Perfecting Precision
In the fast-paced world of construction and surveying, precision is everything. On a hot summer weekend, July 27-28, the sun bore down on a bustling site in Santa Clara where top experts in terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) gathered for a pivotal interlaboratory study. The air buzzed with anticipation as industry leaders converged to validate the accuracy and reliability of laser scanning technology for concrete tolerance verification—a crucial advancement that could transform how the industry approaches concrete work. Kier + Wright (K+W) played a key role in this groundbreaking study, which has the potential to redefine industry standards and set new benchmarks for precision in construction.
This collaborative endeavor brought together participants from various sectors, all driven by a shared goal of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the construction and surveying industries. Coordinated by Leo Zhang from Conco, the study included 10 participants—contractors, surveyors, service providers, manufacturers, and researchers from across the AEC industry. This was more than just testing technology, this effort embodied a collective commitment to improving precision and efficiency in concrete work.
Ricardo Martinez, Assistant Construction Staking Manager at K+W, highlighted the team's collaborative spirit, stating, "Our main task was verifying control accuracy and providing scans. We worked closely with several groups to ensure data precision and reliability which demonstrated our collective capabilities and contributed to industry advancement."
The importance of verifying concrete tolerance in construction projects is paramount, as it ensures structural safety, prevents costly rework, and maintains quality and compliance with building codes. Casey Lynch, PLS, Senior Associate and Land Surveyor at K+W, explained, "The study aimed to determine if laser scanning is accurate enough for as-built purposes to check concrete pours. This technology has improved significantly since 2018 and our findings in this study could set a new industry standard."
The study's findings are expected to significantly impact future projects. These findings will open the door for more laser scanning work, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of projects. Additionally, TLS offers superior accuracy and cost-effectiveness by requiring less field time, which reduces project timelines and budgets, ensuring reliable infrastructure, better use of taxpayer funds, and improved project oversight for public agencies, resulting in on-time, on-budget completion while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Participating in this study allowed K+W to collaborate with industry-leading companies. Chuy Martinez, Associate and Construction Staking Manager, noted, "Being chosen by Conco was an honor. It speaks volumes about our firm that we were one of only two survey companies selected."
The success of the study highlights the reliability of TLS in construction, ensuring precise building placements. K+W's use of the Trimble X9 3D Laser Scanning System demonstrated its technical expertise and commitment to innovation. Reflecting on the study's significance, Lynch emphasized, "This study associates our company name with laser scanning technology. Our accuracy was validated against industry standards and showcases the value of our expertise."
The results of this study will be published in Concrete International magazine and xyHt magazine in late 2024, providing valuable insights and setting new industry benchmarks. K+W's participation in this groundbreaking study highlights the firm's expertise and reinforces its commitment to leading the way in technological advancements within construction staking, land surveying, and civil engineering. By collaborating with other industry leaders on research that will set new benchmarks for the industry, K+W continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering innovative, reliable, and precise engineering solutions.
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