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A Guide to Laser Scanning in Construction

As a construction professional, one of your main priorities is to enhance your project workflows while streamlining site operations. Laser scanning technology can help you achieve this, but only when done correctly. This guide to construction laser scanning explains how to implement it, the benefits, and some of the challenges you may encounter. By the end of this article, you should be clear on how to make the most of this incredible game-changer in the construction industry. What Is Laser Scanning in Construction? Laser scanning in construction projects, or high-definition surveying (HDS), is a new approach to surveying and gathering accurate site data. It uses light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology to emit a laser beam that sweeps across the target area and captures precise distance measurements. For example, let's say you're working on a new project and need accurate site measurements to design a new building. Instead of manually surveying and measuring the site, you can use a laser scanner to get your measurements. This scanner will capture detailed data points about the surroundings and existing structures. Armed with this information, your team can create three-dimensional (3D) models, which can help the engineers, architects, and project managers as they begin working on the site. Key Applications You can use laser scanning in various stages and applications of a construction project: Site analysis and surveying: At the beginning of a project, laser scanning can be used to perform a detailed site analysis. This information can help your team understand existing site conditions and limitations. Construction progress monitoring: Project managers can use laser scanning to track progress at various project stages. By conducting frequent scans, they can quickly identify any challenges, track milestones, and ensure the team remains on track. As-built documentation and maintenance: This helps the construction team create a permanent record of as-built conditions post-construction. This information can be valuable for future maintenance or facility management. Quality assurance and compliance: Laser scanning can help ensure that your team meets building codes and regulations by assisting you in verifying that the construction work complies with the approved plans. Design and planning: With laser scanning, you can create detailed 3D models of the site and help your team of engineers and architects with the design and planning phase of the project. Benefits of Laser Scanning in Construction Laser scanning technology can be a significant game-changer for any construction project because this approach has many incredible advantages. Improved Accuracy Laser scanning offers accurate measurements and detailed 3D models of sites. This technology can help reduce human errors and ensure precise project documentation. With this information, the engineers, architects, and project managers can move ahead with project planning armed with the exact dimensions and conditions of the site. Quality Control Laser scanning allows you to conduct regular scans and compare data with the design models. This is an efficient way to get real-time information and compare the construction's progress against the original plans so you can meet quality standards and design specifications. Collaboration Collaboration is a key component in a successful construction project. Engineers, architects, project managers, and other team members must communicate effectively and remain on the same page at every step. Laser scanning technologies can offer your team effective communication and collaboration tools by providing detailed models and data that the team can easily share and access. Enhanced Efficiency What happens when you get rid of manual measurements that can be time-consuming? Or capture essential site data within hours (even minutes)? You get to accelerate project timelines and enable faster decision-making. Laser scanning technology can help streamline many data capturing and processing components, ultimately reducing the time and labor needed for measurements, site surveys, and documentation. How to Start Implementing Laser Scanning in Construction Construction laser scanning comes with many benefits, but knowing how to effectively implement this technology is essential. Follow these tips: 1. Assess Your Needs The first step is evaluating your current or future projects. Understanding what you will get from the technology can help you assess whether it is worth the investment. 2. Select the Right Laser Scanner There are many laser scanners available in the market. How do you know which is right for you and your construction needs? Here are a few things you'll need to consider: Accuracy and precision: Look for scanners that provide high accuracy and precision levels so you can get detailed and reliable measurements every time. For example, Topcon's levels, theodolites, and rotary lasers provide accurate measurements for jobsite layout, grade checks, readouts, and angle accuracies. Portability: Consider a portable and easy-to-use laser scanner that can be maneuvered in tight spaces or challenging sites. Scanning range and speed: Evaluate the scanner's range and speed. On large-scale sites, you may need a scanner with an extended scanning range and fast data-capture abilities. 3. Train Your Team Proper training ensures that your team operates the laser scanning equipment effectively and interprets the data accurately to use it to their advantage. Consider enrolling relevant team members in training programs or hiring professionals with laser scanning technology experience to help you maximize your new investment. 4. Plan the Implementation Implementing laser scanning technology into your project workflows requires proper planning. You need to sit with key team members to define essential aspects, such as how you will use the technology and who will operate it. You also need to establish specific use cases so everyone remains on the same page about how you will use the laser scanner moving forward. 5. Integrate Laser Scanning Into Existing Workflows We're well into the digital age, and there's a good chance that you already have a few technologies or applications that you're using for your project. Integrating your new laser scanning technology into your existing project workflows is essential as this can help streamline processes and ensure that the data captured will integrate seamlessly into your workflows. Common Laser Scanning Challenges While laser scanning offers many advantages for the construction industry, there are a few challenges to take note of: Training and expertise: Without proper training, your operators may struggle to capture data accurately, leading to inaccurate models. Adequate training and skills development are key components in successfully implementing laser scanning technology. Site-specific conditions: Sometimes, a site might offer challenging environmental conditions, complex structures, or weather, which can all impact the accuracy of the scanning. Through training, operators must understand how to use the scanners in unfavorable conditions to continue getting accurate results. Data processing and integration: Managing and integrating large volumes of data from the scanner can be initially overwhelming, especially on projects with multiple scans or complex structures. Reaching out to reliable experts to help you navigate these challenges ensures that your team gets the most out of your investment. Take Your Projects to the Next Level With Dobbs Positioning Solutions If you're looking for a solution to streamline your data capturing and 3D modeling, Dobbs Positioning Solutions can help. We provide laser scanning solutions for land surveying, site construction, infrastructure building, design, civil engineering, and more. If you're ready to get started, contact our team today to learn more about elevating your next construction project.

