Independent construction surveying for greater efficiency
Since Rhiem & Sohn GmbH began using the ppm10xx zero GNSS surveying system, the civil engineering and demolition specialist has seen a significant boost in efficiency. Foremen can now take measurements themselves, and the surveying processes have been digitized, which has greatly accelerated workflows.
Rhiem & Sohn has over 80 years of industry experience in demolition, waste disposal, and the recycling of building materials, as well as civil engineering, earthwork, and sewer construction. The company’s own gravel plant rounds out its portfolio. Today, Rhiem & Sohn employs approximately 180 people.
Based in Erftstadt, North Rhine-Westphalia, the construction company is involved in numerous projects simultaneously and is currently working on over 60 active construction sites. Due to the volume of orders and the widespread nature of the projects, the two surveyors employed by Rhiem & Sohn were repeatedly pushed to their limits. With the goal of overcoming this bottleneck, Rhiem & Sohn sought a solution that would allow foremen on the construction site to take measurements themselves without compromising on accuracy.
ppm10xx zero: User-friendly and highly accurate
Rhiem & Sohn found a suitable solution in the ppm10xx zero. The core component of this system is a multi-frequency RTK receiver, which, when combined with a measuring rod and a tablet, forms a complete surveying system. The user interface is designed to be so intuitive that no prior knowledge is required to perform measurements.
The device’s tilt compensation makes it much easier to perform surveys on your own. The built-in IMU reliably compensates for any tilt in the measuring rod, ensuring that accurate position data is still recorded even when the rod is not held vertically. This is a decisive advantage, especially in urban areas, says Luca Döring, surveying technician and billing clerk at Rhiem & Sohn:
“It’s not possible to hold the probe straight right up against the building. With the ppm10xx zero, we can angle the probe as much as we want and still get accurate readings from the specific point we want to measure.”
At the same time, tilt compensation also improves user-friendliness.
“As a surveying technician, I’ve trained myself to have a steady hand, so it’s not difficult for me to keep the measuring rod level,” says Döring. “Foremen, however, have a different focus and find it helpful not to have to constantly check the vertical alignment of the measuring rod using a spirit level.”
The design of the solution is also focused on ergonomics: A lightweight helical antenna is integrated into the measuring rod, and all heavier components are housed in the center of the rod. This eliminates the top-heaviness that is often such a hindrance in surveying systems. The input device—a Samsung Galaxy TAB Active 5 Pro from Rhiem und Sohn—connects via Low Energy Bluetooth, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables.
At the same time, the data collected is accurate to the centimeter: The ppm10xx zero processes data from various GNSS systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BEIDOU) across nearly all frequencies. This ensures that there are always enough satellites available, even in challenging environments such as urban canyons or under trees.
Digitized Surveying Processes
All recorded measurement points can be seamlessly processed without any disruption in the workflow. To do this, the data is uploaded to the cloud via a OneDrive account. From there, the two surveyors import the data into the CAD software AutoCAD Civil 3D or into the company’s billing software.
Just how much this approach streamlines processes is illustrated by the example of spoil disposal, for which a surveyor no longer needs to visit the construction site. Foremen record the top and bottom edges of the excavation pit, upload the data to the cloud, and the surveyor in the office can use the data to prepare the invoice.
The process also works in reverse: Once the surveyor has received data from the client, they can upload it to the cloud so that foremen on the construction site can stake out the points using the ppm10xx zero.
Ready for quick use and cost-effective
The new surveying system was up and running in just two days. In conjunction with the delivery of the six ppm10xx zero systems, the specialist dealer IMATEC from Bonn scheduled a training session with the manufacturer, ppm GmbH. Michael Villis from ppm GmbH then spent two days on-site to explain the system and provide hands-on training. By the end, everyone was so familiar with the system that they were able to take it with them to the construction sites.
The ppm10xx zero also scores points in terms of cost-effectiveness, as—unlike most surveying systems—it involves no license fees whatsoever. This makes a real difference over its long service life:
“A surveying system is typically in use for about 10 years. If fees are incurred every year, the costs can quickly add up,” says Döring.
Ekrem Imam, owner of IMATEC, also sees the fact that customers face no follow-up costs as an advantage. He also values the system’s reliability:
“I’ve been selling this solution for almost five years now, and so far I’ve received nothing but positive feedback—nothing has ever been returned,” said Imam.
Its ease of use offers benefits not only to the user but also to specialty retailers:
“With systems from other manufacturers, you need specialized training to operate them. The ppm10xx zero is so easy to use that virtually anyone can operate it after just a short training session. As a specialist retailer, this gives me the opportunity to reach a much wider customer base. It’s a classic win-win situation.”
Conclusion
The construction industry is facing a dilemma caused by limited human resources and increasing pressure to improve efficiency. Construction companies can future-proof their businesses by implementing digital and user-friendly solutions to address these challenges.
Rhiem & Sohn specializes in demolition, waste disposal, and the recycling of building materials, as well as civil engineering, earthwork, and sewer construction. The company’s own gravel plant in Erftstadt rounds out its portfolio. The medium-sized family-owned business is headquartered in Erftstadt and undertakes projects throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. Rhiem & Sohn has over 80 years of industry experience and currently employs around 180 people.