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Have you thought about using your GPS machine control system for structural excavation? It might not be common place, yet, but we have more clients requesting structural excavation models every year. Depending on your needs and equipment, there are a couple ways we can set up the files for you. The first is simple. We put the 2D linework in your GPS file for stakeout or to double check your manual measurements. Here is a picture of what it might look like: You can use your rover to stakeout to the linework and check elevations vs. the project plans. It is similar to how you would use the linework to stakeout a utility like a watermain. It sure beats staking the whole project or pulling a tape measure from batter boards. While 2D is great there is still room for improvement. The most progressive contractors are moving to 3D modeling for their structural excavations, just like they use a 3D surface model to grade the rest of the project. Quantum's experts take the location and depth information from the Engineer's design to build a 3D model of the structural plans. That 3D model then guides your excavator to dig in the correct location and depth required by the plans, no more, no less. You can use your rover to stakeout locations and depth, too. The 3D model can show all of the elements of foundation excavation like stoops, continuous footings, pad footings, thickened slabs and even foundation drainage. Your excavator operator can dig with confidence knowing they are doing the work right the first time. There is no need for a grade checker to continuously check grade with a laser, or even slower, a tape measure. The 3D model can be set up to match the over-dig required by the concrete contractor or to match your machine's bucket width. If your excavation requires shoring or safe back slopes we can build the model to take that into account. On some projects, part of the foundation may require over excavation due to poor soil conditions. Just let our experts know what you need when you request the model. Often, the biggest pay off comes when it is time to place concrete. Small over excavations are easy to make without the continuous grade control provided by a GPS excavator and 3D model. Let's make the math easy. Assume we have a small 300' long by 3' wide x 3' deep trench footing. The entire trench will be filled with concrete. It should take 100cy of concrete. If it is over excavated by only 3" it will take an extra 8.3 yards of concrete to pour the trench footing - that is an entire extra mixer truck - over $1,000 in concrete. Keep in mind you will have an extra dump truck load of dirt to export or waste onsite, too. Seemingly small structural excavation errors can quickly add up to big bucks. A word from the wise…. DO NOT blindly use linework from the civil plans to stake out or excavate for any structure. You need to verify that the linework matches the structural plans. Often times, the building outlines or even bridge abutments in the civil CAD file are not kept up to date with the latest structural engineering changes. For this reason, Quantum's experts only build structural excavation models from the structural plans, the "S" sheets in most plan sets. It might seem complicated at first, but once you have your first 3D structural excavation job under your belt you will never go back. To take the leap Email or call us at 515-505-3510.

Machine control models aren't just for commercial projects. Quantum's experts improved a problem jump and fixed track drainage issues for the Peoria Motorcycle Club - making one of the oldest tracks in the American Flat Track circuit even better. American Flat Track news detailed how the latest construction tech made short work out of a big problem. Here is the link --> https://www.americanflattrack.com/news/view/cat-rescue-peoria-again

Quality pictures are required to get the best from your drone data. Here is a quick video showing you how to set up the camera on your DJI drone for surveying and mapping missions. Don't have a drone yet? Check out the Quantum Flight Pack. We have another video that will help you set up your mission plans here. Have questions? Just email me or call at 515-505-3510 ex 702.

Here is your chance to walk through the gates at Conexpo-Con/Agg for FREE in 2023. All you have to do for a chance at show tickets and $500 bucks is toss your name in the virtual hat. Click on the picture below to try your luck.

Now is the chance for the world's best operators to earn the ultimate bragging rights. One will be crowned; many will be humbled. Cumulating at ConExpo-Con-Agg 2023, Cat's Global Operator Challenge will put you to the test in the categories shown below. Some practical, some fun. What ace operator would not want to take a shot at the Mini-Masters? The competition starts at your local dealer, pass that crucible and you will move on to the regional finals. Prove you are the best at regionals then move to the world's stage for the finals in Cat's Arena at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023 in Las Vegas. Ready to sign up yourself, your best employee or even be a spectator? Here is the link: 2022 Global Operator Challenge Sign Up Check this out for a rundown of the first day of the 2020 finals.

Matt Weiland, one of John Deere's Precision Construction Instructors, walks us through setting up a virtual swing warning on a 470G SmartGrade Excavator. Learn how to quickly set up and use a virtual limit warning to avoid swinging into traffic or other obstacles. Like what you see here? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay in the loop on the latest in 3D GPS machine control technology.

We are in the cab as Matt Weiland, one of John Deere's Precision Construction Instructors, walks us through important settings on a 470G SmartGrade Excavator. Learn how to navigate the system, adjust arm speed, check your machine against a rover and change what you see on the screen, among other important settings. Like what you see here? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay in the loop on the latest in 3D GPS machine control technology.

We are in the cab as Matt Weiland, one of John Deere's Precision Construction Instructors, teaches us how to initiate automatic control on a 470G SmartGrade excavator. Learn how to easily turn on standard automatics, bucket automatics and grade protect. Like what you see here? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay in the loop on the latest in 3D GPS machine control technology.

Quantum Land Design is proud to announce we will have a booth at the World of Concrete 2022. The show runs January 18-20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. We will be in the North Hall booth N2566 in the Technology for Construction area. Stop by anytime, we would be happy to meet and talk paving technology. Like to save a few bucks on your registration? Use this link to register you and your crew. It's good through December 13th. Shoot us an email if you would like to schedule a meeting while you are in Las Vegas, sales@avqld.com.

It seems simple but, too often, machine control basics like keeping the rover level and stable are overlooked when calibrating GPS to a construction site.

We are in the cab as Matt Weiland, one of John Deere's Precision Construction Instructors, walks us through the basic functionality of the 2D Smart Grade system. Learn how to navigate the system and set up your mainfall and crossfall slope to grade the site exactly how you want. Even learn a quick trick to reverse the slope to allow you to match the same grade will running the opposite direction. Like what you see here? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay in the loop on the latest in 3D GPS machine control technology.

John Deere has added a couple more tools to the contractor's machine control toolbox. They now offer the 210G LC and 350G LC excavators with factory installed and calibrated SmartGrade systems. There is a lot of excitement among our friends at Deere Construction dealers to get these machine in the field. We are sure their customers agree. Preliminary feedback from the dealers is that the systems are class leading, but we will leave it up to the contractors for the final review. Click on the photo below for Deere's full press release.