As the insurance market continues to see an increase in thecomplexity of risks being underwritten, the techniques used byproperty adjusters, damage appraisers and forensic engineers mustadapt. Three-dimensional (3-D) laser scanning allows adjusters andinvestigators to not only document the scope of damage digitallyand in real time, but provides data that can be used by riskmanagement and underwriting teams for future risk assessments.

Accurate documentation and preservation of evidence is acritical component of any forensic investigation. The use of 3-Dlaser scanning enables an investigator to document a complex objector an entire accident scene in the form of millions of measurablepoints, often in less time than traditional methods. Not only isthe level of documentation detail staggering, but the scanner canmeasure objects considered immeasurable just a few years ago.

In their simplest form, 3-D scanners utilize lasers to generatethree-dimensional copies to millimeter accuracy of complex,real-life objects and environments. The end result of a single scanis a collection of millions of measurable data points containingrelative x, y, z locations. A series of scans are then stitchedtogether to create an exact color copy of the as-built condition,scene or environment. In the same way that a digital camera, a tapemeasure and graph paper are tools of the forensic investigator, 3-Ddocumentation is increasingly becoming an asset in the sametoolbox.

The 3-D scanners capture everything from the irregularity of ahairline crack in a plaster wall to the vastness of the interior ofan industrial warehouse still smoldering from a fire the nightbefore; from the length, depth and curvature of a tire mark left onan asphalt street to the compaction depth of the hood of a vehicleinvolved in a collision; from the tread and risers of a staircaseto the slope and paint stripe location of a crosswalk that extendsto a big-box retailer's front door. The application of the scanneris limited only by the creative application of the equipment'soperator.

What are the benefits?

Time

The time an engineer spends onsite evaluating a property claimsignificantly decreases using a 3-D scanner. While the engineer andclaims adjuster conduct the investigation, the 3-D scanner can runin the background, taking millions of measurements in minutes. Thispotentially results in reduced time (and cost) than it would havetaken to achieve the same level of documentation using traditionalmethods.

Accuracy

With one million data points collected per second, aninvestigator can gather critical measurements as well as thosewhich seem insignificant at the time, but may later prove to becritical to a case. With accuracy of up to +/- 2mm and a range ofup to 330m, the data collected is remarkably accurate. This may besignificant when a property claim occurs on a dynamic site, onethat has changed between the date of loss and when a notice or suitis filed. Being able to document a scene as soon as possibledigitally and in complete 3-D accuracy is extremely valuable,especially when a building or business needs to get back online toavoid increasing business interruption claims.

Safety

Scanner use can enhance the safety of those needing to respondto a claim. For example, the scanner has been used for industrialbuilding collapses that were too unstable to allow investigatorsand engineers close enough to investigate. Instead, the scanner wasset up outside of the cordoned-off area and documented the entiremountain of rubble so the scene could be preserved for futureanalysis. When vehicle accidents occur on busy highway arteries,the digital scanning of a scene can keep the road open andinvestigators out of harm's way. The scanner can capture the scenefrom a safe distance, and any irrelevant vehicles or people can beremoved during the post processing of scan data.

Reliability

The 3-D data points are collected and transferred in accordancewith ASTM E2807, the standard specification for 3-D data collectionand exchange. This specification describes a data file exchangeformat for three-dimensional imaging data, known as the ASTM E573-D file format. This has enabled scan data to be introduced andaccepted as evidence into state and federal courts. This may alsoinclude visualizations or animations produced from the 3-D dataoriginally collected.

Vehical accident reconstruction. (Photo: S-E-A,Ltd.) 

Common Applications

Vehicle accident reconstruction

The reconstruction of an accident begins with the collection offacts and measurements. Using 3-D documentation enables theinvestigators to have an endless number of both at their disposal.In an accident reconstruction, knowing the crush stiffness andcrush profile allows for the calculation of crush energy. With 3-Ddocumentation, crush profiles can be documented with increasedspeed and accuracy over traditional documentation methods. It alsoprovides additional data for any future crush analyses ifneeded.

Scan of an apartment fire. (Photo: S-E-A, Ltd.)

