2015 Issue

35 Eliminating Errors Many design and engineering firms turn to HDS technology because the accuracy of the scans virtually removes the need to work from records that are frequently inaccurate, thus eliminating the need for rework. Another design firm used HDS services for a major retrofit project at an open air equestrian center and events arena in Arizona. The extreme summertime heat was limiting the facilities use, so the owners decided to enclose and air condition the arena.“This was a large retrofit project,” the engineering firm re- ported. “We had the interior scanned because there were no plans available. The HDS technology enabled us to confidently utilize the resultant As-Builts for design purposes, including retrofitting the newHVAC system.”It took one day to complete the scanning, which we estimated could have taken several weeks with a conventional survey team. Scanned Data Transformed to AutoCAD Drawings One of the more impressive features of HDS is the ability to transform the processed scan- ning data into reference draw- ings such as AutoCAD. These graphical objects do a lot more than just provide 2D “pictures”. The images (As-Builts) provide accurate and precise bases on which to conduct design work. Such was the case of the hydroelectric power plant, de- scribed above. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a thermal drying facility at a local wastewa- ter treatment plant. This project involved the installation of addi- tional mechanical units, and the drawings facilitated confident selection of equipment and lo- cations of appurtenant piping, electrical conduits, and related features. Measure of Safety, plus Accuracy and Precision HDS technology improves on the safety of personnel because they spend significantly less field time in potentially hazardous environ- ments. This can be the case, for example, in the refinery industry, where theremay be thousands of miles of only partially documented infrastructure (see below). Concerning retrofits, an HDS team can quickly provide laser scans, and the scanning information gives a lot more detail, accuracy and precision than would ever be possible with conventional surveyingmethods. Plus, design-level documen- tation can be readily created from the HDS data – another valuable time-saving advantage. Figure 4 - Perspective View of Thermal Drying Facility Details CLEAR SOLUTIONS FOR WATER, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Consulting, Engineering, and Technical Services PHONE: 801.364.1064 www.tetratech.com UT_Engineer_Council_Ad_16DEC11.indd 1 1/5/2012 9:30:53 AM