More efficiency through simple measurement in the slope
At Rolf Strohmaier GmbH, foremen measure on the construction site themselves instead of waiting for a surveyor. This is made possible by the ppm10xx zero GNSS sensor: The system is intuitive to use and offers precise data acquisition even on slopes. Thanks to the new technology, the company benefits from a significant increase in efficiency.
“Even with an incline of up to 60°, it is still possible to record position data with an accuracy in the centimeter range,” says Franz Höbel, who is responsible for surveying at Strohmaier GmbH. “This is an incredible relief, especially for construction crews who are less experienced in surveying. There is no need to look at the bubble level, which normally shows the vertical of the measuring rod, and you can concentrate fully on the measurement.”
In addition, the ppm10xx zero enables measurements to be taken in places where the clear view of the sky is blocked and the GNSS signal is obscured, for example by roof overhangs when measuring directly on the house wall or in the terrain by hedges, bushes or trees. For Franz Höbel, the option of measuring inclines has another advantage:
“Since accurate data is still recorded even when the measuring rod is tilted, the device even allows continuous measurements,” says Höbel. “I use the system practically like a walking stick and record different positions while walking. This means that many points can be measured very quickly. Overall, the option of measuring inclines is an incredible relief.”
IMU compensates for inclination The integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ensures reliable compensation for inclinations. While the top-heavy nature of conventional measuring systems makes inclination measurements more difficult, the ppm10xx zero has a lightweight helix antenna and all heavy components are placed in the middle of the measuring rod. The complete GNSS sensor itself weighs only 170 grams and is therefore hardly noticeable.
The sensor can process the signals from several satellite navigation systems. In addition to the Global Positioning System (GPS) from the USA, these include the European GALILEO, the Russian GLONASS and the Chinese BEIDOU. This means that there are always enough signals available, even in difficult environments.
Any tablet or smartphone with an Android operating system that can be connected wirelessly to the measuring system via Bluetooth is suitable as a recording device. Users can therefore use their familiar hardware without having to get used to a new device.
Thanks to the built-in battery, you can work for up to 24 hours without having to recharge it. When using the inclination sensor, the operating time is reduced to around 15 hours.
Wide range of applications
The option of measuring at an angle is particularly advantageous when measuring cables. It ensures that cables in open trenches can also be recorded without an employee having to climb into them. The foremen at Rolf Strohmaier GmbH can therefore measure all lines independently, from empty pipes to sewage pipes and power lines.
The ppm10xx zero is also used for excavation verification. “In order to be able to prove to the customer how many cubic meters of earth were excavated, the excavation pit is measured with the device. Based on these points, the cubature can be calculated using a digital terrain model (DTM),” explains Franz Höbel.
Another important area of application is the surveying of the company’s three gravel works. Once a year, the gravel pits are flown over with a drone in order to measure control points for georeferencing using GPS. An operating plan is derived from the point cloud from the flight, which serves as a planning basis for upcoming projects. When building new systems in particular, the sections (power and water lines) are measured immediately during construction and can be marked out again later using GPS if necessary.
Seamless data integration in CAD software
The data is recorded in the Carlson Layout software on the tablet or smartphone. All GPS points from the construction sites are also immediately available for further use and processing. The CAD program ITWO civil 2020 takes over the data so that the surveying manager Franz Höbel immediately receives an overview of all lines and survey results at his office workstation. The data transfer takes place either online via a cloud service or classically via a USB stick. The survey data is recorded in the system both as ASCII data and as DWG data. The customization options for the data output are enormous and thus both all measurement protocols and the plan with line connections are in the CAD system of Rolf Strohmaier GmbH.
The positive experience with the ppm 10xx zero and the optimized measuring processes were convincing:
“The ppm10xx zero has established itself as an important tool on our construction sites,” says Franz Höbel. “The combination of precise angle measurement, easy handling and seamless integration into our CAD software simplifies many work processes. Due to the numerous advantages, I can recommend the ppm10xx zero without reservation.”
About Gravel – Asphalt – Ready-mixed concrete plant Oberland Rolf Strohmaier GmbH
Since it was founded in 1954 by Mr. Rolf Strohmaier, “Gravel – Asphalt – Ready-mixed concrete plant Oberland Rolf Strohmaier GmbH” has established itself as a leading company in the stone and earth industry. Located in the Bavarian Oberland near the town of Huglfing and part of the Wegener Group from Hanover since 1981, the tradition-conscious, medium-sized family business employs around 100 people in the region.
The company covers the entire process from the extraction and processing of raw gravel to the refining of high-quality minerals. This includes further processing in the concrete and asphalt mixing plants as well as the transport and construction of roads. Every single grain of gravel goes through numerous steps and is professionally looked after by the dedicated team. Rolf Strohmaier GmbH attaches great importance to quality and continuity in every aspect of its work.