Sector
Construction
Scope
HVAC MEPF BIM Modeling
HVAC Ducts
Ceiling Vents
Supply/Return Classification
Electrical HVAC Elements
Location
USA
Deliverables
HVAC - LOD 350 BIM Model
3D DWG Files
Accuracy Report
About The Project
The Commercial Office Facility project in the USA required the development of a precise as-built HVAC BIM model to ensure alignment with the original design and provide accurate documentation for future renovations and facility management. Commissioned by a US-based surveying company, this project focused on delivering detailed modeling of the HVAC infrastructure across 277K square feet (25.7K square meters). This project ensured the facility’s HVAC network was accurately documented and compliant with operational standards. Using point cloud data derived from LIDAR scans supplied by the client, our team modeled key components, including HVAC ducts, ceiling vents, supply/return classification, and associated electrical elements. The deliverables consisted of an LOD 350 as-built HVAC BIM model, 3D DWG files, and a comprehensive accuracy report.
The modeling process was divided into two phases:
1. Modeling the as-built conditions –
Based on LIDAR scans, we developed an LOD 350 HVAC BIM model capturing the architectural layout and HVAC infrastructure. This phase ensured a complete and detailed representation of the HVAC systems, supporting future modifications and ongoing maintenance.
2. HVAC System Comparison – As-Built vs. Design
We conducted a comprehensive comparison between the as-built model and the design plans provided by the client.
Each HVAC element was assessed and classified by its alignment with the design model according to the described worksets in the legend. This classification provided the client with clear insights into discrepancies, ensuring deviations were identified and addressed efficiently. The as-built HVAC BIM model supports long-term facility management and aids in planning future upgrades.
Project Challenges & Deliverables
The HVAC modeling phase for the commercial facility presented several challenges that required the expertise of our engineering and modeling teams to ensure system accuracy and continuity. A key obstacle was the vertical HVAC ducts, which were concealed within walls throughout much of the building, limiting visibility in the scans. Leveraging visible data and extensive experience, our team accurately reconstructed the vertical trays, completing the supply and return paths to establish a fully connected HVAC system.
The reflective nature of the above-drop-ceiling scans, caused by existing metal infrastructure, distorted the LIDAR data. Our teams filtered and refined the scans, ensuring the dataset was clean and coherent before the modeling process began, enabling precise and reliable results. Additionally, restricted access to various areas led to non-continuous HVAC systems, creating inconsistencies across the network. Our engineers analyzed the overall system layout and used design references to fill in the gaps, delivering a complete, operational model that accurately represents the as-built conditions. By overcoming these challenges, our teams produced a detailed and dependable HVAC BIM model, supporting efficient facility management and long-term operational success.
The HVAC modeling phase for the commercial facility presented several challenges that required the expertise of our engineering and modeling teams to ensure system accuracy and continuity. A key obstacle was the vertical HVAC ducts, which were concealed within walls throughout much of the building, limiting visibility in the scans. Leveraging visible data and extensive experience, our team accurately reconstructed the vertical trays, completing the supply and return paths to establish a fully connected HVAC system.
The reflective nature of the above-drop-ceiling scans, caused by existing metal infrastructure, distorted the LIDAR data. Our teams filtered and refined the scans, ensuring the dataset was clean and coherent before the modeling process began, enabling precise and reliable results. Additionally, restricted access to various areas led to non-continuous HVAC systems, creating inconsistencies across the network. Our engineers analyzed the overall system layout and used design references to fill in the gaps, delivering a complete, operational model that accurately represents the as-built conditions. By overcoming these challenges, our teams produced a detailed and dependable HVAC BIM model, supporting efficient facility management and long-term operational success.
