USER STORY
As-Built Documentation of a Limestone Crushing Plant Using 3D Laser Scanning
Project Overview: Accurate Data for Industrial Plant Expansion
The As-Built Documentation of Industrial Facilities is an increasingly important application in surveying. In this project, the planning of a plant expansion was commissioned. Specifically, it involved a limestone crushing plant at a cement factory in the Middle East. ThyssenKrupp Fördertechnik GmbH used 3D laser scanning with PointCab Origins to capture the existing facility in detail. The goal was to compare the laser scan data with an existing 3D CAD model and create a reliable basis for planning the upcoming plant extension—something that would not have been feasible without precise as-built documentation.
3D Laser Scanning for Efficient and Non-Disruptive Data Capture
A FARO laser scanner was used to capture a conveyor belt system approximately 160 m in length, starting underground and ending at a discharge point about six metres above ground level. The conveyor passes through several silos and multiple height levels, making conventional measurement methods inefficient and time-consuming.
Using 3D laser scanning allowed the system to be documented with minimal disruption to ongoing operations:
- Data acquisition was carried out over three days.
- The conveyor belt needed to be stopped for only two hours in total.
- 40 individual scans were captured and registered and evaluated directly on site using PointCab Origins.
This ensured complete coverage of the facility and eliminated the need for repeat site visits or additional shutdowns.
Processing the Point Cloud and AutoCAD
The sections and evaluations generated in PointCab Origins formed the basis for further planning and design.
After on-site registration, the processed point cloud data was transferred into AutoCAD for continued CAD work. This enabled planners and engineers to work directly with accurate, real-world geometry and align the planned plant expansion with the existing structure.
Benefits of the Workflow As-Built Documentation of Industrial Facilities
This project highlights the advantages of combining 3D laser scanning with point cloud processing for industrial plants:
- Efficiency: Large and complex plant components can be captured quickly with minimal downtime.
- Data accuracy: The point cloud reflects the actual condition of the facility with high precision.
- Planning reliability: Accurate measurements help prevent clashes and design errors during plant expansion.
- Seamless CAD workflow: Results integrate smoothly into standard CAD environments such as AutoCAD.
For industrial facilities operating under tight production schedules, this approach provides a reliable and practical foundation for modification and expansion projects.
Want to keep up with the latest pointCab news?
Then follow us on Social Media or subcribe to our newsletter!