KILMAC is bringing cutting edge global sat nav technology to the building site.
The company has approved a significant investment to introduce the first Trimble Earthworks Grade Control systems to our fleet of excavators.
The technology will provide added client value by trimming costs at both the preconstruction stage and when work rolls out on-site.
Kilmac is delighted to announce we have secured a package with Sitech UK and Ireland – the official regional provider for civil construction solutions from Trimble - for the initial hardware and software package.
The technology has been going under the microscope at the site of the Dunfermline Learning Campus.
Based on the success of the Fife project, we are now ready to extend the trials to further projects, including groundworks for the replacement Recreation Centre for Blairgowrie High School.
Richard Todd - Construction Director, explained our trained operators have the latest GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) earthworks equipment at their fingertips.
Working to 2D and 3D plans mapped out in our Dundee headquarters 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 Procurement Director - Bert Hope.
“We currently have a 12-strong fleet of excavators, with another 17 on hire.
“As Trimble Earthworks is an aftermarket automatic system it can be implemented on various excavators across our fleet, regardless of the make.
“Additional core cable kit will allow us to use the main components on various machinery, multiplying the benefits we have seen so far.
“The trials and staff training at the Dunfermline campus over the last few months have been very encouraging.
“Modelling enables the accurate calculation and quantification of earthworks volumes at the estimating stage. This enables optioneering and assessment of alternate strategies to provide maximum benefit to the client, bringing value in terms of assessing and identifying best solutions relating to the cost and construction programme.
“When we move forward to the construction stage the benefits to the client are also obvious.
“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 beside 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, cost-effective construction strategies through to operational delivery, improving delivery and client satisfaction.”
