Trimble Business Center

I have a crew that is backfilling a commercial building foundation and it would be helpful to create a 3D avoidance zone to protect the individual concrete piers and their anchor bolts at the top.  Ideally, the operator could still pass the bucket over the top of the pier at a safe distance without causing an alert.

I have learned a lot from reading these forums, thank you for your insight!

Anthony Dalla

I have been asked about this functionality several times in the last couple of years.  I understand Trimble developed this for GCS900 years ago but never released it.  It is not included in Siteworks or Earthworks at this time.  We'll have to wait and see where it sits on their development priority list.  

Hiya

If your after 3d avoidance zones. then TMC is an option. we currently have 2 cranes which use TMC and they both have 3d avoidance zones for overhead power lines.

here is a link about the project and how TMC was used on it

Award-winning collaboration uses innovative 3D modelling | Scoop News 

Hi Fraser,

We're looking at exactly the same scenario here in Auckland - I will contact you when our Engineers know more

Nelson is correct that for SCS900 / Siteworks or GCS900 / Earthworks there is no 3D Avoidance solution today in the product, only a 2D Avoidance zone that works at all elevations. As a result the TBC Office Software only supports the creation of 3D Avoidance Zones as an output to 3D Machine Control Systems. As and when SCS900 / Siteworks or GCS900 / Earthworks supports a 3D Avoidance zone we can support it also in the TBC platform.

If you want to create a 3D Surface Model that could provide some form of guidance control (Using Overcut Protection on the Machine) then that is of course possible today - i.e.you would create a 3D Surface of the model that you are prepared to dig down to (so it would be a minimum Elevation above Pipes or above Foundations and Footings), and then you can turn on Overcut Protection (for Dozers and Scrapers and Graders at least) that would stop them from cutting Deeper that the surface allows - I am not sure if the 3D Excavator systems have an Overcut protection - maybe they do on the Automatic Excavators (will check). This would provide something like what you are asking as you can place 2D Avoidances on areas that you cannot go at all and then use the Overcut Surface to limit how deep you dig in the restricted areas. While not an avoidance specifically and it would give you the Overcut Warning rather than an Avoidance Warning it would give you something to work with.

Alan

I checked in with the Machine Control Group yesterday. 2D Avoidance Files are not currently supported in the Earthworks platform, however that is an upcoming feature as far as I understand so watch this space for that. At this time they do not have any 3D Avoidance Controls

The Excavator System in Automatics has Overdig Protection, however it can be overridden by the operator, but if running fully automatics it will guide the bucket to a surface and stop it from digging deeper unless the operator overrides. So the suggestion of using a 3D Surface model, adjusted for overdig protection areas would work to a certain extent, however it will not prohibit the operator from override.

Alan

Thanks to everyone for their guidance.  The TMC is a very creative solution!  In the meantime, I will try Alan’s advice with our current software setup.  I was unaware of the Overdig Protection and will explore that feature in our new 320 excavator.  While not a perfect solution, it will get us close.

Thanks again,

Anthony