2. Deficiencies of Traditional Solutions: Large Errors and Low Efficiency

Traditional 2D measurement and construction methods have obvious shortcomings in complex curtain wall projects, which seriously restrict the improvement of construction efficiency and engineering quality. The core problems are summarized as follows:

2.1 Complex Special-shaped Curtain Wall Structure with Large Measurement Deviations

For special-shaped curtain wall structures such as curved and hyperbolic surfaces, there are significant deviations between the measured data of traditional measuring tools and the design model. Low-precision data cannot support the high-standard construction and customized processing requirements of special-shaped curtain walls.

2.2 Low Measurement Efficiency Fails to Meet Short Construction Schedule Requirements

Curtain wall engineering features dense keels and numerous construction nodes. Traditional manual measurement requires point-by-point positioning and section-by-section measurement, and the measurement work for the curtain wall of a single building often takes several days or even weeks.

3. South Group’s Integrated Solution Fully Empowers Quality and Efficiency Improvement of Curtain Wall Engineering

This solution adopts the SPL series Terrestrial 3D laser scanner as the core data acquisition device to obtain full-coverage on-site spatial data. The acquired point cloud data is intelligently processed via AcuteLas Studio software, and finally, high-precision modeling and optimized design of aluminum veneers are realized through Rhino software, comprehensively boosting the quality and efficiency of curtain wall engineering construction.

3.1 South SPL Series Scanner: High Precision, Light Weight and Doubled Efficiency

• Multi-range adaptation and millimeter-level high precision: Equipped with multiple range gears of 1500m, 620m and 180m, it enables millimeter-level 3D scene reconstruction;

• Lightweight body for easy field operation: The net weight is only 4.85kg, facilitating on-site transportation, setup and deployment;

• Full-color high-definition collection with high detail restoration: Built-in dual 12-megapixel ultra-high-definition cameras ensure clear and recognizable real scene details;

• Ultra-fast scanning doubles field work efficiency: The shortest single-station scanning time is only 16 seconds, which greatly reduces on-site field operation time and improves construction efficiency;

• Multi-sensor integration for more accurate data: Integrated with dual-axis compensation, GNSS, electronic compass, altimeter, thermometer and other multiple sensors, it monitors the equipment operating status in real time to ensure accurate and reliable operation data.

4. Software Advantages: Accurate Restoration and On-site Stitching

 4.1 Full 3D Point Cloud Restoration Adapts to All Types of Special-shaped Buildings

The equipment can fully capture the 3D spatial form of special-shaped and curved curtain walls, generate high-precision dense point cloud data, and accurately restore all structural details such as keel joint connections and profile dimensions.

4.2 Complete and High-precision Data Guarantees Construction Quality

The system supports automatic stitching of multi-station point cloud data with a comprehensive measurement accuracy of up to 3mm, which can accurately capture the 3D spatial position, node connection status and installation deviation of curtain wall keels. The actual engineering measurement deviation can be controlled within 1mm.

4.3 Efficient and Intelligent Operation Adapts to Tight Construction Schedules

The maximum scanning rate of the SPL series scanner reaches 2 million points per second. Combined with the one-click automatic stitching and intelligent denoising functions of AcuteLas Studio software, the data processing process requires no manual intervention, greatly improving the overall operation efficiency. The scanning efficiency under different parameters is shown in the table below:

In addition, paired with the exclusive SouthLidar Field real-time stitching software, the scanner supports full-process remote scanning operation via industrial tablets. It enables real-time visual preview of scanning data and synchronous point cloud stitching and registration. The system supports one-click precise registration of total station data as well as manual fine adjustment and optimization, realizing real-time visualization and controllability of 3D point cloud results, which effectively lowers the difficulty of on-site field operations.

5.Engineering Application Cases

5.1 Case 1: Scanning of Building Curtain Wall Frame and Custom Modeling of Aluminum Veneer

5.1.1 Project Background

The curtain wall project of an urban commercial complex faced prominent problems with traditional 2D measurement methods, including incomplete data acquisition and large dimensional deviations. These drawbacks failed to meet the high-precision installation standards for aluminum veneers, and the lengthy measurement cycle severely hindered the overall construction progress.

5.1.2 Application Scheme and Implementation Effects

In this project, the South SPL series 3D laser scanner was adopted for full-coverage scanning of the curtain wall frame. The full data collection of core area frame was completed within only 1 hour, fully recording key information such as keel nodes, profile sizes and spatial positions. After field collection, the actual measurement accuracy reached 2mm via AcuteLas Studio software, providing reliable data support for 1:1 real-scene modeling of aluminum veneers. With this digital solution, the project measurement period was shortened from several days (traditional method) to within one day, and the qualification rate of aluminum veneer processing was increased to more than 99%.

5.2 Case 2: Special-shaped Curtain Wall Frame Scanning and Aluminum Veneer Reverse Design for Large Stadiums

5.2.1 Project Background

For the stadium project of a provincial large-scale sports center, traditional measurement methods cannot fully restore the 3D curved surface morphology, making it difficult to support the reverse modeling and customized design of aluminum veneers.

5.2.2 Application Scheme and Implementation Effects

The project adopted the South SPL series 3D laser scanner to completely collect core data such as the 3D spatial morphology of the frame and node connection modes. Acuteas Studio software was used to complete automatic stitching and precise registration of multi-station point clouds to generate a high-precision point cloud model of the curtain wall frame.

The processed high-precision point cloud data was imported into Rhino software to carry out reverse modeling of aluminum veneers based on real-scene point cloud data, which accurately matched the curved surface morphology and frame installation dimensions, and completed the detailed design and shape optimization of special-shaped aluminum veneers.

This solution achieves seamless integration between digital design and on-site construction, keeping curtain wall installation deviations strictly within the millimeter level. It effectively shortens the construction period, ensures efficient and high-quality delivery of landmark projects, and has gained wide recognition from clients.