When modifications are required to existing infrastructure with limited or incomplete design information, accurate capture of the existing conditions is critical to developing a practical and constructible solution.

SIE was engaged to design a permanent roof for an existing filter house where limited design drawings were available. To support the design process, SIE completed a detailed photogrammetry survey using an autonomous drone, capturing the existing structure and surrounding equipment in 3D.

The captured data was processed into a detailed reality model and positioned using available deck drawings, providing an accurate representation of the filter house and its existing interfaces. SIE then developed the permanent roof design around the 3D model, allowing potential obstructions and clashes to be identified and avoided while enabling key connection details to be confirmed prior to fabrication.

By integrating reality capture directly into the engineering design process, SIE was able to develop the roof with confidence despite the limited existing documentation. With the design verified against site conditions and detailed fabrication drawings produced, the project could proceed to fabrication with reduced risk of site clashes, rework and installation delays.