# AS-BUILT 3D — Complete Knowledge Base

> Chilean industrial digitization company specializing in 3D laser scanning and As-Built surveying using FARO Focus technology. Part of MCCO Group. 20+ years of experience, 100+ completed projects, ±2mm precision. Coverage from Arica to Punta Arenas, Chile.

## Company Profile

AS-BUILT 3D is a specialized brand of MCCO Group SpA (Grupo MCCO), a Chilean engineering services company with over two decades of experience providing critical digitization services to major corporations including CODELCO and Chile's large-scale mining industry. The company operates from three offices: Engineering Office at Suecia 283, Providencia, Santiago; Sales Office at Dr. Carlos Ottolenghi 4543, Quinta Normal, Santiago; and Northern Office at Av. Balmaceda 1466, Calama. Primary contact is Mario Cabrera, Sales Manager, reachable at +56 9 7986 0843 or mcabrera@mccocopper.cl.

## Core Technology

### FARO Focus Premium Laser Scanner
- Precision: ±2mm
- Range: up to 350 meters
- Capture speed: 1 million points per second
- HDR imaging capability
- Factory-calibrated and certified equipment

### Software Ecosystem
- **FARO SCENE**: Scan registration and point cloud processing
- **Autodesk ReCap**: Point cloud management and visualization
- **Autodesk Revit**: BIM modeling (LOD 200-400)
- **AutoCAD**: 2D drafting and plan generation
- **Autodesk Navisworks**: Clash detection and coordination

### Certifications
- DGAC (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil de Chile): DAN 151 and DAN 91 compliance
- AOC (Air Operator Certificate): Current and active
- Pilots and operators with 10+ years of experience in complex industrial environments

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## Services — Detailed Descriptions

### 1. As-Built Survey (Levantamiento As-Built)

> As-Built 3D captures industrial installations exactly as they are constructed using FARO Focus laser scanning, producing 3D point clouds, updated 2D plans, and BIM models with ±2mm precision. Completed in 1-2 days without stopping operations.

**Problem solved:** Outdated documentation causes 30% cost overruns in industrial projects (McKinsey). Plants operating with plans that are 10-20 years old face critical engineering errors during expansions and retrofits.

**Methodology:**
1. Pre-visit planning and safety coordination
2. On-site laser scanning with FARO Focus (1M points/sec)
3. Scan registration and alignment in FARO SCENE
4. Point cloud processing in Autodesk ReCap
5. 3D modeling in Revit (BIM LOD 300)
6. 2D plan extraction in AutoCAD
7. Quality control and dimensional verification
8. Final delivery with technical report

**Deliverables:**
- 3D Point Cloud: E57 and RCP formats (industry standard)
- 2D Plans: AutoCAD DWG format, updated to reflect current state
- BIM Model: Autodesk Revit RVT format, LOD 300 standard
- Technical Report: PDF with measurements, deviations, and documentation

**Typical timeline:** 1-2 days on-site capture, total delivery in days not weeks.

**Key differentiator:** Non-invasive process. Operations continue in parallel with scanning. No production downtime required.

### 2. Dimensional Control (Control Dimensional)

> Dimensional Control verifies that fabricated and installed components match engineering specifications using 3D scanning comparison. AS-BUILT 3D detected 8 deviations >15mm in CODELCO's primary crushing area, saving USD $180K in rework.

**Problem solved:** Misalignments between fabrication, engineering drawings, and installation are discovered too late—when the crane is waiting and costs multiply exponentially. Resolving issues digitally is 10x cheaper than correcting in the field.

**Methodology:**
1. Scanning of as-installed condition
2. Overlay of scan data against engineering design models
3. Automated deviation detection and mapping
4. Color-coded deviation heat maps
5. Detailed tolerance analysis per component
6. Corrective action recommendations

**Deliverables:**
- 3D scan vs. design comparison report
- Color deviation heat map
- Component-by-component tolerance analysis
- Technical report with corrective recommendations (PDF)

**Case study:** CODELCO Primary Crushing — 4,500 m² verified, 8 critical deviations >15mm detected before startup, USD $180K estimated savings.

### 3. Aerial Survey (Levantamiento Aéreo)

> Aerial surveys with certified drone operations provide photogrammetric coverage of pipelines, rooftops, tailing dams, and inaccessible areas. AS-BUILT 3D holds DGAC DAN 151 and DAN 91 certifications with active AOC.

