Considering that the built environment contributes up to 40% of global CO2 emissions (14.6 gigatons), increasing the odds of more out-of-season scorchers, it’s imperative that the construction industry in the UK and around the world work to address the problem.
The benefits of 3D laser scanning
Fortunately, there are two solutions rapidly gaining traction that contractors, structural engineers and architects would be wise to adopt: mass timber construction for the actual build, and 3D laser scanning that enables accurate and reliable as-built data capture and documentation: essential for progress monitoring, efficiency gains, faster project completion and construction verification.
Mass timber for the masses
Unlike traditional log homes or even homes made from wood, mass timber is a composite material. Typically made from pine, spruce or fir, when layered together with adhesives to form panels and beams, it can rival steel in terms of its strength and durability.
According to a 2022 report by the Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat (TCBU), there were 139 mass timber buildings in the world eight storeys or higher and 71% of them are in Europe with more on the way.
In the UK, wooden skyscrapers have gotten a lot of media attention of late and the City of London is considering a legislative rules change to allow taller wood structures in the future, like the planned Oakwood Tower, slated to be built in the heart of London’s Barbican Estate, a Grade II listed concrete residential complex.
Overall, mass timber buildings are lightweight relative to their load-bearing capability, are made from a sustainable source (wood harvested from protected forests to ensure a balanced cycle of cutting and replacing), have excellent thermal properties (lowering a building’s HVAC costs and energy usage) and feature a reduced carbon footprint due to the chemical element already being sequestered in the wood itself, not to mention the reduced equipment/personnel required on-site since mass timber is a prefabricated product manufactured in controlled environments.
For the complete article on laser scanning and the Built Environment CLICK HERE.
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