Technology can propel projects forward, but without the proper execution can cause more trouble than its worth. Discover how V3 maximizes GPS guided construction equipment benefits by balancing hands-on expertise with cutting-edge tools.
What is GPS guided construction equipment?
GPS and Total Station guided heavy equipment is a technology that can expedite construction programs and support onsite surveyors and crew members. This specialized equipment can be used for a variety of project sizes and goals, from grading and utility trenching to roadwork. GPS tracking devices can be attached to earthwork equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and graders as well as survey and measurement tools, adding an extra level of control and accuracy during use.
Benefits of GPS guided construction equipment include:
- Enhanced safety: Tapping into real-time location data gives crew members a clear view of potential obstacles and areas to avoid while equipment is in use.
- Reduced survey costs: On large grading projects, time-consuming conventional survey methods can add noticeable costs to a project. With GPS guided equipment, only a fraction of the construction staking hours are required.
- Increased productivity: Guided equipment allows for precise movements and positioning, keeping projects moving forward at an efficient pace.
- Reduced construction costs: Because of the increased productivity and less down time, contractors are able to price grading work more competitively, resulting in lower construction costs for project owners.
While the initial benefits of GPS guided construction equipment are easy to see, their implementation does require special attention. Guided equipment can only be as good as the data that is programmed into it, including the survey control network that is used to guide it. Human error when preparing data or setting up the network can be more difficult to catch as the Surveyor or Construction Engineer has less control over how the data is being interpreted in the field.
In addition, if design surfaces are transferred directly from the design consultant to the contractor, they may not be perfectly ready for construction. Early errors caused can result in costly rework if not caught in time.
What to expect from Construction Engineers on projects using GPS guided heavy equipment
In order to fully take advantage of GPS guided equipment benefits while avoiding potential risks, it’s important to partner with Construction Engineers and Surveyors who are well versed in the intricacies of this technology.
At V3, our team has developed thorough and time-tested best practices for this specialized technology.
When contractors use GPS guided construction equipment, V3 can:
- Perform quality assurance reviews of contractors’ digital files to ensure their data matches our design intent. Double checking these measurements and plans minimizes future errors.
- Build digital surface models in-house for the contractor to use during grading. This crucial step provides more control and accountability over what data is entered into the equipment. Though it is an upfront cost, we’ve found it more than offsets the survey costs if we perform construction layout with more conventional methods.
- Send our field staff to work side-by-side with contractors to ensure their survey control is adequate and that the grades shown in the equipment match our design intent.
Work with V3’s Construction Engineering experts
Pairing the latest technology with field-tested expertise helps V3’s Construction Engineering deliver complex projects that transform communities. Connect with our team to learn more.