Utilisation of a 3d design data in controlling pile driving

This research was concentrating on an exploitation of 3D design data to ground strengthening, especially focusing on the pile driving process. An XML model (schema) was defined for digital piling plan and as-build-data from the piling. The schema was targeted to cover the complete piling information flow from the piling plan from the 3D CAD software to the actual pile realization data e.g. location and bearing capacity data, produced by the piling machine. In addition to the information management, a guiding system for the piling machine driver was developed. The guiding system included sensors and RTK-GPS positioning system for measuring the location of tool of the piling machine in relation to the planned locations of the piles. The system gives visual instructions for the driver for positioning of the piles according to the plan. A wireless database connection is used for synchronization of the planned and realized piles information. The progress of the piling work can be easily supervised using an internet browser. The first proof-of-concept system was developed and tested during the year 2009. The main advantages of the system are reduced staking out work, faster pile positioning, automated piling data logging and data transfer between office and worksite and more up-to-date information about the progress of the piling work.