Robotic Total Station, GNSS and PC-based Tablet Speed Quarry Works
Article

Robotic Total Station, GNSS and PC-based Tablet Speed Quarry Works

Using the latest hardware and Leica’s Captivate software has helped Kent contractor Gallagher Ltd deliver a complex project on time.

Gallagher Ltd is Kent’s premier building, civil engineering, quarrying and property business. The Gallagher Group started in 1973 and is based in Kent, England. The business started out as a groundworks contractor and has since become a main contractor, offering civil engineering, property development, design and build contracting and quarrying.

Gallagher has a long-standing partnership with Leica Geosystems, having successfully used Leica robotic total stations since the TPS1100 model range. In June 2015 when Leica launched the new Captivate range, Gallagher was keen to invest in the advantages offered by this new technology. The company is currently equipped with 17 Leica Captivate one-person kits and a GNSS unit.

Gallagher was approached by their customer J & J Franks Ltd to work on the Mercers South Quarry on the Old Reigate Road in Betchworth, Surrey. They were awarded the contract for the construction of a new site entrance to the quarry and initial works were undertaken over a two-month period. A diversion was set up to allow pedestrians and motorists to access the villages either side of the access way; a fundamental move to maintain quarry activities.

Site Works

The initial stages of the project were to check for existing statutory services, adding to the challenges of the job. Trial holes had to be dug in order to check the depth of the site, making sure the site entrance was deep enough to put in the bell mouth (site entrance). Using Leica Captivate solutions meant better measurement accuracy, providing even the smallest of details, quickly and easily.

When setting out on this project, positional accuracy was paramount; it was crucial to understand exactly where the new works might clash with any statutory services. The Leica Viva TS16 and Viva GS14 were chosen for this; with the GS14 also being used for the basic cut-and-fill operations. The Viva GS14 was perfect for this scenario, as its performance is purpose made to deal with such demanding environments and provides real endurance in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Simple, accurate and easy to use, the Viva GS14 was partnered with the new CS35 Tablet running Captivate software and was connected to SmartNet for reliable and accurate GNSS RTK corrections.

The Viva TS16 ‘ self-learning’ one-person total station was chosen because of its versatility to adapt to any environmental condition. Running Leica Captivate software, the existing conditions of the quarry site could be surveyed and recorded. This provided an understanding of any potential clashes with the utilities. Using this survey data, a 3D model was produced of the site and the design was determined for the new work. This survey helped Gallagher to decide on the best alignment for the road. Then with the new design and services, data was loaded onto the Leica CS35 tablet and available on-site in the 3D environment within Captivate.

Challenges

Making sure the existing statutory services were deep enough not to be damaged was imperative to the project. The Captivate kit made sure the setting out and allocation of these services was quick and easy. Other obstacles included a footpath which was in the way and needed to be moved. Trees and shrubbery also needed to be cut down surrounding the quarry. The contract was completed within tight time constraints to minimize the disruption to local pedestrians and motorists.

Benefits

The project started in July 2015 and the first part of the road was completed in January 2016. Gallagher is now returning the quarry site to complete the access road to the permanent quarry office area. It will then become a new fully working quarry with the access roads and the new site entrance, benefiting the community and providing new opportunities to the area.

The Leica CS35 tablet offers more than a conventional total station controller, being a full Windows 8.1 computer, its capabilities for onsite use are almost limitless; Gallagher has already installed AutoCad and their regular IT services on it. The CS35 can be used for everything from setting out and surveying, to filling in check sheets, documenting and photographing as-builts, exchanging important data and even emails. A complete solution for any site engineer or surveyor.

“We wouldn’t have been able to complete this construction project for J & J Franks without the excellent support and equipment from Leica Geosystems”, says Ken Mallinson, technical contracts manager at Gallagher. “We chose Leica Geosystems solutions for our surveying jobs as we can rely on the high quality of the instrument and the accuracy of the measurements. Furthermore, the support and excellent aftercare received from their Technical Support and Technical Service teams are second to none”.

This article was published in Geomatics World March/April 2017

Geomatics Newsletter

Value staying current with geomatics?

Stay on the map with our expertly curated newsletters.

We provide educational insights, industry updates, and inspiring stories to help you learn, grow, and reach your full potential in your field. Don't miss out - subscribe today and ensure you're always informed, educated, and inspired.

Choose your newsletter(s)