What is Automated Machine Control?
Automated Machine Control equipment such as GPS grade control has allowed contractors to provide their operators the same data as the designers and surveyors have. This allows the operator to visualize the job and complete it better and faster. Also, machine control has eliminated much of the need for field stakeout. In many cases contractors can work without stakes being set, which allows additional time and cost savings. Contractors now expect the designer to provide surveyors with digital files which can be converted to machine control files for use on their equipment.
Often design files cannot be used for building a project without significant editing and refinement. A notable amount of computations may be required to optimize the basic design file to where it can be used as a guide for construction. Also a control network must be established and a site calibration performed to control the GPS units carried on the equipment. This system must be maintained to optimal performance of construction equipment.
CESI can provide this service as well as perform quality control check surveys periodically to provide assurance that the machine control is performing to the specifications of the particular project. The demands of this type of system require a surveyor that can interpret, compute and refine the design files from a variety of sources to be used in the control of grading and construction equipment.
CESI can serve as a liaison between the design engineer and contractor to overcome design or site issues and respond quickly to changes or refinements to the project, getting them in the hands of the operators building the project. In addition, we can provide the GPS control network, performing site calibrations and executing quality control surveys.
CESI’s ability to perform all these functions and provide surveys for the portions of the project which machine control technology cannot provide make us a top choice for your project.
Machine Control Uses
- GPS Control Network and Site Calibration
- Computations to optimize design files for use in machine control
- Incorporation of design revisions into machine control files
- Setup of machine control equipment onsite and monitoring
- Quality control check surveys
- Liaison between design engineer and contractor
- Supplemental construction surveys