3D Laser Scanning Services

Pitt @ 1902 Broadway - Pittsburgh, KS

Pitt @ 1902 Broadway Building D is one of several apartment buildings across the street from the campus of Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. The 45,000-square-foot, three-story brick edifice, built around a central courtyard, was set to undergo significant remodeling by the property owner.  The architectural firm engaged for this renovation needed accurate floor plans as none existed for the building. To remedy this, the architect reached out to Rogue Visual Design to document the interior and exterior of the apartment building.

Apartment buildings, by their very nature, pose a detailed task due to the multitude of scans required for thorough interior documentation. Building D, composed of 57 distinct apartment units, each housing a variety of smaller spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets, was no exception.  Additionally, the hallways, stairwells, laundry, and a variety of other rooms also required scanning.  Despite the building being 75-80% occupied by residents, our experienced team efficiently completed over 1,000 separate laser scans to accurately represent these myriad spaces.

With the LiDAR scans collected and registered, our BIM team developed and delivered the LOD 300 Revit model to the architect within a matter of days. This 3D model provided the owner and the architect with the most up-to-date as-built conditions of the building.

Rogue Visual Design holds immense pride in the unmatched accuracy and meticulous detail captured by our state-of-the-art 3D Laser Scanners and our highly skilled team. The completion of over 1,000 scans within an apartment complex is an affirmation of our proficiency, a testament to our adaptability. Our wide-ranging experience, documenting millions of square feet, instills in us the confidence that we can scan and deliver high-quality models for any project, irrespective of the building's size.

At Rogue Visual Design, we consistently bring a robust blend of experience, efficiency, and reliability to each task. We stand ready to apply this same meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving approach to future projects, delivering results that consistently exceed expectations.  We look forward to bringing this same approach to your next project.

BNSF - Alliance, NE

Over the past 170 years, nearly 400 railroads merged or were acquired to form the BNSF Railway. When it is time for maintenance, many diesel locomotives and coal cars operating on BNSF railroads today will pass through a repair facility in Alliance, Nebraska. A visit to the facility reveals that the Alliance shop performs brake replacement, oil changes, wheel replacement, and heavy diesel maintenance.  

The task at hand for Rogue Visual Design might seem daunting for the inexperienced.  We were charged with laser scanning more than 300,000 square feet of parts storage, numerous office spaces, repair shops, and maintenance bays with massive locomotives and rail cars moving through. Not content to stop there, the team flew a drone over roughly 60 acres of property surrounding the facility, collecting vast amounts of data. The flight combined with LiDAR scans of the structure provided the modelling team the information needed to create a detailed Revit model of the building's architectural, structural, and fire sprinkler systems. Given the immense size of the building and the numerous spaces within it, this may seem like a monumental task, but it is a typical day's work for Rogue's skilled BIM team.   

Through our partnership, BNSF will benefit from the installation of a new fire suppression system. The integration of spatial data collected by our reality capture specialists into the Revit model, offers a robust foundation for analysis. Engineers can identify potential obstructions, locate optimal system placement, and determine the most effective routing of pipes. The data also ensures systems are designed to meet safety regulations and address specific project requirements. This process identifies conflicts between fire suppression components and other building systems, such as electrical, HVAC, or structural elements. By resolving clashes during the design phase, costly and time-consuming modifications during construction can be avoided, leading to a more efficient and streamlined process.

The amalgamation of Revit models, LiDAR scans, and Drone technology provides a wealth of information that can be harnessed for performance optimization. This data-driven approach empowers engineers to fine-tune their projects.  The blend of tools presents an unparalleled opportunity for the construction and engineering industry. By leveraging these powerful technologies, professionals can save valuable time and money throughout the project lifecycle. The benefits are significant, from accurate site documentation to streamlined design processes and improved construction site management. By embracing this innovative technology, construction and engineering professionals can deliver projects with unparalleled efficiency, unrivaled accuracy, and reduced costs. Moreover, the data collected can be leveraged for future projects further maximizing its value and utility.

Central Plains Cement Company – Alternative Fuel Pipe Reconfiguration

For well over a century, Central Plains Cement Company has been supplying Portland cement of varying grades for industrial, civil, and personal concrete projects throughout the Midwest. Staying at the forefront of the cement industry, Central Plains has been pioneering the use of alternative fuel sources (ground solid waste) to fire their cement kilns. This innovative approach has not only reduced dependence on traditional fossil fuels but has also led to significant reductions in production costs.

