Construction Equipment Guide
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Wed August 08, 2001 - Southeast Edition
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that has spread beyond its original intent, now aiding in everything from dispatching ambulances to helping Batman find his way home.
GPS is having one of its largest impacts on the construction industry. “GPS and robotic control systems are revolutionizing the way construction is done,” said Joe McNamara, regional manager of Spectra Integrated Systems, headquartered in Charlotte, NC.
McNamara was responsible for presenting this technology to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the North Carolina chapter of Associated General Contractors.
“[The NCDOT] is slightly ahead of the contractors,” said McNamara. “But we want contractors to know that this new technology is out there for the construction industry.”
The technology has been implemented by NCDOT, which currently has control system units in each of its 14 districts.
The NCDOT has been using the Trimble GPS for approximately two and a half years, starting when a unit was purchased for the Manteo Bridge project on the Outer Banks.
“Our location survey unit has been using the GPS, and we like the flexibility it offers in our crew sizes,” said Bill Moyer of NCDOT. “It’s getting harder and harder to find people with the desire and ability to do traditional grading. GPS provides us with an option.”
Two other projects where NCDOT utilized the GPS systems are the Greensboro Outer Loop project on Interstate 85, and the Wilmington Bypass. Moyer added that the technology was specifically purchased for these and the Manteo projects.
Regardless of NCDOTs “head start,” many contractors are taking advantage of this technology.
Crowder Construction, a 54-year-old firm in Charlotte, NC, has been using the Trimble GPS system for about six months. “It was a good starting point for us,” said Mark Sowards of Crowder.
The company utilizes the technology on rough grading and mass grading projects in order to cut down on survey time, according to Sowards.
“It’s doing a good job,” said Sowards. “The more we learn about the system, the more we will be able to do with it.”
Trimble and Spectra-Precision offer grade control systems such as the SiteVision GPS and BladePro 3D.
Grade control systems electronically display site plans and GPS information on a monitor that allow operators to compare design, grade and alignment from inside the cab.
The information guides operators through embankments, cuts and fills, and road alignments with very little assistance from grade setters and stakes. Because of this technology, grades can be completed faster, more efficiently and more accurately.
3D automatic grade control systems let the operator manage roads, super elevations and complex site designs.
This technology could even eliminate the need for a crew, with the exception of the operator. “All equipment will be driven by robotic or GPS systems,” said Sowards.
As for the future, NCDOT is looking forward to expanding on this technology with the arrival of Virtual Reference Station (VRS).
“We are anticipating VRS that will be in place on a beta test in the next six months,” said Moyer. “Instead of using the 28 rovers and 28 collectors, there will be permanent stations. That will allow us to double our capacity.”
Spectra Integrated Systems’ North Carolina operation started in 1987 with stores in Charlotte and Greensboro. Spectra specializes in machine control, software, survey and GPS, representing Trimble/Spectra Precision.