than twice the time using conventional equipment. The 3D Model delivered an instant, comprehensive digital representation that allows all project stakeholders to work simultaneously and efficiently from a single, reliable model.