The kiln, being the primary source of CO2 emissions in the cement production process, is a crucial area of focus for both Central Plains and the wider industry. Central Plains sought to reconfigure the alternative fuel pipe to a new inlet spout, aiming for a more efficient burn and greater heat recovery. In response to this need, the experts at Rogue Visual Design were called upon to employ our precision 3D laser scanning (LiDAR) to aid in the design of this new configuration. The challenge at hand involved obtaining precise location, alignment, and bolt orientation of both the existing flange connection and the new spout. 

Documenting the pipe and spout configuration around a kiln, which can reach temperatures exceeding 1450 degrees Celsius (2640 degrees Fahrenheit), is a complex and potentially hazardous task. However, our highly skilled LiDAR scanning team was able to meticulously capture the entire pipe, spout configuration, and the intricate surrounding area without compromising on safety. The ability of our scanners to collect this data from a safe distance meant that the kiln did not need to be shut down, ensuring uninterrupted operations for Central Plains. 

The detailed data acquired allowed Central Plains to minimize the kiln's downtime by prefabricating possible pipe configurations. This empowered them to try out different designs configurations until they identified one that perfectly suited their needs. With the pipe geometry meeting their expectations, Central Plains requested our team's expertise once again to scan the temporary pipe. The abrasive nature of the material being transported necessitated a robust material choice for the permanent alternative fuel line. Using the new LiDAR data, our team delivered a second registered point cloud and a 3D AutoCAD model of the approved pipe. The plant was then able to fabricate a new pipe using more durable material based on our detailed model. 

Central Plains Cement Company recognizes the value our experienced LiDAR scanning teams and advanced equipment bring to projects with challenging conditions, such as this one. We have demonstrated the ability to accurately, efficiently, and safely document existing conditions for complex projects, often within a matter of hours. We do this while maintaining a safe working distance, minimizing or even eliminating operational downtime. If you have a complex project that requires precise measurements without equipment downtime, consider going Rogue. We deliver results fast, safely, and with unparalleled precision. Let Rogue Visual Design be your partner for your next challenging project. 

A&M Manufacturing

Many of our clients specialize in Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) projects.  One such client was selected by A&M Manufacturing, in Spring Hill, Kansas, to design upgrades to plants electrical equipment. This would require connecting the newly installed equipment with the transformer and other electrical equipment outside of the building. The proposed upgrade included adding a Master Control Center (MCC) room within the manufacturing facility which would increase their production capacity.  A&M Manufacturing, a subsidiary of The Clorox Co., is a major supplier of Fresh Step and Scoop Away Kitty Litter for the central United States. As with many of our projects, the existing documentation for the building either did not exist, or lacked enough detailed information to plan the electrical upgrades. To remedy this lack of crucial information on the building layout, the electrical engineer contacted Rogue Visual Design to collect 3D laser scans (LiDAR) of the building and the surrounding environment. More specifically, the Rogue scanning team was tasked with documenting two optional paths for the electrical connections between the equipment inside and outside of the building. When we assessed the site conditions prior to scanning, we discovered ice and snow-covered portions of the roof. These extremely slippery conditions presented a safety challenge to our original plans for documenting the rooftop route. However, our flexible and experienced scanning team devised a way to scan the roof from safe vantage points without setting foot on it.  We then meticulously pieced together the roof scans with those taken at ground level and the building interior. A 3D Revit model of the area was then developed from LiDAR data set and delivered to the MEP engineering team.  They were able to effectively evaluate both optional routes and design the most efficient build for the electrical connections. Assignments such as this are typical of MEP projects. Our clients need to know the true existing “as-built” conditions to design the most efficient way to complete the needed upgrade. Let the Rogue Visual Design Team help you with your next MEP project.  We will deliver an industry leading Revit model that will meet or exceed your design expectations.  