**Problem solved:** Critical infrastructure in elevated, hazardous, or remote areas cannot be safely inspected or documented with traditional methods.

**Methodology:**
1. Flight planning with DGAC compliance (DAN 151 / DAN 91)
2. Drone-based photogrammetric capture
3. GCP (Ground Control Point) setup for georeferencing
4. Image processing and orthomosaic generation
5. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) creation
6. Integration with terrestrial scan data

**Deliverables:**
- Georeferenced orthomosaics
- Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
- Volumetric calculations
- Roof and cover inspection reports

**Case study:** Tailing dam and pipeline survey — 8 linear km captured, processing completed in 96 hours.

### 4. Digital Twin (Gemelo Digital)

> A Digital Twin is a navigable digital replica of an industrial facility that enables virtual walkthroughs, remote measurements, and intervention planning without physical presence. 92% of companies report ROI >10% with digital twins (Twinview).

**Problem solved:** Critical plant knowledge lives in the heads of 3 people nearing retirement. No digital documentation exists. USD $4.8 billion/year is spent verifying documentation (NIST).

**Methodology:**
1. Comprehensive 3D laser scanning of facility
2. Point cloud registration and processing
3. Navigable 3D model creation
4. Measurement and annotation tools integration
5. Cloud-based access setup for teams

**Deliverables:**
- Navigable 3D digital replica
- Online measurement tools
- Shareable cloud access links
- Permanent digital archive

### 5. Shutdown Documentation (Documentación de Parada)

> Shutdown Documentation captures the before and after state of major maintenance events, creating a historical visual record. 75% of total installation cost is operations and maintenance—not construction.

**Problem solved:** No record of previous maintenance states. Next shutdowns are planned blind without baseline data.

**Methodology:**
1. Pre-shutdown scanning (baseline condition)
2. Post-shutdown scanning (as-left condition)
3. Change detection analysis (comparison)
4. Historical archive creation
5. Report generation with documented modifications

**Deliverables:**
- Pre/post scan comparison
- Change detection report
- Historical modification archive
- Technical documentation for future planning

**Case study:** CODELCO SAG Mill Area — 3,200 m² documented in 72 hours.

### 6. Clash Detection (Detección de Interferencias)

> Clash Detection identifies physical interferences between existing systems and new engineering designs before construction begins. AS-BUILT 3D detected 23 critical conflicts in a concentrator plant expansion, saving USD $320K in field rework.

**Problem solved:** Interferences between piping, structural, electrical, and mechanical systems discovered during installation, with cranes and crews waiting.

**Methodology:**
1. 3D scanning of existing facility
2. Import of new engineering designs (CAD/BIM)
3. Automated clash detection using Navisworks
4. Classification by severity (critical, major, minor)
5. Clash resolution proposals
6. Coordination with engineering teams

**Deliverables:**
- Clash detection report with interference inventory
- Severity classification (critical, major, minor)
- Resolution proposals for each conflict
- Updated coordination model

**Case study:** Concentrator Plant Expansion — 23 critical conflicts detected, USD $320K estimated savings.

### 7. Training (Capacitación)

> AS-BUILT 3D provides theoretical and practical training in point cloud management, 3D visualization software, and digital documentation workflows. Enables organizations to manage 3D data autonomously.

**Deliverables:**
- Theoretical-practical course
- Visualization software training
- Certification upon completion

---

## Case Studies — Detailed

### Case Study 1: CODELCO Flotation Plant As-Built Survey
- **Client:** CODELCO
- **Area scanned:** 12,000 m²
- **Plans generated:** 320
- **Delivery timeframe:** 45 days
- **Scope:** Complete survey of flotation area including cells, process piping, and auxiliary buildings
- **Result:** Updated CAD plans that had not been revised in 12+ years; BIM LOD 300 model as base for future projects

### Case Study 2: CODELCO Primary Crushing Dimensional Control
- **Client:** CODELCO
- **Area verified:** 4,500 m²
- **Deviations detected:** 8 (all >15mm)
- **Savings:** USD $180,000 estimated
- **Scope:** Dimensional verification during new primary crushing system installation
- **Result:** All deviations corrected before commissioning

