When Granger Construction was hired in early 2022 as the design-assist structural concrete subcontractor for the new Gun Lake Casino Hotel, the team had no idea the impact the company’s new Visual Capture (VC) services would have on helping meet some of the strict project requirements.
The structural concrete package consisted of building the $16 million, 16-story concrete structure for a new 252-room, Four-Diamond Hotel that will offer luxury suites, a full-service spa and three restaurants along with a fully-enclosed glass-domed swimming pool building (Aquadome) and nightlife entertainment space.
Project Requirements and Challenges
As the design-assist structural concrete trade partner, Granger was tasked with providing documentation via point cloud scans of in-slab components prior to placing concrete. These scans were crucial to document the locations of mechanical, electrical and plumbing conduits, rebar, post-tension cables and other components before they were concealed by concrete. This data would be used to create accurate as-built documents for future reference and renovations. It also helps to verify accurate craftsmanship or, conversely, identify potential problem areas early on when they are easier to fix.
Innovative Solution – Visual Capture Services
Granger’s Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) manager proposed leveraging in-house Visual Capture services to perform the pre-pour scans. The VDC team, equipped with a licensed UAV (drone) operator and advanced technology, developed a cost-effective solution that would meet and exceed project requirements.
The VC services utilized a drone with a 48-megapixel camera to collect data from the air and embedded location data into each image. Photogrammetry was employed to stitch these images together into a high-quality 2D/3D real-time recreation of the site. Granger ensured one centimeter level accuracy by using standard surveying GNSS RTK modules transmitting to the drone.
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Benefits and Outcomes
- Cost Efficiency: Granger achieved significant cost savings, reducing the expense by as much as 30% compared to traditional ground methods.
- Time Efficiency: Aerial imaging provided highly accurate data collection in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods.
- Flexibility: In-house VC capabilities offered unparalleled flexibility, allowing the team to adapt to schedule changes and inclement weather without dependency on third-party vendors.
- Layout/As-Built Assistance – The VDC team was a valued partner in providing deck scanning after shoring was removed to measure the deflection in the decks. They also provided back up assistance to our layout team for as-built requirements.
- The final product to the owner (Clark/GLT) can be quickly reviewed as an as-built via PDF or stored within the project model for future reference.
- Safety: The use of drones improved safety by minimizing the need for personnel to work at heights or in challenging conditions.
Testimonial
According to Jerrod Pung, Granger’s Vice President of Construction Services, having in-house VC capabilities proved to be a game-changer. “The technology was instrumental in helping our team maintain an aggressive schedule by allowing flexibility in scheduling pre-pour scans. There were numerous times when we had to revise our pour schedule, and often times there was very little notice if we made a decision to move a pour up or back by a day or two because of inclement weather or some other issue,” said Pung. “If we were dealing with a third-party vendor, we wouldn’t have the luxury of calling and getting them out there on such short notice.”
Conclusion
Granger Construction’s successful utilization of in-house Visual Capture services for the Gun Lake Casino Hotel Project exemplifies innovation, cost-effectiveness and adaptability in the face of complex project requirements. This case study showcases how embracing cutting-edge technology can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, safety and quality, thus impacting nearly every area of project success factors.
