Down to Earth Spring 2012 Machine Control Newsletter

Summer 2012 The Machine Control Newsletter from KOREC

Down to Earth this issue: nn KOREC launches Hands-On Operator Training nn New Trimble Releases nn Buckingham Group and the Connected Site nn KOREC Opinion - a market matures?

New Trimble Releases KOREC is delighted to announce the following new products in the Trimble Grade Control Systems, Site Positioning Systems and Software Solutions portfolios.

See us at Hillhead from June 19 - 21 on Stand W20

Trimble Grade Control Systems Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System v.12.2 Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System version 12.2 includes optimised performance for dozers with Trimble GradeMax™ technology and deeper integration into the Trimble Connected Site portfolio of solutions.

Trimble GradeMax technology optimises performance for dozers without adding additional sensors. With GradeMax, Trimble has doubled the update rate for GNSS data controlling blade movement. Faster data means smoother, more consistent control and rapid recovery of the dozer blade for higher quality grading at faster speeds, and in any material type. nnn Releases continued inside

“Hands-On” Hillhead Launch for KOREC / Trimble Machine Control Operator Training KOREC is delighted to announce that it will be using this year’s Hillhead Exhibition in June to launch the first of its hands-on Machine Control Training Courses.

The Trimble GCS900 Machine Control Training Course has been developed in collaboration with Trimble and will be a site based course aimed at Machine Operators.

In a move away from web based training, the course will be led on-site by a KOREC instructor to ensure a more robust training experience for Operators. This practical approach will allow those attending to see systems and machines first hand and in a context relevant to the way they work. The course will be predominantly hands-on and assessment, including a short written test paper, will be made in person by the trainer.

Hands-On...a more robust training experience for Operators

provide a registry of certified Trimble GCS Operators, both for the Operator’s benefit and the Contractor community. This KOREC / Trimble training collaboration will ensure that both the content and the delivery of all our Operator Training courses will be relevant and of a high quality.”

Brett Humphrys, Trimble Global Services General Manager, said, “By utilising their in-house Trimble Certified Trainer, KOREC is able to ensure that their course instruction meets the highest Trimble standards. We are pleased with KOREC’s leadership and initiative in creating this program and it is a reflection of their dedication to creating a more efficient and highly trained contractor community.” nnn

This KOREC/Trimble course has been developed to provide the Operator with proof of expertise on the Trimble GCS900 system and to provide the Contractor with a certified worker equipped to get the best out of a machine and capable of efficient correction of the type of issues that can cause down time on a site.

Oliver Brooks, KOREC Technical Director said, “We are launching this course because we feel there is a need to

Stop Press: Kelston Sparkes supplements machine control fleet with four GCS900 Dual GNSS systems and new SPS985 Rover for Environment Agency job in Somerset

Trimble Releases...

Software Notes Business Centre HCE version 2.60 released

Trimble Grade Control Systems continued...

Trimble GCSFlex with GPS Guidance The easy-to-use Trimble GCSFlex™ Grade Control System for excavators now offers an innovative new GPS guidance configuration. Users can create in-field designs in the cab and take advantage of GPS guidance in 2D model. The addition of GPS guidance extends the system’s functionality and allows a contractor to work faster and with more freedom than other traditional 2D laser-referenced grade control systems. nnn

Trimble Site Positioning Systems Trimble SPS985 GNSS Smart Antenna The ultra-rugged Trimble SPS985 GNSS Smart Antenna is the first Trimble GNSS receiver developed exclusively for the heavy civil construction industry. In additional to being extremely rugged, the SPS985 features a quick release connector and smartphone configuration, making it easy to deploy and use as a base station or rover, mounted on a range pole, an ATV or a truck.

