Documenting Existing Conditions After a Storm

Mark HannaGeneral Information

Occasionally, our job gives us the opportunity to scan a truly remarkable building. The Florida Polytechnic University Innovation, Science, and Technology building, designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, was one of those rare opportunities. 
The building, completed in 2014, suffered wind damage on September 30, 2022, after Hurricane Ian made landfall and tore across Florida. Located in Lakeland, FL. It avoided most of Ian’s wrath yet, it still received sustained wind gusts upwards of 80 MPH. 

It was these winds that caught the web of pergolas that encapsulate the building structure itself. It was believed that these winds had taken this web-like system of pergolas and twisted them around the core of the building. To map and document which of these pergolas were affected and by how much, it was necessary for the team to scan the entire pergola structure. This is where Precision Point Inc. comes in and gets the opportunity to scan this beautiful building. 

 

As evident in the provided aerial photo, scanning the exterior of the Pergola system presented a unique challenge. The scanning process required traversing a lake, which added complexity to both the physical scanning and the subsequent tasks of registration and point cloud cleanup. To overcome this hurdle and minimize dimensional errors, Precision Point adopted a strategic approach by implementing survey control. 

 

 

By utilizing survey control, the team ensured the accuracy and alignment of the scans. This involved establishing reference points with known coordinates throughout the scanning area. These points allowed for the verification of building dimensions within the desired tolerances. 

The inclusion of survey control not only mitigated errors but also facilitated a smoother and more precise scanning process. It exemplifies Precision Point’s commitment to delivering high-quality results, even in challenging scanning scenarios. 

Embracing the challenge with enthusiasm, our dedicated team put in their best efforts and delivered an exceptional point cloud to the architects, engineers, and owners for further analysis. To capture the existing structure’s geometry, we utilized the cutting-edge Leica RTC 360 scanner. This advanced scanner employs lasers or photogrammetry to capture precise measurements, generating a detailed point cloud or mesh representation.

By analyzing the digital model created from the scanned data, engineers can identify areas of damage, deformation, or structural weaknesses. Comparing the scanned model to the ideal design allows for the precise identification of areas that require repair. 

The availability of this crucial information in digital format plays a vital role in developing a comprehensive repair strategy. Based on the analysis results, damaged components can be replaced, weak areas reinforced, or deformations realigned. 

Our commitment to leveraging technology and providing precise data empowers the development of effective repair plans and ensures the successful restoration of the structure.