3D technology can help contractors build new roads or renovate old ones in a safer, more accurate, and more productive manner. It is helpful for project management, quality control, and automated machine control for contractors. Continue reading to discover the applications of 3D modeling in highway construction.
Project management, scheduling, and cost estimation
Civil contractors can benefit from 3D-engineered models for project management, scheduling, and cost estimation. These models simplify the process for the contractor and offer value for the project owner.3d site modeling boise enables the following:
Facilities management
Civil integrated management includes obtaining, organizing, and making exact information and data on a highway facility accessible. This data covers risk assessment, asset management, design, construction, planning, surveying, and maintenance.All project stakeholders can use civil integrated management to examine the 3D-engineered model the designer created by syncing it with cost and schedule data.
Estimating the quantity of earthwork
Estimating the quantity of earthwork is essential to every highway construction project, but it takes a lot of time. Additionally, it can be challenging to make them with the necessary high degree of accuracy. 3D technology can produce highly accurate quantity estimations in a short amount of time. The program efficiently calculates the cut-and-fill quantity at tiny intervals throughout the model limits. The digital terrain model can also suggest haul routes and balance earthwork effectively.
Control of automated machines
3D technology enables GPS machine control, resulting in more accurate outcomes and eliminating the need for significant staking. The following tools are compatible with it for roadwork construction:
Equipment for compaction
Compaction equipment with 3D capabilities, such as rollers, allows the operator to view real-time data on surface compaction immediately below the roller as it moves. This intelligent compaction helps the roller save fuel and labor costs by lowering the number of passes needed to achieve density requirements.
Excavators
Excavators equipped with laser- or GPS-controlled sensors can accurately monitor elevation, slope, and reach. The excavator bucket tip and design elevation are visible to the operator.
Equipment used in paving and milling
3D technology regulates the rotors’ vertical alignment in milling machines. Stake placement and adjustment are no longer necessary because 3D milling equipment can alter slope and elevation using data from a data station.
Grading tools
Grade stakes are unnecessary when using machine-controlled grading tools, such as dozers, motor graders, and scrapers, which provide information on the cutting edge’s location in relation to the design surface.
Assurance of quality and post-construction
3D technology can enhance quality assurance procedures, streamline scheduling, and reduce costs. Inspectors can utilize handheld GPS devices to spot-check heights and horizontal deviations with 3D technology.
For instance, they can use GPS rovers to conduct sporadic spot checks on the proposed grading surface of the 3D-engineered model to ensure the ground is graded appropriately. The handheld GPS device measures all areas inside the bounds of the 3D-engineered model by comparing the graded elevations that are currently in place with the anticipated design surface.
Last words
The applications above accomplish more than only modernizing roadwork construction. 3D site modeling for highway construction projects enables faster lead times, reduces costs, and increases stability and safety.