Advanced communications including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional wideband radio are supported. nnn

SPS985 Trimble GNSS Smart Antenna

Trimble SPS855 GNSS Modular Receiver The SPS855 GNSS Modular Receiver is optimised for use as a permanent or semipermanent base station to provide GNSS corrections for site measurements and machine control. It can also serve as a rover, moving from a site supervisor truck to a pole mount for grade checking, site measurement and stakeout. nnn

SPS855 Trimble GNSS Smart Antenna

Create Surface Ties (batters) to any surface from any line

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‘Drive’ across 3D surfaces

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New Tunnelling module

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Import Layer information from PDF

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Map AutoCAD layers for Take-Off

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New Mass-Haul features

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More support for Photogrammetry and Point Clouds

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Optimised performance using Trimble GradeMax technology

Trimble GCSFlex now with GPS Guidance

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Support for SPS985 Smart Antenna

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New Tunnelling module

Trimble SCS900 Site Controller Software version 2.91 Trimble SCS900 Site Controller Software version 2.91 offers support for the Trimble SPS985 GNSS Smart Antenna and a new SCS900 Tunnelling Module. nnn

The software accepts standardised tunnel formats and users can enter data in a variety of ways. nnn

KOREC Opinion:

KOREC Recruitment

We have several positions available. For full details, please visit our careers section at: www.korecgroup.com/about-us Support and Installation Engineer - Machine Control - Scotland Machine Control Sales Consultant - South Construction Applications Engineer

Events

A market matures?

maintaining good operating profit.

Another area where we have seen increased adoption is in the rail industry where several projects are using machine control technology as standard. However, I believe that the UK still has some way to go and estimate that only 30% of all projects in the UK that would benefit from machine control actually use it.

Although this figure is undoubtedly on the increase, there is still an opinion that smaller projects simply cannot justify the investment needed for this technology and this is why the success of Ground Developments is so encouraging.

Machine ownership plays another significant part in the development of the technology in general and the UK has a much higher rental machine market than the rest of Europe.

Scandinavian countries, Holland, France and Germany all have higher machine control usage due to most contractors purchasing, rather than renting, their machines; a phenomenon I have yet to understand!

However, as I have said, the adoption of this technology is clearly increasing with 2011 being the highest growth for Trimble in the UK since the GCS platform was introduced. We are seeing a change in the reason for using machine control from being regarded as just a tool to solve the problem of ‘a difficult design to achieve with traditional methods’ to one that ‘just makes sense, to achieve better results, on time and in budget’.

Peter Brooks KOREC can back up Andrew’s opinion. 2011 was a significant year for us. Customer usage of machine control has grown significantly and I expect this trend to continue as a result of the following factors:

Progressive approach by Ground Developments

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VisionLink v2.40 now available

The new Business Center – HCE Corridor Tunnelling module offers contractors sophisticated tools to model tunnels with multiple layers all in the same alignment. Business Center – HCE tunnelling tools handle extremely complex design and measurement files, including multi-million point cloud files from LIDAR devices, and accommodate drilling and blasting operations.

This has certainly improved the data flow and the overall efficiencies on their sites and additionally, enabled them to become more competitive and reduce their bids whilst

Import additional file types and AutoCAD Blocks as symbols

SCS900 v2.91 released

Business Center - HCE version 2.60 includes enhanced takeoff and data preparation tools, point cloud support, a new Corridor Tunnelling module and additional mass haul functionality.

In terms of development and usage of machine control technology, I would put the UK somewhere in the middle of the pack in the EMEA region. We’ve seen recently that companies have taken a much more adoptive approach and consequently reaped the benefits of this change in their work process. Ground Developments (see KOREC on-line case study) is a great example. Although their project sizes would have some contractors holding back on the investment, Ground Developments has taken a progressive step to adopt both site positioning, software and machine control systems.

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Trimble SPS985 Smart Antenna now available

Business Center - HCE version 2.60

Andrew Caldwell

Exchange data between projects using new VCL file type

Trimble GCS900 v12.2 now available

Trimble Software Solutions

We asked Trimble’s Andrew Caldwell, Region Manager Trimble Heavy Civil Construction, and KOREC’s Pete Brooks, Machine Control Sales Manager, for their thoughts on the machine control market.

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Adoption by those outside the traditional road and rail sectors

Caulfield Contractors - drainage on M25 widening scheme

– Ground Developments is a perfect example of this as is Caulfield Contractors who successfully used machine control for a drainage contract on the high profile M25 scheme.