How Machine Control Enhances Project Accuracy and Reduces Waste in Construction

Machine control has evolved greatly since its introduction in the 1990s, and it's placed added emphasis on the role of precision in improving construction accuracy. With such advanced solutions at your disposal, why rely on outdated methods and unnecessary manual work? This guide will explain everything you need to know about construction project management and machine control systems. Understanding Machine Control Technology Machine control is a combined system of hardware and software that helps operators accurately determine the machine's position relative to the work surface. This positioning assistance enables the operator to more precisely move the equipment in accordance with the project requirements. For example, an operator might load the project's design into their machine to determine whether they are staying within the appropriate measurements. Design data is typically accessible via physical memory sticks or a cloud-based file-sharing system, depending on the specific tool you use and your fleet's general capabilities. 2D Machine Control A 2D machine control system creates a two-dimensional image of the job site, allowing operators to gauge their equipment's position in relation to the surface and other important objects more accurately. These systems are better suited to less complex projects, such as basic slopes and pads. They also tend to be more cost-efficient due to their simple design. 2D machine control systems include the following parts: Sonic sensors: Electronic devices that measure distances and equipment positioning using sound waves. Laser receivers: A sensor that detects hidden laser beams during laser leveling and similar operations. Rotary lasers: A device that projects and rotates a laser at high speeds to create a 360-degree line in any direction. You can also add 2D technologies to a 3D system to increase your flexibility when approaching new jobs. 3D Machine Control Construction crews looking for additional assistance on complex jobsites will need a system with more features than its 2D counterpart. A 3D system includes all the capabilities of a 2D system with more advanced capabilities, enabling operators to handle more difficult jobs with ease. The key components of 3D machine control are: Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities Lasers Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) connectivity Robotic total station systems These systems can also include GNSS enhancements, like mmGPS systems, for additional directional functionality. Construction Applications for Machine Control Since this technology has been in use for decades, it has clear applications in various industries beyond construction. Machine control systems are excellent tools for various construction tasks, including but not limited to: Surface preparation: Automation can help operators grade a surface without error by stopping the machine when the appropriate grade is reached, preventing unnecessary extra work. Earthmoving: You can attach machine control sensors and laser receivers to an excavator and automatically dig to the appropriate depth without any additional hassle. Paving: Whether you're paving a road or a parking lot, automated systems like machine control help to ensure you apply a consistent layer of asphalt along the surface to be paved. Benefits of Machine Control in Construction Projects Some of the most significant benefits of construction automation and guidance systems include: Improved precision and accuracy: Globally, 52% of all construction rework is the result of bad data and miscommunications. Data-driven heavy equipment automation and sensors in machine control systems work together to ensure your work stays within the appropriate measurements. Increased efficiency: More precise work can eliminate the need for rework, enhancing construction site efficiency and enabling you to minimize the cost of consumables. Reduced waste: By preventing mistakes, machine control can help your company improve waste reduction in construction projects and raise work quality. Cost savings: You can integrate most machine control technologies directly into your existing machines, which reduces your need to buy all-new equipment just to access the latest tech. Enhanced safety: Sensors and GPS data provide greater visibility into the machine's position on the jobsite, limiting the risk of serious miscalculations. How to Integrate Machine Control Systems Into Your Projects In most situations, you'll follow this process to successfully implement heavy equipment automation into your fleet: 1. Choose the Right Tools Does your application call for simple 2D guidance, or do you need advanced 3D machine automation? Consider what the most work-intensive area of your jobsite is, and how you can address it with the tools that are available to you. If you're unsure about what you need, your equipment provider will be there for you. Consulting with the experts at your nearest construction technology branch can help you pinpoint the solutions that will best fit your specifications. 2. Train Your Team Training is a critical component of every technology implementation because it ensures your employees understand how to use the equipment to its highest potential. Depending on what is offered and your schedule, you can hold training sessions either on your site or at a third-party location. An equipment dealer that provides training services for your staff improves your likelihood of generating a faster return on investment (ROI) and keeps jobsite safety high. They can provide your team with comprehensive tips and strategies about how to use their equipment. 3. Building a Long-Term Strategy The most important part of a successful machine control implementation is ensuring your investment will provide ongoing benefits to your company. Creating an effective long-term strategy is key. Some important considerations to make include: Clearly define goals: First, outline the specific objectives you wish to reach by implementing machine control in your fleet. Defining these goals can help you determine the effectiveness of your investment. Get stakeholder buy-in: It can be difficult to ensure a successful implementation without approval from key stakeholders at every level of your organization. Explaining the benefits and potential for a strong ROI is important for justifying your investment to anyone who may be resistant. Monitor progress: Use hard data and qualitative customer feedback to determine how well your new technology is improving your work. Then, analyze this data to determine key areas for improvement in your typical workflows. See How Heavy Equipment Automation Enhances Construction Projects With Dobbs Positioning Solutions If your company is looking for a solution to improve construction quality, raise profits, and help you take on more jobs, Dobbs Positioning Systems is here to help. We offer a range of 2D and 3D machine control systems from Topcon and John Deere that can fully integrate with new or existing equipment, simplifying construction project management and minimizing costs. We also provide training services to help you and your staff learn how to use the equipment to its fullest potential. Ready to get started? Contact us today to speak with a representative, or visit your nearest location.

A Guide to Laser Scanning in Construction

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How Machine Control Enhances Project Accuracy and Reduces Waste in Construction

Dobbs Positioning Solutions is the Newest TOPCON Dealer in Central and South Florida