Central Plains Cement Company - Barge Loadout

For well over a century, Central Plains Cement Company has provided Portland cement of varying grades for industrial, civil, and personal projects throughout the Midwest. To deliver the cement, Central Plains makes use of its location on the Missouri River to load barges destined for midwestern markets. Their Kansas City barge loadout facility had been in operation for decades and needed to be replaced. To prepare for the engineering and construction required to install the new barge loadout, Central Plains called on the trusted reality capture professionals at Rogue Visual Design. Central Plains asked us to document the aging loadout structure, all its associated equipment, and the adjacent topography along the riverbank. As always, our expert team was up to the task. The challenge for this project was that a large portion of the structure, sheet piles, and fender piles were only visible from the water side of the loadout. With a deep and fast-moving channel and steep riverbanks, the Missouri River did not provide stable footing for our LiDAR Scanners; however, it is perfect for our UAS/drone. As such, we brought in our UAS/drone to document the components that would simply not have been possible with a stationary laser scanner. Our team then went to work. We deployed our 3D LiDAR scanner to document the facility from the land side of the loadout and our UAS/drone to document the water side. The major elements of the barge loadout included 2 side-by-side piers that jutted out over the river and were supported by steel columns driven into the river channel and dry bank. Vertically placed steel sheet piles and fender piles surrounded the piers and protected them from the barges while they were being loaded. Two mooring winches helped guide and secure the barges into place for loading. We relied on our years of experience and advanced equipment to carefully document this entire facility including several acres of the surrounding topography (both on and off shore). Back at the office, our talented BIM team processed the drone and scan data and created a Revit model of the existing loadout and surrounding area. The model documented the as-built conditions of the structure, and the mechanical systems used to load the cement onto the barges below. We also provided a 3D contour drawing of the area surrounding the loadout structure. The information we delivered proved to be immediately useful in not only designing the needed upgrades but also in helping to troubleshoot during the construction. While installing new piles, an old tieback failed causing the sheet piles to shift. To assess the extent of movement, the engineers brought the Rogue Visual Design Team back to document the construction area and compare it with our original scans. With the additional information, the engineers were able to assess the situation, correct for the tieback failure, and proceed with construction. Once the new barge loadout was complete, Central Plains called us back out to document the newly installed facility. Central Plains wanted to ensure they had a baseline model for the newly built structure so they would be more prepared to make for any future improvements in the future. Documenting a large cement loading facility suspended over an unpredictable river certainly presents its own challenges. However, our years of experience, expert reality capture and BIM specialists, and extensive tool chest allows us to successfully tackle complex projects. However, nothing is too difficult for our expert reality capture team and BIM specialists. We are honored our work is so highly valued by our partners at Central Plains Cement Company. We look forward to working with you on your next long-term documentation project regardless of the challenges it may present.

Central Plains Cement Company - Raw Mill Duct

Since 1905, Central Plains Cement Company has provided Portland cement of varying grades for industrial, civil, and personal concrete projects throughout the Midwest. To create the cement that has provided the foundation for much of our midwestern infrastructure, Central Plains extracts a local source of raw limestone and mixes it with additional elements. One step in this limestone extraction process involves blowing the chunks of crushed limestone through a massive duct that is roughly 160’ long and 7’-9” in diameter. This duct is mounted between three towers and runs at a 63-degree angle. Although the duct is made of resilient material, the over 20-year-old duct had reached the end of its design life and it needed to be replaced. For the new duct, Central Plains wanted to install one with a larger diameter. However, the expanded diameter of the proposed duct would require changes to its supports, transitions, and connection to the mill at its base on the lower tower. The new one would be fabricated off site and the crew had a limited window to complete the installation during the plant’s scheduled maintenance shutdown. Before the plant went through the arduous task of removing the old duct and lifting this immense new one into place, the engineering team needed to confirm it would fit. Without this duct, the plant does not operate. The configuration of the existing duct was based on CAD drawings created in 1999. Central Plains wanted to be sure that the original drawings matched the current “as built” conditions of the duct as it existed over 20 years after its initial fabrication and installation. Knowing the current condition and configuration of the duct would allow them to ensure that the new one, which was already being fabricated, would fit on the new supports and connections. Having the new duct fit precisely would eliminate any additional down time for the plant. Knowing the value of our work from several previous projects, Central Plains hired the Rogue Visual Design team to document the existing duct. Using a combination of our stationary laser scanner and UAS/drone, we were able to capture the exterior of the entire duct and its connections while the duct was still in operation. Our Leica scanner is an incredible machine with good range and impressive accuracy; however, this project pushed its limits. Considerable shaking caused by two 50 ton rolling mills at the base of the duct, and nearly 110’ vertical distance between two of the platforms presented significant challenges. As always, the Rogue team was up to the task. Using our years of experience and diverse tool set, we were able to complete the scans and flight within a few hours. Once the drone and scan data sets were processed back at the office, our talented BIM team created an updated Revit model of the existing duct. This new model incorporated the original design from the .pdf with the existing as-built conditions. The 3D model we created provided Central Plains the specific dimension information needed to determine if the new duct would fit properly prior to installation. The engineering team was able to ensure the new duct was fabricated to fit.  The installation at the plant went smoothly and was completed during the short maintenance shutdown.