Competitive tendering - small contractors will become better placed in the market by using machine control technology to reduce their tender bid values. Machine Control can ensure that their values are realistic through material savings, lower fuel costs and a reduction in engineers on site.

Plug and Play – more and more ‘Trimble Ready’ machines are coming on to the market. The ease with which we can now arrange demonstrations and free trials on these machines means a higher take up of those prepared to take a look, first hand, at what this technology can offer.

Health and Safety - most important of all, contractors see machine control as key in increasing site safety. Separating men from machines is a vital aspect in this quest and a driving force within the market. nnn

The Machine Control Newsletter from KOREC

Customer story Buckingham Group - SNM940 Connected Site Gateway The last three years has seen machine control technology firmly established as the preferred way of working for earthworks contractors on major road and rail jobs. Machine control has finally taken off and we’re starting to see the familiar pattern of a technology reaching maturity and wider acceptance as those outside the ‘core’ users investigate what machine control technology can bring to their area of expertise whilst those familiar with the technology look to further its potential.

For those looking to increase their productivity still further, Trimble technology has plenty to offer. Trimble Business Centre (Heavy Construction Edition) software for the office is ideal for preparation and management of data for heavy civils and highway construction projects, with particular modules bringing substantial gains. Trimble’s Dwayne Rosie highlights one of them.

“The Takeoff Module allows a user to automatically build multiple construction surfaces (Subgrade, Finished Design, Topsoil Stripping etc) from a linework file by referencing a material library with user definable material depths of site improvements like building pads and topsoil stripping areas. Materials can have cost information associated with them so a construction project can be priced to determine an accurate bidding price. The material statistics; area, length, count, volume plus construction costs etc are then summarised in a report for revision and/or submission.

This saves time and mistakes by automating many parts of a manual process.”

UK users are also taking a closer look at Trimble’s SNM940 Connected Site Gateway. The Trimble SNM940 is the first communications solution that integrates grade control data communications, remote GNSS corrections and asset management into one, easy-to-use device. It is the premium ruggedised communications connection for the Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System, CCS900 Compaction Control System, and the VisionLink fleet and asset management solution. By bringing the office and the machine together in real-time, the SNM940 allows contractors to optimise asset productivity and reduce operational costs.

“This really is the gateway to the future, connecting all machines with the office, whether it’s for fleet management, wireless transfer of design data or 3D Project Management.” says Pete Brooks, Machine Control Sales Manager for KOREC. “Forward looking contractors are already asking us what the SNM940 can do for them and the Buckingham Group example below underlines the significant improvements in efficiency that can be achieved by working this way.”

Buckingham Group Buckingham Group is one of the fastest growing Land Regeneration, Construction and Rail Contractors in the UK and operates out of a Head Office near Silverstone.

The company is frequently involved in any number of nationwide projects at any one time, a circumstance which provided the perfect incentive to take a look at Trimble’s SNM940 Connected Site Gateway.

Mounted on heavy equipment, the SNM940 is the first communications system that integrates grade control data communications, remote GNSS data corrections and asset management into one, easy-to-use device.

It works by broadcasting corrections from a base station connected to the internet; these corrections are then received at the dozer via the SNM940 and 3G cellular connection. IBSS on a single base solution will give an accurate RTK solution of up to 10-15km.

Buckingham Group had already opted to use VRS with their Trimble machine control system, because there was no internet connectivity availability on the site. They therefore also used VRS for their SNM940 connectivity.

Whilst the SNM940 is a powerful asset and fleet management tool when used with Trimble’s VisionLink fleet, asset and site productivity management solution, the SNM940 is also designed to bring the office and the machine together with remote machine support and integrated data flows. It is this aspect of the system that Buckingham Group was particularly keen to utilise.

Buckingham Group Engineering Surveyor, Colin Sudds, explains, “I’ve recently been working on two sites remote to both my home and Buckingham’s head office in Silverstone. One job was based at Cadwell Park Racetrack in Louth near Skegness, the other in

Down to Earth | Summer 2012

The SNM940 can be added to any machine equipped with Trimble’s GCS900 system

Newton Le Willows in Merseyside which is the site we trialled the system on.”

