GPS MACHINE CONTROL MODELING
The Role of GPS Machine Control in Modern Construction
GPS machine control consists of instruments that provide machine operators with data on equipment positioning, like bucket and blade positioning and desired grades. Common devices include lasers, sonic equipment, total stations, and particularly advanced GPS modeling systems.
Machine control models are driven by signals from GPS modeling and GNSS, which are similar to those used in consumer devices but tailored for construction operations. Technology in machine control modeling utilizes on-site base stations to contrast signal data, ensuring equipment operates in tandem with the prepared 3D model machine control plans for precise grading.
Enhanced precision from GPS machine control modeling and base stations allows in-field machines to execute tasks at exact coordinates efficiently, minimizing manual stake placements, and saving valuable resources.
Applications of GPS Modeling in Heavy Machinery Operation
Sensor technology has paralleled advances in vehicle safety, and similarly, GPS modeling technology has ushered in marked improvements across a range of heavy machinery. The adoption of 3D model machine control is on track to become an industry norm, with numerous manufacturers pre-wiring equipment for this technology.
Applications of GPS machine control modeling include:
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Paving: Utilizing machine control models for automated steering and planning enhances precision in paving procedures.
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Dozing: Implementing machine control modeling augments site safety and enables precise dozing, grading, and scraping.
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Excavating: Machine control modeling services support excavators in maintaining correct positional relations for consistent digging accuracy.
3D and GPS Machine Control Modeling Services
The benefits of machine control are what make this breakthrough in earthwork machinery so popular. When carried out correctly — in conjunction with high-quality 3D machine control models — it typically provides the following advantages:
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Increases heavy-duty machine efficiency and productivity.
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Decreases operating expenses such as fuel, repair and maintenance costs.
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Reduces raw materials costs by using them more effectively.
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Lowers surveying costs by eliminating ongoing grade checking.
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Reduces labor costs by increasing individual worker efficiency.
Of course, for any machine control project to be successful, the 3D model it’s working off of must be accurate and complete. That’s why more and more construction companies are turning to 3D machine control modeling services for their machine control and surface data projects.
What role do I play?
Often, the role I play is simply a quick format change from the file the engineer gives the contractor to the format that the contractor's equipment uses. HOWEVER,
Your engineer's surfaces are OFTEN full of mistakes and glitches in the surface that will piss off your operators and provide tragic results in productivity! I am very experienced at detecting these and fixing them to give the engineered intent from the plans and specifications which will translate into a smooth gradable surface with no spikes or strange unintended triangulation.
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I can also sort through your engineer's drawing files to filter the linework you don't need, and create any missing linework you do need. I organize these layers and color coordinate them in a way that can add extra useful information to your operators in the 2d map view.
What do I charge?
The cost for every project is different, there are many variables such as
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Surface Creations or Modifications
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Linework Creation Editing or Filtering
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Total Project Area
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Geometric Complexity
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Project Models can range from $300 - $30,000, with the average for my clients being about $1500-$4000 per quality project.
Engineer's Provided Surface
Engineer's surfaces are typically full of flags where more than one elevation is given for one point, causing confusion for your equipment, and the ultimate frustration for your operators. I will fix this!
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Triangulation is off, breaklines are not straight, and your equipment will bug out when the grades unexpectedly change. This is not what the engineer intends, it's just the best they can do.
Progradecontrol Improved Surface
After improvements, zero surface flags, all elevations match the design, smooth triangulation with even slopes and straight breaklines.
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The engineer's intention.
Pre-Stormsewer Installation
Pre Stormwater Installation. Water flows to ditches and retention pond above ground.
If your projects have phases I can easily keep ahead of your workers. Save money with proper drainage and come back to complete your project after your underground is installed.
Post-StormSewer Changes
Post Stormwater Installation. Water flows to curb inlets.