"MODEL SPELL CHECKER" FOR PRIMITIVE-BASED AS-BUILT MODELING IN CONSTRUCTION

This research investigates a Modeling Spell Checker that, similarly to Word Spell Checker for word processing software, would conform as-built 3D models to standard construction rules. The work is focused on the study of pipe-spools. Specifically pipe diameters and coplanarity are checked and corrected by the Modeling Spell Checker, and elbows are deduced and modeled to complete models. Experiments have been conducted by scanning scenes of increasing levels of complexity regarding the number of pipes, the types of elbows and the number of planes constituting pipe-spools. For building models of pipes from sensed data, a modeling method, developed at the University of Texas at Austin, that is based on the acquisition of sparse point clouds and the human ability to recognize geometric shapes has been used Results show that primitive-based models obtained after scanning construction sites can be corrected and even improved automatically, and, since such models are expected to be used as feedback control models for equipment operators, the higher modeling accuracy achieved with the Modeling Spell Checker could potentially increase the level of safety in construction. Result also show that some improvements are still needed especially regarding the co-planarity of pipes. In addition, results show that the modeling accuracy significantly depends on the primitive modeling method, and improvement of that method would positively impact the modeling spell checker.