“The SNM940 can be added to any machine equipped with Trimble’s GCS900 system* so we used it in conjunction with our existing dual GPS system on a CAT D6 Dozer. All we had to do was add the SNM940 which we used primarily to send out revision updates and design data at short notice. This is where the system really came into its own. For example, at Cadwell Park, the client came out at 5.30pm on a Friday night and based on what he saw, requested a change in the design. I was able to immediately update the design remotely and send it to the cab of the bulldozer where the driver, first thing on Saturday morning, was able to synchronize his data and begin work with the new design immediately. No time was lost on the job and because my presence was not required on the site there was no charge for overtime or travel expenses.

This is a significant saving, particularly considering that in the last few weeks I have made maybe four or five revisions to the design on various jobs. With cost saving in mind, we also opted to use a VRS system predominantly because it enabled our sites to work without the need of a local base station and a full time engineer to set up and pack up every day.”

Colin continues, “Of course this is a system that offers two way data flow and therefore allows me to download .log files and zsnap information with a view to fixing any malfunction, remotely. Whilst there has been an initial learning curve -the system was originally developed to

provide connectivity on large single sites but I required it to do the same job but on four or five different sites - we are now working with KOREC to develop a bespoke system that will deliver exactly what I’m looking for.

Undoubtedly, the main advantage of the SNM940 for Buckingham Group is that I now have the ability to rejig the design on any of my sites, at very short notice, all without leaving home which increases our efficiency and significantly cuts our costs.” nnn

Many thanks to Colin Sudds, Engineering Surveyor, Buckingham Group www.buckinghamgroup.co.uk

*The Connected Machine Trimble GCS900 v12.2 introduces a series of productivity enhancing features called the Connected Machine that keep data flowing, reduce downtime and drive productivity.

To enable the Connected Machine, Trimble has improved the usability of the Trimble SNM940 Connected Site Gateway.

Simplified configuration, redesigned software menus, and new Trimble Store ordering procedures make the SNM940 easier to set up, maintain and deploy across a contractor’s entire fleet.

To drive Connected Machine adoption with customers, the SNM940 will now be included as a standard component in all machine base kits from the factory. Every machine that is grade control ready is also Connected Site ready for wireless data sync, asset management, project tracking, and remote infrastructure. nnn

KOREC in Scotland

Hillhead

the trench. The GCSFlex system includes a CB450 control box and that’s proving a major selling point on this 2D system. We also had lots of interest in Cleveland Land Services’ mini grader fitted with Trimble’s GCS900 2D grade control system.

Brian Core. Based in Glasgow, Brian has extensive hands-on experience in his previous work as a site engineer.

Contact him at: brian.core@korecgroup.com

ScotPlant 2012

Looking after sales and hire of the full KOREC portfolio of Trimble 3D Machine Control and 2D Grade Control Systems and also Trimble’s Construction Site Positioning Systems, in Scotland and the North of England is

Events

Whilst England suffered another deluge, the KOREC team that attended ScotPlant on the 27th- 28th April in Edinburgh reports a double bonus of a busy stand and plenty of sunshine! “We were delighted to see so many existing and new customers over the three days,” said Brian. “Although we had a lot of interest in both Specra Precision’s Lasers and Total Stations, the main draw on the stand was definitely Trimble’s GCSFlex Grade Control System for excavators. We were seeing a number of contractors particularly keen to move to a system with an in cab display simply for the health and safety benefits of keeping a man out of

This year’s show takes place at Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton, Derbyshire, from June 19-21 2012. Our stand is located near to the Quarry Face Demonstration Zone, stand No. W20, and will feature our full range of Trimble Robotic Total Stations and GPS for the Heavy Civils sector as well as Trimble’s GCS900 system mounted on the UK’s smallest grader from Cleveland Land Services.

The mini grader fits through a 5 foot opening, making it suitable for grading inside commercial buildings, and has an outside turning radius of just 9 feet. nnn

Our experienced team of machine control experts will be available to demonstrate how companies have used Trimble technology to stop wasting time and money on their construction projects. We’ll also be on hand to discuss our new Trimble Certified Operator Courses.

