Laser, GPS Help Construction Companies Level Worksites

Construction companies are beginning to adopt new electronic systems to simplify grading and leveling of building sites. Laser and GPS technologies are finding new applications in construction, improving quality while making it possible for less-experienced operators to finish worksites.

CST/berger has trimmed the price of its Lasermark electronic self leveling system to $1,500, roughly half the price of previous generation systems. The dual-grade includes improved head positioning techniques to improve alignment (www.cstsurvey.com).

Trimble Navigation Ltd. of Sunnyvale, CA, yesterday rolled out the Trimble Site Positioning System, which includes two new Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, and construction-centric software for heavy and highway construction applications.  The station incorporates advanced hardware features such as long-range reflectorless measurement of stockpiles, rock faces, cuttings, embankments, hard-to-reach and/or dangerous locations.

The software is designed for easy stakeout right in the field and easy computation of cut and fill values. A “light bar” display shows elevation, design elevation and the cut / fill values so operators don’t need high skill levels to set up the systems.

Caterpillar Inc. of Peoria, IL, is using laser-based technology in its AccuGrade system, which controls bulldozer blades so they can level a large building site within a few millimeters. The AccuGrade system lasers also let less skilled operators perform final grading, which requires much more precision than preliminary grading of a site.