3D modeling and AI are taking the construction industry by storm, offering a more efficient and detailed view of structures. Nira is a relatively new collaborative platform capable of rendering massive 3D assets for greater interactivity, web-based inspection, and review from multiple devices.

3D modeling in construction

The present and future of construction in the U.S. and other Western nations are and will continue to be, partly focused on upgrading and replacing aging infrastructure. While old-school methods still work, 3D modeling and AI play increasingly essential roles in construction.

To replace or retrofit aging infrastructure, engineers must know its current state. This is accomplished through inspections of the asset (often including photographs) and 3D modeling that details its deficits.

Before engineers can recommend changes or total replacement, they must assess the structure. Drones, scanners, and other methods of mapping structures are becoming more commonplace for structure assessments. It might also be worthwhile for them to learn about these technologies so they can partner with mapping companies or even offer such services themselves.

Understanding and being able to work with and around tech tools is at the heart of the client experience—but it also benefits the business itself.

New construction projects are glitzy, boast-worthy, and high-priced, but repeat customers can be the bread and butter of a contractor’s sales. Contractors who’ve worked on an asset and familiarized themselves with the idiosyncrasies of the structure often stand a better chance of winning major rehab projects on the structure, based in part upon a good existing work relationship with the owner.

Nira: The newest collaborative platform in the industry

Nira is a relatively new collaborative platform that allows industry workers to interactively review, organize, and collaborate on assets across their entire project. 

Here are the basics:

• Basic platform for $9 per month
• Upgrade to a Business or Enterprise account for an additional fee
• Pay-as-you-go option allows you to store 3D models in the cloud and pay for what you use

Launched in 2014, Nira was designed to handle one of construction’s most common problems: effective collection and management of asset data. The typical large construction site could be managed through a few construction apps, but a clear understanding of the data being gathered by the tech tools is rarely, if ever, achieved. Most of this problem hinges on the methods of sharing, storing, and managing the data.

“Before Nira, there really hasn’t been a tool for contractors that enables them to view and share their latest data sets in any mobile formats—even in a 10-year-old iPhone, for instance,” says Aresh Keissami, Nira founder. 

Nira makes 3D models of assets available for visualization, viewing, and overall asset management.

“I wanted a platform that made all of that information accessible, and that’s what we’ve devised in Nira,” Keissami said. “We are a bootstrapped company and we are already profitable.”

In many markets, not just construction, large 3D models need to be reviewed and iterated on for style and other factors. However, this task is very labor-intensive and poses a solvable problem for Nira’s founders, which they believe they’ve solved with their platform.

Does the construction industry need 3D modeling services?

The popularity of drones and 3D-modeling tech tools means that adding 3D modeling as a service could make sense for some contractors. It’s a big win for customers who need visualizations to seal the deal.

“There’s a wow factor you get with these digitized models,” Keissami said, noting that the wow could lead to greater sales for a company.

While Nira isn’t only used in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), its applicability in this industry is growing rapidly. Part of that growth is undoubtedly due to the platform’s integration with other tech tools.

“The main thing we are working to do is to have image parity compared to our competitors,” Keissami said. “You cannot get a better quality model for a lower price than we offer while making the most of the hardware that you’ve already purchased.”

If you currently use a scanner or drone, Nira can integrate with that technology.

At first, Nira’s founders weren’t sure the platform would work well for AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). It turned out differently, with Nira being a better fit for some AEC companies than the platform’s leaders could have imagined. The platform’s ability to integrate with other tools well and its usability lends itself to fast adoption by construction-focused companies. That is true, in part, because of the changing needs of AEC customers and the companies that serve them.

AEC companies are gaining interest in continuous monitoring of job sites for safety inspections, compliance with specifications, and progress. Monitoring is done with drones and gives managers a regularly updated “snapshot” of the project.

Capturing the big picture—in detail

Updating 3D models through monitoring and data gathering is one of Nira’s sweet spots. Due to several recent collapses of older structures, the need for tools like Nira has become apparent. Seeing the defects, refining the model, and sorting out extraneous details can offer the right solution at the right time.

“People use Nira to look up an asset that has been modeled and to clean it up,” said Keissami, noting that even details like a bird’s nest in the superstructure of a bridge can be easily discerned by viewers. “The quality is so good that you can look at the sticks in the nest and easily identify it.”

Unlike other 3D tools, Nira captures the big picture in immaculate detail. The platform can analyze large amounts of data while maintaining the full integrity of the imaging. That means nothing is missed—no small detail goes unnoticed, which is why AEC customers flock to the app.

“We maintain the full integrity of the 3D model. With Nira, you are able to use the highest visualization of the data that is being modeled,” Keissami said.

Other 3D modeling apps require more handiwork and hassle from users. Users often have to zoom in closely to inspect details. Uploading times on other tools are also longer. With Nira, the image details are apparent immediately, and uploading times are rapid. 

Final thoughts

While the advantages of 3D modeling in construction are becoming more evident, only some are embracing the tech leap as quickly. It could take longer before 3D modeling reaches its maximum potential in AEC.

“At the very least, it’ll take a few years more until everyone gets involved with 3D modeling,” Keissami said, noting that technology is improving rapidly, which is making the adoption of these tech tools easier for many. 

“The learning curve is flattening out a lot. With Nira, it’s so affordable that many companies are inclined to try out the platform… I think being able to have that digital record of the project, starting at the beginning of a construction project and using a digital twin for the work rather than photos, is becoming very attractive to many people working in AEC. As opposed to photos of a project, 3D modeling gives you a better sense of the extent.”