Structure fires

A fire engulfs a building and is eventually controlled byfirefighters. Fire investigators are called to the scene todocument the resulting loss. Under normal circumstances, completelydocumenting something as amorphous as a fire scene would be nearlyimpossible. However, armed with a 3-D scanner, a fire investigatorcan obtain data points of the exterior of the structure, thusdigitally preserving the scene and offering investigators an easyway to measure necessary points well after the eventual demolitionof the building.

Structure collapse scan. (Photo: S-E-A. Ltd.)

Structural collapse evaluation

This photo shows the point cloud of an 11-story steel buildingthat was scheduled for demolition. It collapsed prematurely,killing the demolition contractor. The scene was preserved from adistance and without interruption to the first responders. It showshow engineers can use the high definition (HD) panoramic photoscaptured by the scanner (which are used to colorize the data pointscollected) to assist in an evaluation. Engineers can zoom into thephotos and measure the data points associated with the steelplates, bolt configurations, web stiffeners and the like. This isperformed by accessing the actual data points collected, not byapplying traditional photogrammetry software packages. This allowsfor millimeter accuracy within an HD field of vision.

Bridge collapse close-up. (Photo: S-E-A, Ltd.) 

Bridge damage evaluation

The use of 3-D documentation is not limited to evidencepreservation, accident reconstruction or trial animation. It alsoallows the engineer to facilitate efficient and accurate evaluationof the collected data to assist in the risk mitigation and risktransfer phases of the case management life cycle. When atractor-trailer damages the underside of a multi-lane freewayoverpass, timely understanding of the extent of the damage andappropriate remediation measures is required. A setting withemergency repair operations taking place or vehicles racing pastinvestigators at more than 65 mph may not allow for accuratedocumentation of the damage. Shutting the freeway down is expensiveand many times infeasible. Along with accurate documentation of thedamaged overpass from a safe distance, demonstrative figures can beproduced to objectively communicate the facts, allowing forexpedited resolution of the proposed repair protocols andassociated costs.

Construction truss scan. (Photo: S-E-A, Ltd.)  

Construction sites

Sometimes the investigator is called in long after theoccurrence in question. Construction sites, like accident sites,are in a dynamic state which can occasionally impede theevaluation. In many cases, it is nearly impossible to recreate theconditions at the time of the accident. Site information gatheredutilizing 3-D documentation can be efficiently merged with otherdata such as construction plans and aerial photographs of theaccident scene to accurately recreate the accident site. This datais analyzed to produce diagrams that will graphically illustratethe conditions at the time of the accident.

 Slab evaluation. (Photo: S-E-A, Ltd.) 

Floor elevation map

Utilizing 3-D documentation can allow for repeatable datacollection and measurements to sub-millimeter accuracy. It can alsoeliminate potential errors associated with traditional datacollection methods. For example, a floor can be documented to sucha detailed level that the construction tolerances for theslab/framing and floor finishes can be accounted for. This data canbe analyzed to produce diagrams that will graphically illustrateelevation changes throughout the floor at a single point in time,or visually show deviations that occur during an extended period oftime. This allows for visualizations that emphasize the vitaldetails in an investigation.

Modeling/animation

While the value of 3-D documentation, with respect to evidencepreservation, is clearly evident, it extends beyond the initialinvestigation, enabling advanced visualization and simulations.This underscores the importance of presenting the necessary factsin a clear and impactful manner. A video based upon real-life datagathered via 3-D documentation can make all the difference in thepursuit to convey "what happened" to a jury.

The use of 3-D laser scanning does not replace the engineer orinvestigator on a scene or their analysis. Traditional forensicengineering methodology coupled with the revolutionary technologyof 3-D scanning has changed the way investigators document a sceneand utilize site data. Litigation visualizations can be producedwith the resulting data to a degree of accuracy that was previouslydifficult to imagine. This scanning technology also allowsinvestigators to document minute details so as to be preparedregardless of changes to a site or the direction the case takes,all while maintaining safety and reducing costs. A 3-Dscan captures today, so the information can be used tomorrow.

Ryan Siekmann is a national sales executive for S-E-A, Ltd.focusing on the automotive, legal and manufacturing sectors. Overthe past nine years with S-E-A, Ryan has held various roles,including regional sales representative for S-E-A's Baltimoreoffice and manager of sales for S-E-A's Fire/Explosion and VehicleDynamics Practice Groups. He can be reached [email protected].