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Advantages Of GPS Machine Control Files In Earthmoving

By Mayra Pierce


GPS or Global Positioning System has now been included in the earthmoving industries. Heavy equipment manufacturers are now applying this technology in their procedures. These are for land grading, roads, causeways, railway beds, levees, dams, berms, and canals.

A lot of modification and advances in technology, as well as innovation and efficiency with the lesser profit involved, pushed certain kinds of developments. One of these developments is the use of GPS machine control files that are being adapted into earthwork. It can reduce the cost for contractors and would make work faster with the use of these technologies.

By the end of the 1990s, leading heavy equipment corporations have been applying this innovation and dominated the market sector for this technology while advancing it even further. The system works by simply comparing the position of the current location with the blade of the graders. It indicates the difference while being able to adjust them automatically. The GPS then comes into place for this procedure.

A lot of 3D and 2D software are now developed to assist this procedure. The model of the topography is then imported and visualized in these 3D and 2D programs for the operator to conveniently study the area even further. Many companies are developing software of their own while also upgrading and improving them after each revision to provide better accuracy.

Two types of system are being utilized for the earthmoving procedure in heavy equipment industries. They can be distinguished as either Fully Automatic or Indicate Only. The two of them are systems that can either use one or two receivers. With only one receiver, the guidance system is very limited on the position of the machine. But with two receivers, it allows two points which can also give the angle as well.

In order for accuracy with this use, there should be an accurate site design as well. The design file that came from an engineering firm can be imported into the GPS display. Some guidance systems will also allow the user to define the grade elevation and angle without the specifics of the original design.

The heavy equipment that can be installed with guidance systems are as follows. Motor Graders, Scrapers, Hydraulic Excavators, and Compactors. Having that installed would make the machines more efficient and productive in terms of accuracy and cost effectiveness. Having this can give less manpower or on site workers.

The cost for one machine would start about a hundred million dollars. And when this is used at its full potential, it can give about thirty percent above the efficiency and productivity rate compared to traditional methods. Because of high accuracy, there is not much cost on materials and resources. This is the reason why a lot of construction projects are using the aid of GPS as a requirement for them to cut expenses.

There are a few limitations but these are not as bad as they are but should still be considered. Since the system uses satellite signals, obstructions in the environment of the project site may cause it to not function properly. Dead zones may be created due to the roofs of buildings and other establishments nearby. But even if this is true, the use of Global Positioning System is still a standard for advanced Earthmoving.




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