Scan-to-BIM Deliverables
| Deliverable | Format | Use | | --- | --- | --- | | Point cloud | E57, PTS | Primary data | | Floor plans | DWG + PDF | Design reference | | Revit model | RVT | BIM coordination |
2025 Scan-to-BIM Costs (ex VAT)
| Property | LOD 200 | LOD 300 | LOD 350 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2–3 bed | £800–£1,200 | £1,200–£1,800 | £1,800–£2,500 | | 4+ bed | £1,200–£1,800 | £1,800–£2,500 | £2,500–£3,500 |
Scan-to-BIM for Mechanical and Electrical (MEP) Documentation
MEP systems — mechanical, electrical, and plumbing — are increasingly modelled in BIM. For existing buildings, scan-to-BIM provides the existing conditions data for MEP modelling.
This article explains scan-to-BIM for MEP documentation, when it is needed, and what it delivers.
Why Scan MEP Systems?
Existing MEP systems often lack accurate documentation. As-built drawings may be incomplete or inaccurate. Unknown conditions are discovered during construction, causing delays and cost overruns.
Scan-to-BIM captures the actual as-built MEP installation. The point cloud provides objective data for MEP modelling. The BIM model reflects what is actually installed.
Benefits include: accurate as-built records for FM, clash detection with new works, coordinated MEP models for design, and reduced discovery of unknown conditions during construction.
When to Scan MEP Systems
Scan MEP systems when:
Existing building refurbishment: MEP systems need to be modelled for design of new works.
MEP clash detection: New MEP installation must avoid clashes with existing systems.
FM documentation: Accurate MEP records needed for facilities management.
MEP replacement planning: Existing MEP systems need assessment for replacement or upgrade.
Coordination with other disciplines: MEP models must coordinate with architecture and structure.
Scanning MEP Systems
MEP scanning has specific requirements:
High point density: MEP systems have small components — pipes, ducts, cable trays. Dense point capture is needed.
Multiple scan positions: MEP systems are often dense and complex. Multiple positions ensure complete coverage.
Colour capture: Colour from the scan helps distinguish different MEP systems — red for fire main, blue for cold water, for example.
Access for scanning: MEP systems are often above ceilings, in plant rooms, or in risers. Access must be arranged.
Additional measurement: Tape measurements of pipe diameters, duct sizes, and equipment references verify point cloud data.
Point Cloud Processing for MEP
Point cloud processing for MEP involves:
Registration: Combine scans into a single point cloud. Verify accuracy using targets.
Cleaning: Remove noise — equipment, scaffolding, personnel moving during scan.
Element identification: Identify MEP elements in the point cloud — pipes, ducts, cable trays, equipment.
Classification: Classify elements by system — mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection.
Model preparation: Create BIM-ready data for MEP modelling.
BIM Model Development for MEP
MEP BIM models are developed from the point cloud:
Modelling approach: MEP systems modelled element by element — pipe runs, duct runs, cable tray routes.
System classification: Elements classified by system type — water, drainage, ventilation, electrical.
LOD for MEP: LOD 300 is typical for design coordination. Higher LOD needed for detailed fabrication or FM.
Coordinate accuracy: MEP models must be accurately positioned in the project coordinate system.
Clash Detection With MEP Point Clouds
Point cloud data enables clash detection:
New works vs existing MEP: New MEP design checked against point cloud of existing systems for potential clashes.
MEP vs structure: MEP systems checked against point cloud of structural elements.
MEP vs architecture: MEP systems checked against point cloud of architectural elements.
Clash detection before construction avoids costly on-site changes.
Limitations of MEP Scanning
MEP scanning has limitations:
Hidden systems: MEP inside walls, below floors, or behind boxing is not captured.
Small components: Small bore pipes and conduits may not be visible in point cloud data.
Colour coding: Colour from scan helps classification but may not be reliable for all systems.
Conduit complexity: Dense conduit bundles are difficult to model from point cloud data.
Be aware of limitations when planning MEP scan-to-BIM projects.
Fixed-Fee Scan-to-BIM for MEP
icelabz provides scan-to-BIM services for MEP documentation. Point cloud scanning, processing, and BIM modelling are included in fixed-fee packages.
Contact icelabz with your MEP documentation requirements for a fixed-fee quote.
MEP Scan-to-BIM Workflow
The MEP scan-to-BIM workflow follows these stages:
1. Project definition: Define scope — which MEP systems, which areas. Specify LOD and deliverables.
2. Site preparation: MEP systems may need to be accessed — ceiling tiles removed, panels opened. Plan access with site operations.
3. Laser scanning: High-density scanning captures MEP systems. Multiple scan positions ensure complete coverage.
4. Point cloud processing: Scans combined into point cloud. MEP elements identified and classified.
5. BIM modelling: MEP systems modelled from point cloud. Pipe runs, duct routes, cable trays modelled by system.
6. Model delivery: BIM model delivered in Revit or Navisworks format. Point cloud data also delivered for verification.
7. Clash detection: BIM model used for clash detection with other disciplines.
MEP Modelling LOD
Level of Development (LOD) for MEP BIM models:
LOD 200: Approximate MEP routing. Schematic representation of main routes.
LOD 300: Precise MEP routing. Accurate positions and sizes. Suitable for design coordination and clash detection.
LOD 350: Detailed MEP components. Valves, fittings, equipment modelled. Suitable for construction documentation.
LOD 400: Fabrication-level detail. Component specifications and manufacturing information.
LOD 300 is typical for design coordination. Higher LOD needed for detailed construction or FM.
MEP Point Cloud Scanning Requirements
When commissioning MEP scanning:
Scanner specification: Specify high-density scanning — minimum 25 points per square metre, higher for complex systems.
Colour capture: Confirm colour capture is included. Colour helps classify MEP systems.
Access provisions: Confirm access to all MEP areas — ceiling voids, plant rooms, risers.
Scope definition: Define which MEP systems are included — mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection.
Deliverables: Specify BIM model format and version. Specify point cloud format for verification data.
Typical MEP Scan-to-BIM Costs
MEP scan-to-BIM costs depend on scope:
Plant room scanning: from around 500 to 1,500 pounds for a plant room.
Floor MEP scanning: scales with floor area and complexity. From around 1,000 to 3,000 pounds per floor.
Full building MEP: scales with building size. From around 5,000 to 15,000 pounds for a typical commercial building.
All icelabz quotes are fixed-fee with no hidden charges.
Benefits of MEP Scan-to-BIM
Accurate as-built records: Point cloud captures what is actually installed. BIM model reflects reality.
Clash detection: New MEP works checked against existing systems before construction.
FM documentation: BIM model provides accurate records for facilities management.
Coordination: MEP model coordinates with architectural and structural BIM models.
Reduced site issues: Unknown conditions discovered during scanning rather than construction.
Fixed-Fee MEP Scan-to-BIM from icelabz
icelabz provides fixed-fee scan-to-BIM services for MEP documentation. Point cloud scanning, processing, and BIM modelling included.
Contact icelabz with your MEP documentation requirements for a fixed-fee quote.