Ad
Tuesday, October 21, 2025

PERI 3D laser scanning perfect for world famous church

ADVERTISEMENT

Ulm Minster in Germany has benefited from 3D laser scanning as part of ongoing restoration work involving both Formwork Scaffolding Engineering and PERI Ltd in Rugby.

Their German subsidiary PERI Systems utilised the technique to measure the interior and transfer of the 3D building model into PERI CAD as the basis for the scaffold planning.

PERI CAD is a state of the art professional tool used by experienced CAD professionals for a wide range of tasks in formwork and scaffolding planning. This includes simple ground plans with standard systems through to solutions for complex civil engineering structures.

The Minster, of course, has the highest church spire in the world proudly standing 161.53 metres high. It also carries a 29 metre long, 15 metres wide and 26-metre high choir.

Many refer to this impressive structure as Ulm Cathedral because of its huge size, but it has never been the seat of a bishop. It’s a Lutheran church located in Ulm, State of Baden-Württemberg.

It’s no stranger to breaking records. For example, Its capacity to accommodate 20,000 people greatly exceeded the size of the population at the time the church was founded. It’s the 5th tallest structure built before the 20th century.

The towers and decorative elements are of stone masonry, most of the walls, however, including the façades of the nave and choir, actually consist of visible brick. For this reason, Ulm Minster is sometimes referred to as a brick church.

PERI CAD
The interior was measured without any as-built plans using 3D laser scanning and this was transferred into a 3D building model – providing the basis for the scaffold planning with PERI CAD. (Graphic: PERI GmbH)

Communications Executive Jinal Kinsara told us: “PERI systems are currently assisting with the extensive renovation work on the vaulted ceiling and the choir stalls as part of the restoration of the main tower and the north-east, 86 metre high choir tower. It may not be a UK project, but it’s a great example of the benefits this sort of technology can offer a project. What makes it relevant is that this solution could also be used on our UK projects.”

You can see quite clearly how the scaffolding fits the church perfectly enabling essential works to be carried out both safely and efficiently. Drone technology has also been used so the church can be viewed from all angles.

There are an incredible 768 steps to the top of the minster’s spire. The third gallery, or final stairwell to the top, spirals so much there’s little room for one person. But for anyone reaching the summit, they can expect a panoramic view of Ulm, Neu-Ulm in Bavaria and, in clear weather, a vista of the Alps.

The concept of 3D laser scanning has enabled a wonderful piece of historical architecture to gain a new lease of life. It seems certain this valuable scaffolding tool will be used more here in the UK. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

Scaffolding firm hits back at €9.2 million lawsuit claims

The CEO of Global Scaffolders UAB has defended the company’s labour practices after Sweden’s construction union Byggnads filed a €9.2 million lawsuit alleging wage...

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of the scaffolding industry’s true pioneers by renaming its Birmingham headquarters Daniel House, honouring Daniel Palmer-Jones,...

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to find legal parking near job sites, forcing some to turn down work and absorb rising...

Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects

The government has announced new measures to “break through planning barriers” by giving ministers expanded powers to intervene in major projects delayed or rejected...

ScaffFloat innovation takes floating access to new depths in Africa

ScaffFloat has once again pushed the boundaries of marine access engineering with a bespoke hoistable pontoon system designed to support pile maintenance on a...

CISRS appoints academic leader to steer quality and standards

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has appointed Professor David Wooff JP as the first chair of its newly established Quality Assurance Committee...

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to take a fresh look at onboard weighing systems as the industry works to cut down...

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing major cladding remediation works to meet updated fire safety standards, with a blended scaffolding solution...

Midland Scaffolding staff go the distance in charity challenge for Poppy

Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) has raised an impressive £20,000 for Caudwell Children after completing a gruelling ultra-marathon challenge from Birmingham to Northampton. The event named...

AT-PAC names new UK MD as ScaffEx25 showcases national ambitions

After unveiling a wave of new systems at Bauma 2025, AT-PAC used ScaffEx25 in Manchester to shift focus closer to home, demonstrating its UK...

Latest news

ADVERTISEMENT

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of...

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to...

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to...

Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects

The government has announced new measures to “break through...

Related articles

Brogan Group acquires Sunbelt Rentals UK hoist division

Brogan Group has announced the acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals UK’s hoist division in a deal that significantly expands its operations and fleet across the country. The agreement includes Sunbelt’s entire hoist fleet, associated equipment,...
ADVERTISEMENTS

Latest topics

Brogan Group acquires Sunbelt Rentals UK hoist division

Brogan Group has announced the acquisition of Sunbelt Rentals...

Scaffolding firm hits back at €9.2 million lawsuit claims

The CEO of Global Scaffolders UAB has defended the...

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of...

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to...
ADVERTISEMENTS