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INDUSTRYfocus
Innovating in the Cloud
Bentley Systems and Topcon join forces to advance cloud services for 'constructioneering'
We looked at 'conceptioneering' in
the last issue - now we are being
introduced to
'constructioneering'. Bentley appears to be
pioneering a new method of describing
the bringing together of a number of
different disciplines to make a more
valuable 'whole'.
It's not an uncommon concept, as
traditional construction activities such as
architectural design, structural, MEP and
environmental applications are all well
integrated and capable of sharing models
and data, improving efficiency and
enhancing workflow processes. Bentley is
taking the process one step further,
though, by bringing together construction
workflows that traditionally operate within
their own environment - surveys,
engineering design and construction -
providing benefits not previously
attainable.
The recent Bentley Year in Infrastructure
event in London was the perfect venue for
launching the joint intentions of Bentley
Systems and Topcon Positioning Group to
connect their respective cloud services to
promote the concept of
constructioneering. Topcon is a world
leader in positioning instruments for
survey and construction, and for the use
of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite
Systems) and robotics in the automatic
positioning of construction equipment like
graders, bulldozers and excavators.
Adopting elements of each other's
software solutions, Bentley Systems will
offer ProjectWise CONNECT Edition users
seamless access to Topcon's MAGNET
Enterprises, whilst Topcon will incorporate
Bentley's ContextCapture image
processing for its mass data collection via
unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
A TWO-WAY PROCESS
The symmetry between the two processes
is quite satisfying. The construction site
survey data - an accurate 3D model of the
current conditions that includes both
terrain and existing structures - is captured
using Topcon UAV photogrammetry and
laser scanners. This is then processed
into engineering ready 3D reality meshes
by ContextCapture software, where it
becomes the basis of further engineering
design and terrain development within
Bentley's numerous applications.
With the connection between Topcon's
MAGNET cloud service and Bentley's
ProjectWise CONNECT Edition Cloud
established, the updated model can then
be automatically conveyed to engineers
engaged in construction processes in the
field, with the digital engineering models
feeding the 3D machine control that
guides the construction machinery.
Greg Bentley, CEO of Bentley Systems,
explained the benefits quite clearly. "To
date," he said, "surveying, engineering,
and construction industries have
separately advanced to 3D technologies.
But unbelievably, until now, 3D models
have been recreated - rather than reused -
at each phase."
He explained further, pointing out that
engineers are now able to start from
reality-captured surveys, and to update
their digital engineering models
throughout the construction process - a
real-time bilateral process that provides
construction workers with the latest
construction model at all times. The joint
cloud service innovations for constructing
and improving roadways, which include
as-built capture, are now enabling the
highest level of workflow automation. This
has to be compared to traditional
workflows between design and
construction in which data from survey
and digital engineering models can be lost
and inefficiently recreated.
Constructioneering empowers engineers
to extend their role within both surveying
and construction.
Actually, constructioneering is just the
start of a whole new way of handling
infrastructure projects, said Greg Bentley,
who believes that Topcon will continue to
pioneer new positioning devices to take
advantage of every emerging opportunity:
"We are enthusiastic about working with
them, enabling us to advance
constructioneering into the mainstream for
infrastructure projects around the world."
TOPCON UAS
Aerial surveys are certainly the way things
are going with drones, like Topcon's
Falcon 8 rotary winged UAV. Powered by
Ascending Technologies, it’s the latest
addition to the company's line-up of mass
data collection technology (it's also being
used for inspection and monitoring, as
well as surveys and mapping).
According to Charles Rihner, VP of the
Topcon GeoPositioning Solutions Group,
such devices provide perfect solutions for
small-scale sites and projects for which
flexibility of take-off and landing, or oblique
perspectives are required. Drones like
Falcon 8 can manoeuvre in small spaces
and cope with challenging environments,
and can cope with mapping and
modelling projects up to 85 acres in size
that require high-resolution imaging.
The onboard Trinity system makes the
Falcon 8 very efficient and safe in daily
operation. The triple flight controllers
onboard contain a total of 31 sensors,
synchronise all sensing data, and identify
10
November/December 2016