Renovation projects often face a common challenge: existing conditions that don’t match available drawings. When structural elements, load paths, or building geometry differ from what’s documented, the result is costly site meetings, on-the-fly changes, and construction delays that impact your project timeline and budget.
We’ve integrated Matterport Pro 3 scanning technology into our structural engineering process to address this issue. The scanning creates precise point cloud data that we use for accurate Revit modeling. This service can help us identify coordination issues between architectural and MEP systems before they become problems in the field.
The Matterport scan captures three-dimensional data of existing buildings, which we convert to point cloud modeling for use in Revit. This process produces more accurate as-built documentation than traditional field measuring methods. The digital model identifies potential coordination conflicts during the design phase rather than during construction.
We can typically deliver the hosted virtual walkthrough within one business day of scanning. Your team receives access to verify dimensions, check structural elements, and confirm site conditions throughout the design and construction process without scheduling additional site visits.
The virtual walkthrough remains accessible to all stakeholders throughout the project. When questions arise about ceiling heights, beam depths, or existing structural conditions, the data is available for remote verification. This reduces the number of site visits required while providing reliable information for decision-making.
Our Matterport Pro3 system works for both interior and exterior documentation. We selected this equipment specifically for its capability to capture complete building conditions, not just interior spaces.
Traditional field measurement introduces the risk of human error and requires significant on-site time. The scanning process reduces both concerns. We document joist depths, load-bearing walls, existing deterioration, and other structural conditions without the manual measurements that can be misread or incorrectly recorded.
The scan data serves different needs across disciplines. Architects reference it for egress planning and for verifying doors and windows. Engineers use it for structural condition assessment and verification of load path. General contractors access it to verify field conditions before work begins. All parties work from the same consistent source.
Accurate digital records for long-term asset management and future planning. Reduces the risk of cost overruns from undiscovered existing conditions.
Early access to precise existing conditions data accelerates design decisions. 3D walkthroughs enable design reviews without scheduling site access.
Point cloud data integrates directly into Revit workflows. Identifies structural conflicts with architectural intent before shop drawings begin.
Fabricators receive more accurate information for bidding. Subcontractors can pre-plan work sequences using the virtual model, reducing field coordination issues.
When appropriate for the project scope, we incorporate scanning into our structural engineering services to produce more accurate deliverables. This integration improves our existing condition documentation turnaround time and reduces the potential for errors in structural drawings.
The result is fewer RFIs during construction, better coordination with shop drawings, and structural models that reflect building conditions. For renovation projects, historic building work, or tenant improvements where existing conditions impact the design, this capability provides measurable value.
Building owners and facility managers sometimes require accurate documentation outside of an active construction project. Documentation needs might include planning for future renovations, maintaining facility management records, or creating reference materials for operational purposes.
We provide Matterport scanning as a standalone service with these deliverables:
Existing structural conditions that affect design decisions or construction sequencing benefit from detailed documentation. More complex existing buildings require a more comprehensive assessment of their conditions.
Existing structural conditions that affect design decisions or construction sequencing benefit from detailed documentation. More complex existing buildings require a more comprehensive assessment of their conditions.
Early involvement in assessing existing conditions helps establish structural feasibility and design parameters. Detailed documentation supports decisions about what modifications are structurally viable.
We work alongside contractors to deliver integrated architectural and structural engineering services, streamlining coordination and reducing the need to manage multiple design consultants.
Facilities requiring documentation for maintenance planning, future expansions, or ongoing facility management benefit from digital records. The scan data becomes a reference tool for operational decisions over time.
Coordination between new construction and existing structures affects project success. Documentation of ceiling heights, existing structural elements, and MEP systems informs design before work begins.
Just like any visual inspection, a Matterport scan cannot document conditions behind walls, underground, or otherwise not visible. These situations still require alternative investigative methods that involve a materials testing or forensic engineer. We view Matterport scanning as one tool that enhances our overall structural engineering capability, not a replacement for engineering judgment, analysis, and coordination.
If you’re planning a renovation project, need facility documentation for an industrial building, or require accurate existing conditions data for a tenant improvement, we can discuss whether 3D scanning would benefit your specific situation.
We’re available to answer questions about turnaround times, deliverables, and how this capability integrates with our structural engineering services.
