# Using Dynamo for Automatic Reconstruction of BIM Elements from Point Clouds
## 5 Discussion
For this study, a point cloud was used without prior cleaning to test the automation in a challenging scenario, but cleaner data typically enhance the automation processes' performance. While the algorithms discussed are limited to the architectural elements studied in this article, Dynamo can be used to develop solutions for these and other elements not covered, such as modeling from point clouds of plumbing pipes, electrical conduits, air conditioning ducts, and vaults. Each element requires a distinct strategy, and it is crucial to assess the time investment's payoff in terms of time savings on repetitive tasks, accuracy improvements, or the ability to model complex features that would be difficult manually. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline
**Element Type** & **Automatic Approach** & **Semi-Automatic Approach** & **Manual Approach** & **Percentage of Elements Modeled Automatically** \\ \hline Columns & 45 & 0 & 5 & 90\% \\ Beams & 90 & 19 & 18 & 70.9\% \\ Walls & 25 & 0 & 8 & 75.8\% \\ Floors & 0 & 2 & 5 & - \\ Topography & 1 & 0 & 0 & 100\% \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 6: Classification of the elements in the model created with the algorithm according to the type of approach used for modeling. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c c c c} \hline \hline
**Element Type** & **Approach** & **Point Cloud** & **LOD** & **LOA** & \
\begin{tabular}{c} **BIM** \\ **Element** \\ \end{tabular} &
\begin{tabular}{c} **Parameter** \\ **Assignment** \\ \end{tabular} & **Time Saved** \\ \hline Columns & Automatic & Completed & LOD 200 & LOA30 & Yes & Yes & 40 min \\ Beams & Automatic & Completed & LOD 200 & LOA30 & Yes & Yes & 9 min \\ Walls & Automatic & Completed & LOD 300 & LOA30 & Yes & Yes & 9 min \\ Floors & Semi-automatic & Completed & LOD 200 & LOA40 & Yes & Yes & 0 min \\ Topography & Automatic & Segmented & LOD 100 & LOA30 & Yes & Yes & 28 min \\ Total & - & - & - & - & - & - & 1 h 26 min \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 5: Table with the validation variables for analyzing the performance of the elements created in the model with the algorithmic approaches. With these results, the automatic modeling algorithms through a point cloud, in addition to generating adequate and compatible models for the BIM workflow, bring benefits in terms of the level of accuracy, geometric placement, precision, and time consumed. They also proved to be more accurate and faithful to the actual dimensions of the objects if compared to the models created with the manual method. Computer programming proved to be a viable alternative to solve problems and overcome existing difficulties in tasks that could be arduous in conventional ways. Although it brings these benefits, automation is not something that works without an operator, and it should not be. The presence of a qualified professional to manage all phases and data of the process and guide the decisions that the programming codes will make is fundamental for the operation's success. Their experience in architecture, engineering, or construction is a determining factor for the BIM model created at the end of the process to be coherent and to meet all the required needs of the industry. The AEC industry is continually trying to optimize processes and reduce the time spent converting point clouds into BIM models, while also ensuring the geometric fidelity and accuracy of digital models in relation to pre-existing objects [19]. This investigation has revealed that there are promising paths to explore, such as the use of visual programming language tools to develop creative solutions that overcome the limitations of current BIM software. These algorithms, with their open and accessible language, allow users to modify them as desired to perform similar tasks with different characteristics. These codes serve as a preliminary step for further research and the development of strategies and alternatives that leverage the developed reasoning to create more robust and definitive tools.