Landfill Grading Using GPS Machine Control NC SWANA April 2018 Presented by: Bernie Garrett, PE Garrett & Moore Inc. & Gabe Leach Cooper Barnette & Page Inc. 1
Purpose Work flow processes used by Engineers, Surveyors, and Contractors to construct landfill base grades using GPS Machine Control Technology 2
Background Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have evolved in recent years to the point where reliability and accuracy of GPS is utilized to control construction equipment used for grading CADD programs utilized by Engineers have capabilities to efficiently develop 3-D models of grading plans. 3
Engineer: Autodesk: Civil 3D Bentley: Microstation Trimble: Terramodel Software Programs Surveyor: Trimble: Trimble Business Center Hexagon Geosystems: LEICA Geosystems Topcon Positioning Systems: Geo-positioning Module Autodesk: Civil 3D/Trimble Link Contractor Trimble: Trimble Business Center Hexagon Geosystems: LEICA Machine Control Topcon Positioning Systems: Machine Control Module 4
Work Flow Engineering Design Permit Drawings: Prepared for the full build-out of a Landfill Approved by a Regulatory Agency Grading plans are lines on paper Construction Drawings: Depict a phase of landfill construction; not the entire landfill. Incorporate phase specific features, such as erosion control measures, interim anchor trench/berm, and interim access roads. 5
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Work Flow with Contours as Engineer s Grading Plan Data Engineer Contractor Surveyor Exports Contours in.dwg format Contours in.dwg format Contours in.dwg format QC/Approval of 3-D Model versus Engineer s Contours Checks 3-D Model versus Engineer s Contours Builds a 3-D Model in a Trimble format Creates a Trimble file (.ttm) Loads.ttm file into Operators Computer 10
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Work Flow with 3-D Model as Engineer s Grading Plan Data Engineer Contractor Surveyor Creates a Trimble file (.ttm) Checks.ttm file versus Engineer s Contours Loads.ttm file into Operators Computer 12
Work Flow Contractor Coordination with Surveyor: Surveyor establishes and accurately measures a network of Control Points that surround the limits of work. Collected data is post processed and sent to contractor. 13
Surveyed Control Points 14
Site Calibration A Base Station is installed on the job site and calibrated based on the data collected from surveyor. -Site Calibration is required to define a relationship between global and local coordinate systems. -Precision of the calibration is crucial as it will directly relate to the projects overall accuracy. 15
CAD Data Import Office Data Prep CAD data from the design engineer is imported and organized according to scope of work. All CAD data is compared to the official Construction Drawings. Once the CAD files are verified Digital Terrain Models are built to represent the Construction Drawings. 16
3D Surface Model -Once complete, the surface is reviewed in 3D space. -After confirmation that the surface is error free and conforms to the Official Construction Drawings the files are exported for use in the field. 17
Field QA/QC Checks -Dozer and Excavators are measured for blade or bucket wear and verified accurate before and during the project. -Benchmarks are installed on-site and operators check elevations on them daily before beginning work. -Small test pad graded to a known elevation for certifying surveyor to check. This will insure our equipment is set up accurately and the grades we provide will meet the certification plan. 18
Machine Control Once imported to the machines control box the operator can see exactly where he is on the project and how much cut or fill is required. 19
Why Do We Use Machine Control? Gives us a technical edge over our competitors. Saves time and resources on the job. Decreased stakeout work by up to 90% Eliminates reworked areas to meet certification grades. Increase productivity Decreased material handling and material waste. Decreases operator fatigue. Increased accuracy. Grades can be met the first time accurately and efficiently. 20
Grade Control Equipped Excavator 21
Grade Control Equipped Dozer 22
Technical Abilities Required for GPS Manager High level computer skills for managing and organizing multiple file types over multiple job sites. Proficiency with AutoCAD software. Take-Offs for bids. Surface creation and export once job is awarded. Assist with material quantity updates for production studies throughout the job. Solid understanding of heavy construction equipment and practices. 23
Technical Abilities Required for GPS Manager Basic knowledge of Survey principals for Site Calibration, Topos, and Stakeouts as needed. Extensive knowledge of GPS components installed on machines for maintenance, repair, and operator training. 24
Summary Landfill Owners Be certain that your Engineer, Surveyor, and Contractor are all utilizing the best technology available. 25