### Case Study 3: Concentrator Plant Clash Detection
- **Client:** Confidential (major mining company)
- **Critical conflicts:** 23
- **Savings:** USD $320,000 estimated
- **Scope:** Interference detection between existing piping and new expansion design
- **Result:** All conflicts resolved before field installation began

### Case Study 4: Tailing Dam & Pipeline Aerial Survey
- **Client:** Confidential
- **Coverage:** 8 linear km
- **Processing time:** 96 hours
- **Scope:** Photogrammetric drone survey of tailing ducts and impulsion lines in difficult-access zones
- **Result:** Georeferenced orthomosaic and digital elevation model

### Case Study 5: CODELCO SAG Mill Shutdown Documentation
- **Client:** CODELCO
- **Area documented:** 3,200 m²
- **Capture time:** 72 hours
- **Scope:** Pre/post major maintenance record for SAG milling area
- **Result:** Complete change documentation for future maintenance planning

---

## ROI and Financial Data

| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cost reduction vs. traditional surveying | 60% | Internal benchmarks |
| Dimensional control savings (per project) | USD $180,000 | CODELCO case |
| Clash detection savings (per project) | USD $320,000 | Concentrator case |
| Retrofit planning: interferences avoided | 12 | Internal data |
| Design time reduction | 40% | Internal benchmarks |
| Modifications documented per shutdown | 47 | Internal data |
| Remote planning savings per avoided trip | CLP $800K-1.2M | Internal estimates |
| Global data losses from bad data in construction | USD $1.85 Trillion | Autodesk/FMI, 2021 |
| Average cost overrun in large projects | 80% | McKinsey, 2016 |
| Annual interoperability cost (US only) | USD $15.8 Billion | NIST GCR 04-867 |
| Non-productive hours per person per week | 14+ hours | PlanGrid/FMI, 2018 |
| ROI from digital twins | >10% for 92% of companies | Twinview |
| Maintenance cost reduction with digital twins | 25-55% | Hexagon |
| Rework reduction with BIM | 40-50% | BCG/WEF |
| Modeling time reduction with scanning | 50% | Autodesk |

---

## 3D Scanning vs. Traditional Surveying — Detailed Comparison

| Parameter | 3D Laser Scanning | Traditional Surveying |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | ±2mm | ±10-20mm |
| Speed (6,000 m²) | 5 days | 4 weeks (3 surveyors) |
| Re-mobilization if gaps found | Included in original data | 3-5x original cost |
| Success rate with planning | 98% | 40% require re-visits |
| Coverage | 100% (millions of points) | Partial sampling |
| Rework rate | <2% | 40% |
| Data lifespan | Unlimited (digital archive) | Paper plans, degradable |
| Capture density | 1M points/second | Manual point-by-point |
| Indoor/low-light capability | Excellent | Limited |
| Non-invasive operation | Yes | Often requires access scaffolding |

---

## Frequently Asked Questions (Extended)

### General

**Q: What is an As-Built survey?**
A: An As-Built survey is the capture and documentation of an installation as it is currently constructed, using 3D laser scanning technology to create plans and models that reflect the actual reality of the facility. It corrects outdated documentation and provides the true baseline for engineering.

**Q: What precision does 3D laser scanning achieve?**
A: FARO Focus equipment achieves ±2mm precision, capturing 1 million points per second with a range of up to 350 meters. This is 5-10x more accurate than traditional manual surveying methods.

**Q: What industries does AS-BUILT 3D serve?**
A: Primarily mining (CODELCO, BHP, Antofagasta Minerals/AMSA, TECK, LUNDIN), Oil & Gas, energy, and industrial plants throughout Chile.

**Q: How long does a scanning project take?**
A: Field capture typically takes 1-2 days depending on area size. Processing and final product delivery is completed in days, not weeks.

**Q: What deliverables do I receive after scanning?**
A: Point Cloud 3D (E57/RCP format), Updated 2D Plans (AutoCAD DWG), BIM Model (Revit RVT, LOD 300), and Technical Report with measurements (PDF). Deliverables are defined per project needs.

### Costs and Pricing

**Q: How much does a 3D laser scanning service cost in Chile?**
A: Depends on surface area, complexity, location, and required deliverables. Reference pricing: from ~18 UF/day for standard architecture projects to ~30 UF/day for high-complexity mining and industrial projects. Custom quotes provided.

