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When you ask people about the applications of GPS most think of their SatNav system and cannot think of any others. Earthworks contractors have been the one of the exceptions to this rule and grabbed the potential of using GPS with both hands. The application of GPS technology in machine guidance has well and truly pushed the industry into the 21st century.

The use of Three Dimensional Automatic Systems has grown significantly over the last couple of years. Most large construction sites can benefit enormously from using a 3D GNSS based system, especially if there are several changes in the elevation or cross fall on the site. An Accurate Digital Terrain Model is required. Once the Digital Terrain Model had been loaded in to the control box in the cab, via a Compact Flash card and a ‘fixed’ GNSS position has been obtained, the operator knows exactly where the blade or bucket position is in relation to the design in X, Y and Z. He may then set he system to cut at a desired level, and with the flick of a switch can drive without having to make any adjustments to the blade.

Positional updates are sent to the blade up to 20 times per second and will accurately correct the level and Cross fall of the blade.

The use of GPS and Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) ensures maximum productivity and lack of downtime due to poor satellite coverage. Complex surface grading becomes easy and entirely automatic, with the jobsite theoretically becoming a ‘pegless‘ environment as all of the grading data is now on board the machine.

Placing grade information stakes, which are often destroyed or knocked over, has been necessary until now. With the combination of GNSS Positioning and Digital Terrain Models, the machine operatives can see themselves moving on the site plan in real time, with cut/fill information constantly displayed anywhere on the site. This gives operatives much more information than previously derived from stakes. Grading is performed with one pass of a machine to highly accurate tolerances.

Health & Safety Benefits

A reduction of interaction of operatives and plant in a dynamic environment substantially reduces the risk of an accident. Further benefits are achieved in trenching activities where operatives are not required within the trench to determine depth.

Increased Productivity

Allows operators to be self directing, and hence increased productivity as operative becomes more empowered.

Reduces layout and staking support

Reduces the need for setting out so that engineers can be better utilised on other tasks.

Promotes efficiency and accuracy

The GPS system ensures that setting out can be performed with greater accuracy. The resulting ‘right first time’ reduces fuel costs and reduces the project carbon footprint.

Increases machine utilisation

Machines are utilised more efficiently by eliminating standing times as all the setting out information is now available onboard and the operator no longer requires any setting out information from the engineers.

Reduces ground personnel

Reduction in manpower for checking grades, and so greater productivity.

Download GPS Machine Control Brochure