College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Architectural Engineering
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor
Megan Hanson, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Architectural Engineering Department
Additional Advisors
Elijah Labb, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Architectural Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
Poly Canyon serves as a living laboratory that reflects Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy through a collection of student-designed and student-constructed structures. Among these is Fratessa Tower, a reinforced concrete observation tower distinguished by its tripod support system, cable-suspended observation deck, and steel spiral staircase. The tower’s unconventional geometry and exposed structural system present unique challenges for documentation, making it well suited for evaluating modern reality-capture and modeling techniques.
This project focused on creating an accurate as-built Building Information Model (BIM) of Fratessa Tower using LiDAR-based scanning, field verification, and Autodesk Revit. Point cloud data were processed to reconstruct the structure and generate a set of as-built construction drawings representing its current condition. The resulting digital model preserves critical information about the tower’s geometry and structural configuration, providing a valuable resource for future maintenance, preservation, and engineering analysis. Additionally, the project demonstrates the application of Scan-to-BIM methodologies for documenting complex existing structures and contributes to the long-term preservation of engineering knowledge associated with Poly Canyon.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/arcesp/259