For further details, please visit www.hillhead.com

Customer stories - Scotland Ground Developments A key story for KOREC and the subject of a recent feature in CES magazine, Scottish based Ground Developments also get a mention in this issue’s ‘Opinon’ piece for their enterprising use of machine control on a residential housing development. Ground Developments have recently purchased two Trimble Site Positioning Systems and two Trimble GCS900 dozer systems and perfectly illustrate how the systems can work together to deliver tangible benefits, even on a small site. The full story can be found at www. korecgroup.com/resources/case-studies

Celmisa Plant Hire Our second Scottish story is on Ian Johnston of Celmisa Plant Hire in Glasgow. Ian finds himself in an unusual position in that he is running one of the few plant hire companies north of the border prepared to hire out dozers fully equipped with machine control.

Following an invitation to a Trimble hosted event at CAT’s Malaga demonstration centre, Celmisa purchased an initial Trimble GCS900 dual GPS machine control system in May 2011 for use on a CAT D6N ARO dozer. This was followed by the hire, and then purchase, of a second system towards the end of the year. In the past 12 months these systems have been successfully deployed on three very different jobs.

Ian explains “Initially there was a reluctance to adopt machine control in Scotland and things have not taken off here at the same pace as in the UK. However the benefits on each of these three jobs speak for themselves. As our clients witness these advantages first hand, they are slowly but surely buying into the concept of machine control.”

Clyde Windfarm The consented £600m wind farm at Clyde is located between Biggar and Moffat and is divided by the M74 motorway. The site occupies approximately 47.5sq km of farmland and is one of the biggest of its kind in Europe. A Celmisa CAT D6N ARO equipped with the initial Trimble GCS900 system was used for earthworks, roads and the construction of hard stands for the turbines.

A base station with a booster to cover the whole site was used for corrections and shared with other contractors on site who were also using Trimble GPS rovers and machine control systems. “The savings here for the client were clear,” explains Ian. “When we arrived on site there were approximately ten engineers, each with a chainman and 4 wheel drive jeep but even this was not sufficient to keep the machines consistently busy. As the site moved over to machine control, the client was able to cut the number of engineers on site producing a huge saving.”

Ground Developments on the Cavalry Park Taylor Wimpey housing development

Edinburgh Trams Due to the successful adoption of machine control on the Clyde job, Celmisa offered a trial of a second Trimble GCS900 system to the Edinburgh Trams project via a hire through KOREC. The trial proved successful and the contractor, Farrans Construction, (part of the multinational consortium building the line, Bilfinger Berger and Siemens), commissioned the system leading to Celmisa converting the hire from KOREC to a purchase. The Edinburgh Trams project has been subject to several delays and cost over runs so it was key that the system delivered a high quality job.

Work was carried out over a 3 month period on a 1mile stretch of track from Edinburgh Airport to Gogar roundabout with the GCS900 system used for trimming the formation, type 1 and ballast. The job was completed on time and when Farrans Construction/Siemens checked the ballast after the first pass, it was passed immediately. Ian also reports that once again the client was able to reduce engineers on site.

SPS882 with SCS900 software from Balfour Plant to work in conjunction with the GCS900 systems on site “The GCS900 system has really come into its own on this job,” reports Ian. “Again we need just one engineer on site rather than three but the most important element for us is that we are entirely self-contained and self-sufficient and we have no men on the ground. The banksman has been completely taken out of the equation which has huge health and safety benefits.” This was also noted by the HSE when they visited the project and found not one man on the ground, during Bulk Earthworks. nnn

Bothwellhaugh Cemetery Celmisa is currently supplying both systems and a base station for use on the construction of a new £3.2 million cemetery on a 10 hectare site near Motherwell. Balfour Raynesway, also working on the project, has hired a Trimble

Celmisa at Bothwellhaugh Cemetery

Contact us: Please do get in touch for further information on any of the products or services mentioned in Down to Earth, a demonstration, support or just a chat about your requirements.

T: 0845 603 1214 E: info@korecgroup.com www.korecgroup.com