3D LiDAR Scanning and Scan-to-BIM for Structural Steel Perth

 3D LiDAR Scanning and Scan-to-BIM for Structural Steel Projects in Perth

Structural steel projects in existing industrial facilities often begin with a fundamental problem: the available drawings do not accurately represent what is currently installed.

Steelwork may have been modified, strengthened, extended or repositioned over many years. Platforms, stairs, pipe supports, equipment bases and access structures may also have been added without the original drawings being updated.

For brownfield projects across Perth and Western Australia, 3D LiDAR scanning and Scan-to-BIM provide a practical way to capture existing site conditions before structural drafting, engineering or fabrication begins.

Hamilton By Design provides 3D LiDAR scanning services in Perth and Western Australia for industrial plants, mining operations, processing facilities, workshops, infrastructure assets and materials-handling systems.

The registered point-cloud data can then support Scan-to-BIM services, structural steel modelling, engineering coordination and the preparation of project drawings.


3D LiDAR scanner capturing structural steelwork with a point-cloud and Scan-to-BIM model at an industrial facility in Perth.


Why Existing Structural Drawings May Be Unreliable

Industrial facilities continually change throughout their operating life.

Existing structures may have been altered to accommodate:

  • Replacement equipment

  • New conveyors or transfer chutes

  • Additional platforms and walkways

  • Pipework and ducting modifications

  • Strengthened structural members

  • New stairs, ladders and handrails

  • Equipment support frames

  • Maintenance access requirements

  • Previous shutdown projects

  • Temporary modifications that became permanent

These changes can create differences between the original drawings and the steelwork that is actually present on site.

Designing new structural steel from outdated information increases the risk of connection problems, incorrect member lengths, restricted access and clashes during installation.

Capturing Existing Steelwork with 3D LiDAR Scanning

Terrestrial LiDAR scanning captures millions of measured points from the surfaces visible around each scanner position.

Multiple scans are completed around the structure and registered together to form a coordinated three-dimensional point cloud. The resulting dataset creates a measurable digital representation of the existing facility.

For structural steel projects, the scan can document:

  • Columns, beams and bracing

  • Platforms and supporting steelwork

  • Stairs, ladders and walkways

  • Handrails and edge protection

  • Equipment support structures

  • Pipe racks and service supports

  • Conveyor structures

  • Chutes and transfer stations

  • Crane rails and maintenance structures

  • Existing connection locations

  • Floor and platform levels

  • Clearances around machinery

Scanning from several coordinated positions helps improve coverage around congested steelwork, equipment and services.

The registered point cloud can be reviewed after the site visit, allowing designers and engineers to inspect existing conditions and extract many required measurements remotely.

From Point Cloud to Structural BIM Model

Scan-to-BIM is the process of converting registered point-cloud information into a structured digital model of the existing facility.

For a structural steel project, the model may include:

  • Primary structural framing

  • Secondary steelwork

  • Platforms and access structures

  • Stairs and ladders

  • Major mechanical equipment

  • Conveyors and transfer systems

  • Pipework and duct routes

  • Existing penetrations

  • Connection interfaces

  • Areas affected by proposed work

The modelling scope should be based on the intended purpose of the project.

A complete model of the entire facility is not always necessary. For example, a conveyor modification may require detailed modelling around the conveyor frame, transfer chute, supporting steel, access platform and proposed connection points.

Areas that do not affect the proposed work may only need simplified geometry or may not need to be modelled at all.

This purpose-driven approach helps control modelling time while ensuring that important structural and fabrication interfaces receive the required attention.

Supporting Brownfield Structural Modifications

Brownfield structural projects involve installing new steelwork within or around an existing operating facility.

These projects commonly include:

  • New equipment support frames

  • Platform extensions

  • Replacement stairs and access systems

  • Conveyor modifications

  • New pipe supports

  • Strengthening of existing structures

  • Chute and hopper replacements

  • Maintenance platforms

  • Structural alterations around machinery

  • New openings and penetrations

A point cloud or structural BIM model allows the proposed design to be reviewed against the captured site geometry.

