The project team encountered unforeseen field conditions and existing elements in the demolished interior shell that had not been captured in the current BIM model. To ensure new conduit pathways could be routed effectively and coordinated with other trades, up-to-date field data was essential. Precision was also critical for laying out anchors to support prefabbed conduit racks, helping streamline installation and reduce the risk of clashes or delays.

Design Electric used two technologies to address these challenges:

Point Cloud Scanner

Performed approximately 60 scans to capture actual site conditions. The scans revealed discrepancies in structure and uncovered existing conduits not represented in the model. This allowed the BIM team to update the model and route new conduits accordingly.

RTS (Robotic Total Station)

Used to accurately lay out anchors for prefabbed conduit racks, ensuring precise placement prior to installation and keeping the electrical team ahead of schedule.

Applications

• Document existing field conditions to supplement and enhance the BIM model

• Provide additional detail on infrastructure not previously captured (e.g., conduit and structural elements)

• Layout anchors for conduit rack installation with precision

Scan Quantity

• Approximately 60

Improved BIM Accuracy

• Identified discrepancies between model and field conditions

• Prevented conduit clashes and rework through updated modeling

Time & Labor Efficiency

• Faster installation of prefabbed conduit racks

• Crew remained ahead of other trades due to accurate pre-layout with RTS

Risk Mitigation

• Reduced likelihood of delays from in-field discovery of issues

• Enhanced coordination across trades with precise data

The Fontaine CEP project required highly accurate conduit layouts to avoid clashes with plumbing and other trades, especially in the densely packed ground floor overhead areas. Traditional layout methods would have made it extremely difficult and time-consuming to install hundreds of anchors and sleeves prior to slab pours with the precision needed. Any misalignment could result in significant rework and schedule delays.

Design Electric utilized the Robotic Total Station (RTS) technology to precisely lay out:

• Overhead conduit rack anchors

• Floor sleeves prior to concrete pours

• Trench lines for the underground conduit duct bank

By aligning RTS layout points with the BIM model, our team ensured every support rod, anchor, and duct path was in the correct location—before concrete was poured— eliminating guesswork and reducing field errors.

• Layout of ~450 anchors for prefabbed conduit racks

• Layout of 66 floor sleeves

• Duct bank trench layout for underground conduit

Precision Installation

• Anchors and sleeves installed exactly where needed prior to concrete pour, improving alignment with the model

Improved Efficiency

• Prefabbed racks installed faster due to precise anchor placement

• Minimal rework or adjustments required in the field

Time & Material Savings

• Reduced labor time thanks to pre-planned layouts

• Avoided delays and material waste from misalignment or field corrections

Smooth Workflow

• Successful coordination with other trades in tight overhead spaces

For the Primary Care Switchgear and Generator upgrade, there were tight spatial constraints in the electrical and generator rooms, as well as in the entryway. Accurate field dimensions were critical to ensure the new equipment could be brought in and installed efficiently. Without detailed as-built data, the BIM team could not confidently plan conduit routing or verify clearance for equipment delivery.

Design Electric used the Point Cloud Scanner to scan key areas of the site, including the electrical room, generator room, and staircase entryway. The scan data was used to create an accurate digital model, allowing the BIM department to:

• Develop conduit pathways for the new switchgear

• Take exact measurements of the entry path to plan for equipment delivery and rigging

17 Total Scans Including

• Electrical Room

• Generator Room

• Staircase Entryway

Accurate As-Built Model

• Enabled precise conduit routing design for switchgear installation

• Improved Planning & Logistics

• Measurements from scans provided clear entryway dimensions for equipment delivery planning

Risk Reduction

• Minimized chances of layout conflicts and installation delays