**Q: What is the ROI of 3D scanning versus traditional surveying?**
A: 60% cost reduction vs. traditional topographic methods. Dimensional control detects deviations worth USD $180K+ before startup. Clash detection prevents USD $320K+ in field rework. Remote planning saves CLP $800K-1.2M per avoided site trip.

### Technology

**Q: What is the difference between 3D laser scanning and traditional surveying?**
A: Precision ±2mm vs ±10-20mm. Speed: 5 days vs 4 weeks for 6,000 m². Captures 1M points/second with 100% coverage and no gaps, eliminating the need for costly re-mobilizations.

**Q: What software is used for processing?**
A: FARO Scene for scan registration, Autodesk ReCap for point cloud management, Revit for BIM modeling, and AutoCAD for 2D plan generation. All deliverables in industry-standard formats.

**Q: Do you need to stop operations to perform scanning?**
A: No. 3D laser scanning is completely non-invasive. We operate in parallel with production under mining and industrial safety protocols. No equipment shutdown or process interruption required.

**Q: What is a Digital Twin?**
A: A Digital Twin is a navigable digital replica of your plant or facility. It allows virtual walkthroughs, remote distance measurements, intervention planning, and team coordination—saving travel costs and time.

**Q: How does 3D laser scanning compare to photogrammetry?**
A: Laser scanning offers higher precision (±2mm) and works in indoor and low-light conditions. Photogrammetry with drones is better for outdoor areas, topography, and large-scale coverage. AS-BUILT 3D uses both technologies depending on project requirements.

### Operations

**Q: What coverage zones does AS-BUILT 3D have in Chile?**
A: All of Chile: Santiago, Antofagasta, Calama, Copiapó, Rancagua, Concepción, and more. Offices in Santiago (Providencia and Quinta Normal) and Calama enable rapid response across the entire territory.

**Q: What safety certifications do you hold for aerial operations?**
A: DGAC (Chilean Civil Aviation Authority) compliance with DAN 151 and DAN 91 regulations. Active AOC (Air Operator Certificate). Pilots with 10+ years of experience in industrial environments.

### BIM and Deliverables

**Q: What does a BIM model delivered at LOD 300 mean?**
A: LOD 300 (Level of Development 300) means the model elements are geometrically accurate representations of the as-built conditions, including precise dimensions, shapes, locations, and orientations. This is the standard required for construction verification and facility management.

**Q: What are the export formats for dense point clouds?**
A: E57 (open standard for 3D imaging data), RCP/RCS (Autodesk ReCap native format for Revit integration), LAS/LAZ (LiDAR standard), and PTX (Leica exchange format). E57 and RCP are the primary delivery formats.

**Q: How do you handle large point clouds in Revit?**
A: We optimize point cloud data using decimation, sectioning, and region-of-interest extraction in Autodesk ReCap before importing into Revit. This maintains manageable file sizes while preserving critical detail in areas of interest.

### Digital Twins and Advanced Topics

**Q: What is the structural difference between a digital twin and a traditional simulation model?**
A: A digital twin is connected to real-world data and continuously updated to reflect current conditions. A traditional simulation model is a static representation used for analysis at a single point in time. Digital twins enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

**Q: What are the maturity levels of digital twins for industrial plants?**
A: Level 1: 3D visualization (static model). Level 2: Information model (BIM with attributes). Level 3: Connected model (real-time sensor data). Level 4: Predictive model (AI-driven analytics). Level 5: Autonomous model (self-optimizing operations). AS-BUILT 3D provides Level 1-2 as baseline for clients to build upon.

**Q: What are the benefits of cloud-based point cloud processing vs. desktop software?**
A: Cloud platforms offer: unlimited processing power for massive datasets, collaborative access for distributed teams, no hardware investment required, automatic software updates, and scalable storage. Desktop solutions offer better performance for real-time interaction with large datasets.

