Real time rendering and 3D photogrammetry are just two of the big-ticket technologies disrupting the engineering profession. Are they more than just cool tech? Wood & Grieve Engineers, now part of Stantec, thinks so.
“We don’t do anything because it’s cool. Everything has to have a business value,” says Steve Cassells, a mechanical project engineer with Wood & Grieve, or WGE.
Take 3D photogrammetry, for example. This technology uses 360 photographs to effectively create immersive experiences of internal areas. The data gathered is then transformed and used as the basis of the design. This technology speeds up the design process enabling accurate and clear designs in an extremely cost-effective manner.
“Basically, a camera takes a series of photos, an algorithm turns 2D photographs into 3D objects, and then you can navigate online just as you would in Google StreetView,” Cassells explains.
“Until now, we’ve been reliant on measuring tape, pencils and paper, and smartphone photographs. But 3D photogrammetry is a complete game changer.
“We only need to go on site once, and can pass the information we gather to the whole design and construction team. Real estate agents love the technology too because people can take a tour of a building without needing to spend their Saturday mornings looking at properties.”
Meanwhile, point cloud laser scanning captures millimetre-accurate 3D representations of existing spaces. A point cloud is a set of data points in space, and the technique offers a much higher degree of accuracy, with greater detail, speed and less disruption than traditional hand surveys.
“We can pull the point cloud into our building information model and design around it. The level of accuracy we get can communicate the design intent and deliver huge savings,” Cassells says.
Real time rendering is another game changer. While the videogame industry has been using real time rendering for decades only recently have designers, engineers and architects started handing their clients the equivalent of a PlayStation controller and inviting them to take an interactive virtual tour.
“Our clients can immerse themselves in their building and walk around in real time from a rendered model,” Cassells explains.
The model can reflect the time of day to assist with shadow analysis, and “we can put someone in a room – say an operating theatre – to see what the light will look like from the windows”. The technology also aids what Cassells calls “common sense coordination” of “just walking around and checking if everything looks right”.
Real time rendering is an exciting technology for the entire industry, Cassells adds. “Anyone who has sat through coordination or clash detection meetings can see the potential to streamline communication.”
Another astounding technology is supporting better acoustic decisions, explains Elliot Alfirevich, WGE principal and electrical project engineer.
“WGE has developed advanced acoustic technology which means we can now put headphones on someone and give them a real-time experience of how their space will sound. It’s a step beyond the visual,” Alfirevich explains.
The three biggest applications of WGE’s technology so far have been to measure external noise, to assess the merits of various interior acoustic treatments, and to auralise noise transfer between spaces.
“People can actually hear the space and better understand how the material selections of hard walls or soft finishes will affect the sound quality in a space – for example a meeting room”.
The technology is a huge money saver and demystifies acoustic performance, Alfirevich adds.
“Acoustic treatments cost money, and clients don’t know whether they’re making the right call. But this technology helps them confirm their decision making.”
“And the beauty of it is that it is quick, easy and portable. We can email our clients an audio file and they can listen to it on their phone headphones.”
Alfirevich says advancing technology will undoubtedly “enhance people’s experience in buildings”.
“We want these technologies to become the new norm. That means clients need to start asking their teams to use them. If you are employing a consultant to deliver a project, ask them to show you what the building will look or sound like in real time,” Alfirevich advises.
Cassells emphasises that these cutting-edge tools improve how the industry delivers its core business.
“If you get ahead of the curve, you’ll ride the wave for a while. Jumping on board late will likely keep you on the back foot for some time, because in a fast-moving industry like ours, this technology doesn’t stand still.”
Learn more about WGE, now part of Stantec.