Firm’s sat-nav keeps building projects on track
A Tayside civil engineering firm is bringing cutting-edge global satnav technology to the building site.
Kilmac have invested a five-figure sum to introduce the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control systems to its fleet of excavators.
Perth-based director Athole Mcdonald is confident the initial hardware and software package secured with Sitech UK and Ireland will translate into significant savings for the company and clients alike.
The technology has been going under the microscope at the site of the Dunfermline Learning Campus.
Following positive feedback, it is ready to be extended to further projects, starting with groundworks for the replacement Recreation Centre for Blairgowrie High School, which are scheduled to begin in the middle of May.
Mr Mcdonald explained trained operators now have the latest GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) earthworks equipment at their fingertips.
Working to 2D and 3D plans mapped out by the Kilmac civil engineering team, in tandem with the client, touch screen technology in the cab guides the excavator bucket or attachment with pinpoint accuracy on the building site.
“Kilmac has never been afraid of change. Technological advances are changing the traditional face of the building industry, with benefits all round,” said Mr Mcdonald.
“We currently have a 12-strong fleet of excavators, with another 17 on hire.
“The trials and staff training at the Dunfermline campus over the last few months have been very encouraging.
“Our operators are upskilling through training and the implementation of technology improves accuracy and prevents errors.
“Efficiency is being improved given all the information which is now literally at the fingertips of operators.
“Design changes don’t have to be calculated and set out by traditional methods. We simply re-run the model and upload the information to the Cloud.
“After our design team’s models are created, the Trimble Worksmanager software dispatches it to the site machinery as our skilled operatives progress earthworks including foundations, drainage and landscaping using exact coordinates.
“The touch screen technology ensures accuracy, saving time and, crucially, money.
“As work progresses, our office-based team can monitor the live data, rather than having to be on-site alongside heavy plant.
“The model can also be quickly updated if we come across something unexpected.
“The technology impacts everything from tender stage planning with clients seeking ideal, costeffective construction strategies through to operational delivery and client satisfaction.”