Use of 3D laser scanning for flatness and volumetric analysis of mortar in facades

The ongoing process of industrialization of construction sites encourages the use of new building systems that conflict with traditional techniques associated with the risks of incompatibilities and continuance of control fixed ideas with a significant variability. A practical example is the cement mortar for plastering, commonly used as a corrective factor for facade flatness failures caused by the inaccuracy of the plumb line, rudimentary method used in geometric control of concrete structures and facade of mapping during the execution of the work, favoring the accumulation of errors that reflect the mortar thickness, increasing consumption, losses and defects. Alternatively for improvement, this study analyzed through a case study, the innovative application of 3D laser scanning technology consolidated on the facade of a building to map the surface flatness of the façade and, in an unprecedented manner, to quantify the volume of mortar. The results showed the feasibility of the technique as a solution to accurately identify the critical areas of the facade on the peripheral concrete structure and masonry and calculate, based on the volumes, the financial impact associated with mortar overthicknesses in critical areas compared with the reductions thickness after treatment of these areas.