Reality computing has seen some remarkable advances in recent years. The concept of reality computing is achieved through a set of technology components. As these components become more affordable and accessible, it’s become easier to straddle the line between reality and digital space in project planning and design.
The idea of reality computing is using technology to build a channel between physical reality and digital models of the real world.
The BIM Hub comparison between reality computing and ripping between reality computing and ripping, remixing and burning digital music: enabled by new technology, music fans are now able to capture, manipulate and share music in a digital format in ways that were impossible just a few decades ago.
The analogy helps demonstrate the power of creating a digital copy of reality. When real things are copied into a digital format, it’s possible to manipulate them in novel ways in the digital space and return that altered object into physical reality.
Components of Reality Computing
Reality computing is achieved and advanced through three general functions:
- Capture: Measuring physical reality and producing a digital representation of it.
- Create: Taking that digital information and manipulating it to achieve goals.
- Deliver: Producing physical representations of digital models.
When these three components are achieved through various technologies, an effective work flow is enabled that allows tasks to be completed in a digital space and delivered in the form of a physical results.
One of the most important advances in reality computing technology for BIM is the accessibility of reality capture technology. This technology includes:
- 3D Scanners
- 3D Cameras
- Point Surveyor/Laser Scanners
- Photogrammetry and Photograph Analysis Software
In the few years since the first 3D scanner for AEC was introduced, 3D scanning technology has become affordable and widespread in the AEC industry.
These technologies create highly detailed digital representations of physical reality. Unlike models built “from scratch,” in the digital space, these are not in the form of geometric models. They create high-density point clouds that represent physical objects as a collection of points.
Working on Digital Representations
Once reality is measured and recorded, the second piece of reality computing is working with that data to achieve useful outcomes.
Refine Data
High-density point clouds are the best way to record the information that reality-capturing devices measure, but they are not convenient to work with.
Advancements in software help convert high-density point clouds into more usable formats, like geometric models and distinct objects that make the models easier to work with. This is also important for reducing the file size of high-density point cloud files, as the larger files can reach sizes on the terabyte scale.
Point cloud to Revit modeling is the process of taking the high-density point cloud data and converting it into a useful format for construction design and 4D BIM.
Simulation and Clash Testing
When working on an existing structure, digital representations of reality are useful ways to create simulations of proposed designs for digital testing.
This has important applications in developing a realistic 4D BIM. Every stage of the development process can be simulated digitally and run through clash testing. A notable example as reported by The BIM Hub:
Stiles Corporation used Reality Computing to coordinate the installation of an 8.5-ton chiller during the renovation of a performing arts center in Florida. To limit the center’s downtime, the firm used scanned reality data of the facility’s existing mechanical room and the access hallway, combined with a digital design model of the chiller, to perform 4D clash detection and carefully plan the movement of the new unit.
Deviation Analysis
An important application of the capture-manipulate cycle of reality computing is deviation analysis.
The process of scanning installations to measure deviations between reality and design is called deviation analysis.
To minimize delays due to on-site discrepancies between design dimensions and physical reality, continuous deviation analysis throughout the project allows installation deviations to be addressed with all of the digital tools at a designer’s disposal.
Detailed Maintenance
An important aspect of reality computing for BIM is having a precise knowledge of building design for maintenance.
By taking regular scans of a building through each phase of construction, building operators can perform arthroscopic repairs on components inside of walls without removing any significant structure. This saves on repair costs and time, and is especially important in buildings with high demands for space (such as hospitals).