New Trimble Dual GNSS installation in Kerkyra

In order to achieve greater accuracy, save time and improve safety at the construction site, KLIABAS Construction decided to accelerate the complex runway landscaping work at the International Airport of Ioannis Kapodistrias airport in Kerkyra, with the Trimble 3D control system.

The project concerns the maintenance and upgrading of the existing runways and side roads of the airport. The contractor AKTOR – INTRAKAT has hired KLIABAS, a leading earthmoving company, to complete the infrastructure part of the project.

Faced with the precision and speed terrain configuration required on this project, KLIABAS adopted the guidance of the Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System, consisting of two Trimble MS996 positioning receivers and a Trimble CB460 control monitor.

“Given the complexity of the shapes that had to be built on this project, the Trimble GCS900 system helped us to comply with the exact rendering of the volumes as intended by the designer, while keeping to a very tight schedule with indisputable results,” Kliambas said.

Before starting work on site, we created a 3D digital model based on the design plan that was loaded into the Trimble control system. This eliminated any unpleasant surprises after the work started, as well as all the extra costs and delays that would have been caused.

To grade the surface of the runway and side roads we used a CAT 160H Motor Grader equipped with the 3D Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System. The Trimble machine control system was acquired with the CB460 control box inside the cab, the machine can not only be placed on the overall digital model of the site, but also its blade can be accurately located and its angle can be adjusted in relation to the theoretical coordinates.

This was achieved by using two Trimble MS996 GNSS receivers on the blade of the machine. The system provides real-time information to monitor the avoidance zones and simultaneously collects data as it is being constructed as the machine cuts on the slope. With these capabilities, the operator is able to see exactly where the soil is moving on the jobsite. Trimble’s grade control system has allowed KLIABAS to achieve the final grade to centimeter accuracy with far fewer passes.

This means that the finishing materials were placed more accurately and in less time. This kept costs significantly lower. With traditional methods it would have taken twice as long. Trimble’s machine control offers cost savings because less surveying personnel are required on the project, and improved safety. The machines work on site without stakes, which results in staff savings and increased safety because there is no one walking on the machine’s legs, not to mention significant time savings.

The machine’s movements are optimised because it goes to the right depth faster, which saves time and therefore money. In addition, we are also able to quickly and easily take into account any modifications required by the contracting authority and the main contractor after work has started on site. We change the plan in the office and place it on a USB key to provide the operator with up-to-date information as quickly as possible. This makes us very interactive and allows us to make noticeable time savings. “It took us a day and a half to run a kilometre instead of three to four days if we had used stakes and string,” said the operator.

This was the first job done by this grader with the Trimble GCS900 system that had just been acquired. Thanks to the training and assistance from JGC Geoinformatics Systems which began with the acquisition of the system, the operator and his machine were operational for the beginning of work on the job site. JGC understands the tight budget and time constraints of a project of this size and scope.

We believe that Trimble solutions and support contribute to every stage of success for all projects, especially complex ones. Using Trimble’s 3D guidance system, technology and equipment wherever possible on a construction site – new road, platform and other projects where grading is required – is guaranteed to save time and money, optimise the quality of projects and finishes, and increase your company’s competitiveness.