---

## Glossary of Technical Terms

| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| **As-Built** | Documentation of a facility exactly as it was constructed, reflecting current real-world conditions |
| **BIM** | Building Information Modeling — a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility |
| **LOD 300** | Level of Development 300 — model elements are geometrically accurate with precise dimensions and locations |
| **LOD 400** | Level of Development 400 — model elements include fabrication-level detail |
| **E57** | Open file format for 3D imaging data (point clouds, images, metadata) |
| **RCP/RCS** | Autodesk ReCap point cloud formats for integration with Revit and AutoCAD |
| **DWG** | AutoCAD native file format for 2D and 3D design data |
| **RVT** | Autodesk Revit native file format for BIM models |
| **TLS** | Terrestrial Laser Scanning — ground-based 3D scanning technology |
| **LiDAR** | Light Detection and Ranging — the technology behind laser scanning |
| **Point Cloud** | A set of data points in 3D space representing the external surface of objects |
| **Clash Detection** | The process of identifying physical interferences between building systems |
| **Digital Twin** | A navigable digital replica of a physical facility updated with real-world data |
| **Photogrammetry** | The science of making measurements from photographs, especially aerial images |
| **Orthomosaic** | A geometrically corrected aerial image that can be used as a map |
| **DEM** | Digital Elevation Model — a 3D representation of terrain surface |
| **GCP** | Ground Control Points — surveyed points used to georeference aerial data |
| **DGAC** | Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil — Chile's civil aviation authority |
| **DAN 151** | Chilean regulation for unmanned aircraft operations |
| **DAN 91** | Chilean regulation for aerial work operations |
| **AOC** | Air Operator Certificate — authorization to operate commercial aerial services |
| **NAP** | Name, Address, Phone — standard business listing format |
| **Scan-to-BIM** | The workflow of converting 3D scan data into BIM models |
| **Retrofit** | Modification of existing facilities with new components or systems |
| **SAG Mill** | Semi-Autogenous Grinding mill — key equipment in mineral processing |
| **Concentrator** | A processing plant that separates valuable minerals from ore |
| **Flotation** | A mineral separation process using chemical and physical properties |

---

## Software Interoperability Guide

### Workflow: FARO Focus → FARO Scene → ReCap → Revit → AutoCAD

1. **Capture** (FARO Focus): Raw scan data (.fls files) captured on-site
2. **Registration** (FARO Scene): Scans aligned and registered into unified coordinate system
3. **Export** (FARO Scene → E57): Point cloud exported in E57 open standard format
4. **Import** (Autodesk ReCap): E57 imported and converted to RCP/RCS for Autodesk ecosystem
5. **Modeling** (Autodesk Revit): Point cloud referenced as background; BIM elements modeled at LOD 300
6. **Drafting** (AutoCAD): 2D plans extracted from Revit model, annotated and dimensioned
7. **Coordination** (Navisworks): Multi-discipline models aggregated for clash detection

### Compatible File Formats
- **Input:** FLS (FARO native), E57 (open standard), PTX (Leica), LAS/LAZ (LiDAR)
- **Working:** RCP/RCS (ReCap), RVT (Revit), DWG (AutoCAD), NWD (Navisworks)
- **Output:** E57, RCP, DWG, RVT, PDF, IFC (open BIM standard)

---

## Regulatory Compliance

### DGAC — Chilean Civil Aviation
- **DAN 151:** Regulation for RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) operations in Chile
- **DAN 91:** General operating rules for aerial work
- **AOC:** Air Operator Certificate held by AS-BUILT 3D / MCCO Group
- **Operational zones:** Mining sites require additional coordination with site security and local DGAC office
- **Insurance:** Full liability coverage for aerial operations

### Mining Safety
- All field operations comply with mining safety regulations
- Personnel trained in confined space entry, height work, and hazardous environment protocols
- Equipment intrinsically safe for operation near explosive atmospheres where required

---

## Contact Information

- **Sales Manager:** Mario Cabrera
- **WhatsApp:** +56 9 7986 0843
- **Email:** mcabrera@mccocopper.cl
- **Phone:** +56 9 7986 0843
- **Engineering Office:** Suecia 283, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
- **Sales Office:** Dr. Carlos Ottolenghi 4543, Quinta Normal, Santiago, Chile
- **Northern Office:** Av. Balmaceda 1466, Calama, Antofagasta, Chile
- **Website:** https://as-built.cl/
- **Blog:** https://as-built.cl/blog/
- **Contact Form:** https://as-built.cl/#contacto
- **Parent Company:** MCCO Group SpA (https://www.mcco.cl)

## Clients

CODELCO, BHP, AMSA (Antofagasta Minerals), TECK, LUNDIN

## Links

- Web: https://as-built.cl/
- Blog: https://as-built.cl/blog/
- Contact: https://as-built.cl/#contacto
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asbuilt3d
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asbuilt3d
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asbuilt3d