Utility management company Bosch Munitech continues to make a substantial investment in the latest instrumentation technology, offering geospatial services in line with stringent global standards.

Munitech, a division of multidisciplinary consulting engineering group Bosch Holdings, continuously makes use of laser scanning and three-dimensional (3D) modelling technology successfully in its projects.

Munitech’s new Faro S150 Plus scanner – the first of its kind in South Africa, introduced in July last year – is designed to capture up to two-million points a second, at a full range of 150 m, both indoors and outdoors.

“This precision instrument is able to efficiently scan even-polished objects, like tanks and pipes, as well as dark objects, which other scanners have difficulties capturing,” says Bosch Holdings operations director Andrew Cruickshank.

He highlights that the investment in the terrestrial 3D laser scanner, enhances the group’s geospatial services and this new device is proving to be especially useful during the Covid-19 pandemic, when social distancing is encouraged.

“Additionally, it enables safe and highly accurate measurements of objects and buildings.”

The new scanner – which is one of the fastest laser scanners currently available in South Africa – encompasses the latest laser technology.

The new technology enables the company to accurately survey complex structures, piping, equipment, buildings, bridges and tunnels, in just one site visit, without the need for repeated visits.

“We apply effective Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes, to ensure every engineering project is implemented intelligently, accurately and efficiently. As part of this BIM process, we use in-house 3D laser scanning technology to provide fast and accurate as-built data of existing facilities.”

He points out that, through advanced technology and extensive experience in laser scanning and 3D modelling technology, the company provides architects, engineers and surveyors with critical geospatial information that meets strict tolerance requirements.

In addition, 3D laser scans are used for various engineering design and construction projects, including precise geometrical recording of existing properties, which form the basis for conversions or extensions, in the built environment.

Laser scanning is also used for the seamless capture and monitoring of construction progress for necessary legal and technical documentation, including the documentation of deformation processes and monitoring of counter measures.

3D laser technology is useful for precise volume and dimension control of excavations and for façade and free-form component inspections. The company also offers clients a critical structural and analysis and maintenance service, by using laser scanning technology for fast and cost-effective control of the specified load-bearing capacity of supporting structures, as well as monitoring wear and tear.

“An important feature of this scanner is that it provides fully automatic on-site registration of the scans, allowing for the site plan to be updated and providing a comprehensive overview from the area scanned.”

Cruickshank concludes that the accurate data is easily converted into intelligent 3D models.