This can help identify potential problems before fabrication, including:

  • Steelwork clashes

  • Restricted installation access

  • Incorrect connection assumptions

  • Misaligned columns or beams

  • Conflicts with pipes and ducts

  • Insufficient maintenance clearances

  • Problems with lifting and installation paths

  • Differences between drawings and existing conditions

Finding these issues during the design stage can reduce the risk of site modifications, fabrication rework and delays during shutdown work.

Structural Drafting and Fabrication Deliverables

Depending on the project requirements, LiDAR and Scan-to-BIM workflows can support the preparation of:

  • Registered point-cloud datasets

  • E57 files

  • RCP and RCS files

  • LAS files

  • Structural BIM models

  • Revit models

  • Navisworks coordination models

  • SolidWorks or Inventor models

  • STEP, SAT or Parasolid files

  • AutoCAD drawings

  • General arrangement drawings

  • Sections and elevations

  • Existing-condition drawings

  • Structural layouts

  • Fabrication drawings

  • Installation drawings

  • Clash-review information

Before processing or modelling begins, the required software, model format, accuracy, coordinate system and level of detail should be agreed with the project team.

This ensures that the final information can be opened, reviewed and measured using the client’s intended software.

Improving Coordination Between Designers and Fabricators

One of the main benefits of Scan-to-BIM is that engineers, structural drafters, mechanical designers, fabricators and site personnel can work from the same existing-condition information.

Rather than relying on separate measurements and marked-up drawings, the project team can review a coordinated digital representation of the facility.

The proposed steelwork can then be positioned within the existing environment to assess:

  • Structural interfaces

  • Equipment clearances

  • Access requirements

  • Fabrication tolerances

  • Installation sequencing

  • Potential clashes

  • Connection geometry

  • Maintenance requirements

This improves communication between the design office, fabrication workshop and site installation team.

LiDAR Scanning for Perth and Western Australian Projects

Hamilton By Design supports engineering-led LiDAR scanning and digital modelling projects across Perth and regional Western Australia.

Potential project locations include Perth, Welshpool, Kwinana, Pinjarra, Wagerup, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, Karratha and the Pilbara.

Services can support mining operations, mineral-processing plants, ports, bulk-materials-handling facilities, manufacturing plants, workshops and infrastructure projects.

Plan the Deliverables Before Scanning

The most effective scanning projects begin by identifying how the information will ultimately be used.

Before fieldwork starts, the project team should consider:

  • Which structures or assets need to be captured?

  • Which connection points are critical?

  • Is a registered point cloud sufficient?

  • Is a structural BIM model required?

  • Will the model be used in Revit, Navisworks, SolidWorks or another platform?

  • Are fabrication or general arrangement drawings required?

  • What level of detail is appropriate?

  • Is survey control or a project coordinate system required?

  • Are there shutdown, access or operational restrictions?

Defining these requirements early helps ensure that the scanning coverage and final deliverables support the structural engineering and drafting objectives.

Discuss Your Perth Structural Scanning Project

Accurate existing-condition information provides a stronger foundation for structural steel design, drafting, fabrication and installation.

Hamilton By Design combines 3D LiDAR scanning, point-cloud processing, Scan-to-BIM, CAD modelling and practical engineering experience to support industrial and structural projects across Perth and Western Australia.

Learn more about:

3D LiDAR Scanning in Perth and Western Australia

Scan-to-BIM Services for Industrial and Engineering Projects





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Chutes, Transfer Stations and Materials-Handling Engineering

Explore additional Hamilton By Design articles covering chute design, conveyor transfer stations, bulk-materials handling, 3D LiDAR scanning, structural drafting and brownfield plant upgrades.

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Explore additional Hamilton By Design services supporting structural steel drafting, 3D LiDAR scanning, point-cloud modelling, Scan-to-BIM and brownfield engineering projects across Perth and Western Australia.

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Location: Perth WA, Australia

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