Case Study
Audrey Headframe,
Jarome, Arizona
The Objective
Line and Circle conducted a digital documentation project for the historic Audrey Headframe in Jerome, Arizona
The work was executed in two phases:
1. 3D terrestrial laser (LiDAR) scanning of the timber-metal headframe structure
2. As-built documentation of structural elements, including timber members and metal fastening plates
Challenges
- The structure was unsafe for physical access, preventing close-range scanning
- The site is exposed and elevated (over 56 feet), with no shade or sun protection during summer scanning conditions
- Timber elements exhibited significant torsion, deformation, and weathering—complicating both scanning and texturing
- The headframe’s atypical industrial geometry presented challenges in translating point cloud data into conventional architectural/structural documentation formats
Our Approach
- Employed high-accuracy terrestrial LiDAR scanning to capture the structure’s current condition with 1/8” precision
- Developed a detailed, high-resolution point cloud as the foundation for documentation
- Produced RGB-textured, high-definition orthographic images to support drawing production and analysis
Historical Context
Constructed in the 1920s to support copper mining operations, the Audrey Headframe is a rare surviving example of early 20th-century timber-framed industrial infrastructure. It stands as one of the few remaining headframes of its kind in the region.
Learn more about the Audrey Headframe
Results
A complete 3D digital scan of the headframe
structure, including accurate geometries of both
timber and metal components
As-built documentation suitable for reverse
engineering and selective restoration of
deteriorated structural elements
CAD-based documentation of structural timber
members and fastening plates, generated with
shop drawing-level precision
A future-proof digital baseline to support
disassembly and potential reconstruction with
reference to original structural dimensions
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To have a copy of the PDF’s generated from
this project, contact our team today and we will send those out to you!
3D Laser Scan: Audrey Headframe
This is an animation of the scan data.