- MnDOT is exploring the emerging technology of machine control that incorporates the use of a three-dimensional computer models to move earth with greater precision.
- Operators receive information via GPS satellite transmitters to determine how much earth to remove or when the correct level of aggregates has been obtained.
- In other cases, the machine controls the earth moving via computer while the operator simply drives down the roadbed.
- First MnDOT created computer models were used this construction season on TH64 near Aikely (Bemidji district with Frontier Construction), TH 47 near Dalbo (Baxter district with Bauerly) and TH268 (Willmar district with R&G Construction).
- This technology is designed to minimize or eliminate survey stakeout, saves time, and helps ensure a smooth driving surface when the project is complete.
- The construction industry is ready to use Machine Control and proactively support the technology as it results in substantial contractor cost savings.
- As machine control is refined and utilized in more projects, MnDOT benefits in lower bid pricing on construction projects where this emerging technology is used.
GPS Machine Control at MnDOT
Contact Lou Barrett via e-mail or call at (651) 366-4606 for additional information.
The district champions are the point people in their respective districts and offices. They can answer questions as to which projects the districts are considering machine control, and can forward inquiries to the appropriate personnel.
| District | Name | Functional Group |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Duluth | Brian Larson | Project Manager |
| 2 – Bemidji | Craig Collison | Design |
| 3 – Baxter | ||
| 4 – Detroit Lakes | ||
| 6 – Rochester | Keith Kallin | Surveys |
| 7 – Mankato | Craig Felber | Design |
| 8 – Willmar | Todd Broadwell | DMT |
| Metro | Glen Ellis | Design |
| Office of Construction and Innovative Contracting | Mike Leegard | OCIC |
District Check List (PDF Printer Friendly Version )
- Is GPS coverage on the project:
- good – potential for machine control.
- fair – provide alternate models (minimal work to MnDOT) and note in special provisions that it's a potential problem.
- poor or none – list in special provisions that this project is not supported for machine control.
- Is the existing ground information:
- DTM covers all construction area – potential for machine control.
- DTM only covers partial areas. – may be a candidate but should have exclusions listed in special provisions.
- No DTM information – list in special provisions that this project is not supported for machine control.
- Note DTM can be either a TIN file from Photogrammetrics or district field generated. LIDAR only data is not desirable at this time as it does not have the required accuracy.
- What is the dollar value of grading / amount of earth to be moved?
- More than $?? - Definite candidate as contractor will want to use it.
- Between -
- Less than $?? – Cost benefit to contract and MnDOT minimal. Can be listed as contractor option.
- Who designed the project?
- Consultant – Need to review data on a case by case basis.
- In-house
- Does the project have cross sections?
- Yes – still a candidate.
- No – difficult to make a non-pavement model.
- Were the cross sections done using standard criteria? If not, what
was used? Cite specifics.
- What percentage of sections have hand modifications in the top of proposed finish grade?
- 0-5% Average time to create model.
- 5-10% Time to create model increases.
- Above 10% Time to create model increases substantially.
- What percentage of sections have hand modifications in the subsurface?
- 0-5% Average time to create model.
- 5-10% Time to create model increases.
- Above 10% Time to create model increases substantially.
- Type of projects/part of projects to be done in GEOPAK Site
- All Ponds, parking lots, trails non adjacent to highways, requires minimal time to create a models.
- Currently no machine control being done for parts of a projects with grading around approach treatments around Bridges and excavation around walls. These should be listed as exceptions in the special provisions.
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