Protecting Infrastructure with 3D Avoidance Zone System Technology

Even with the best people and equipment, there are countless ways for things to go wrong at a jobsite. A momentary distraction can result in catastrophic damage to civic property, construction assets, and your company's reputation.

Now, imagine a different scenario where the operator's error is immediately detected and prevented from happening via a virtual safety barrier. Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions have collaborated on a protective 3D avoidance zone system that permits safe manoeuvering of heavy construction equipment in sensitive areas.

 

Possible applications include work that occurs in the following areas: 

• Busy construction sites
• Warehouses and industrial settings 
• Seaports
• Sensitive environmental areas
• Airports 
• Civil engineering projects
• Recycling and disposal centres
• Around operational railway lines
• Anywhere excavators are used

Once your excavator's height, depth, and slew movements have automatically ceased and the machine is disabled, the operator will be prompted to adjust their present course of action. 

New Rail Construction

This revolutionary 3D detection system, which can detect avoidance zones above and below ground, has enabled work to commence on Metrolinx's latest expansion project. This massive undertaking involves 200 km of new track and rail improvements in and around Toronto. The technology is being used to ensure the safety of construction crews, the general public, and the integrity of the existing rail network. 

Metrolinx is the government agency responsible for the integrated road and rail transit network across the GTA and Hamilton regions. Work on this major transit investment is being handled by a collaborative joint venture between Mississauga's Kenaidan Contracting Ltd. and Murphy (J. Murphy & Sons Limited) out of the UK. 

Kenaidan is the team responsible for multiple design-build projects, GO transit improvements, and utility and road realignments throughout Southern Ontario. Murphy's infrastructure enhancements, bore-rail tunnels, and pipeline operation experience (here and abroad) make them an ideal partner for these railway line upgrades.

A Best-in-Class Solution for Busy Metropolitan Areas

For expansion work to proceed on this project, rules stipulate that all construction must occur at a minimum distance of 30 feet from any open and operational tracks. A contractor's ability to set strict guidelines for machine operation around existing rail lines is essential. Minimising the effects of construction on existing transit systems is especially important given the fact that Toronto is North America's fourth-largest city in terms of population.

This undertaking would prove incredibly challenging without the 3D avoidance zone system implemented by two renowned tech companies in the construction field. The XW5 height slew limiter and rated capacity indicator (RCI) from Xwatch, along with Leica Geosystems' MC1 machine control systems, have enabled work on this exciting project to commence and proceed with little disruption. 

The 3D avoidance zone system technology described above limits and monitors your machine's maximum power based on its proximity to identified obstacles. Advanced software and GNSS technology allow machine operators to detect everything from pre-set parameters to overhead cables and underground utilities. 

What's Involved?

3D avoidance technology gives crews a leg up in worksite accuracy and safety. 

Now, operators can log in points based on the chosen excavator (or other machinery in use) and manually set up various avoidance zones or by using existing project files. The process is straightforward and can be done by any trained operator. 

The equipment utilises a durable, low-cost controller area network (CAN) to connect the respective products and software. This cost-effective CAN bus communication channel enables improved error detection and priority messaging.  

Simple touch-screen operation provides highly visible parameters, alarms, and automatic equipment shutdown in the event that an avoidance limit is reached. Authorised users have the option of selecting their preferred proximity distances. 

However, access to these features should only be relegated to those in senior positions at the site. The equipment has an option that permits this special access. 

The Benefits of This Technology Partnership 

Just as the Kenaidan Murphy Joint Venture (KMJV) has forged a powerful construction alliance, the combination of Xwatch Safety Solutions Ltd and Leica Geosystems has resulted in an impressive offering for civil projects of any scale. 

There are many benefits for contractors and crews:

• Offers boosted productivity for on-site teams
• Provides enhanced safety for staff and nearby pedestrians
• Streamlines a variety of workflows
• Protects surrounding infrastructure, equipment, and utilities  
• Prevents delays and unforeseen budget expenditures
• Delivers added control over your excavator and other specialty construction machines
• Ensures greater peace of mind in stressful conditions
• Empowers supervisors with a more accurate assessment tool for documenting any close calls

Leica Geosystems' Technology 

Leica Geosystems' technology continues to take centre stage on major construction projects around the globe. By integrating some of its best products, the brand will continue to play a significant role in the expansion of the GTA rail system.  

Leica MC1: Touted as the company's "one-for-all software solution," this platform provides all the flexibility and seamless data transfer necessary when crews are using excavators, dozers, graders, snow groomers, and other heavy machinery. 

Leica ConX: For years, this intuitive cloud-based collaboration tool has allowed construction teams to visualise reference models, monitor data, and manage reporting, whether on-site or back at the office. 

Leica MCP80: When implementing 3D machine control, you need an in-cabin hardware panel and docking station that's versatile and interchangeable between machines. Your system should also include an interface that's easy to read and use in all conditions. With its 8-inch full-colour screen, this proven panel device has improved worksite efficiency for machine operators for years.

Xwatch Technology

By incorporating Leica Geosystems' machine control 3D avoidance technology and MC1 software along with Xwatch's XW5 height slew and RCI (rated capacity indicator) system, operators truly get the best of both worlds. Establishing parameters is quick and easy, and your inputted information is automatically retained the next time you start up the machine. 

During operation, when a potential breach is detected upon approach, the machinery's motion is gradually ramped down for a soft stop without any sudden, jarring movements. 

Xwatch and Leica Geosystems have been successfully merging their innovations since 2021. This latest 3D avoidance zone system technology is likely just the latest in a long line of exciting developments to come.

Does Your Company Require a 3D Avoidance Zone System?

If your business is ready to prioritise safety awareness solutions, our enhanced machine control and GNSS construction tool experts can help extend your team's capabilities. 

Spatial Technologies is an established supplier of Leica Geosystems software, equipment, and accessories for businesses involved in surveying and construction. If you're curious about the many ways our product range can help you improve your worksite efficiencies, our experienced staff are happy to assist. 

With offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Prince George, and Vancouver, Spatial Technologies caters to the needs of companies across Western Canada!