Agriculture
27 October, 2023
GMW says new approach paves future way
Goulburn-Murray Water says it is taking an innovative approach to its works projects to help create major efficiencies. During the 2023 irrigation off-season, GMW undertook largescale remodelling works on parts of the Murray Valley and Warang...
Goulburn-Murray Water says it is taking an innovative approach to its works projects to helpcreate major efficiencies.
During the 2023 irrigation off-season, GMW undertook largescale remodelling works on partsof the Murray Valley and Waranga Western channels. Notably, these works were completed
using machine guidance.
Machine guidance involves construction equipment, such as excavators, being equipped withGPS technology programmed with the project’s design. Construction crews can then use the
GPS screen installed in the vehicle to see exactly where they need to add or remove soil,eliminating the need for traditional surveying equipment.
The channel remodelling projects were a particularly sophisticated use of this technology.When the channels were dewatered, GMW had a small plane with light detection and
ranging sensors fly over parts of the channel system to create a detailed image of thechannels.
The data from these surveys was then compared with historical designs to determine wheresilt had accumulated and where soil would need to be removed to return the channels to their
original design.
GMW Strategy Services and Planning general manager Steven Abbott said this approach tothe remodelling of the channels had various benefits.
“Using machine guidance provides a level of accuracy in our works that would not otherwisebe possible,” he said.
“It enables us to complete the majority of the surveying work before our construction staffreach the site. This is especially useful for us, as many of our projects need to be completed
during the short irrigation off-season.
“There is also less need for surveyors to be working among heavy machinery, making itbeneficial from a safety perspective as well.”
GMW has previously used machine guidance when completing safety upgrades to theprimary embankment at Tullaroop Dam, and for numerous smaller drainage projects.
“The use of machine guidance has now supported us in completing several projectsefficiently and cost-effectively,” Mr Abbott said.
“Our field staff have been quick to embrace the use of machine guidance for different works,and our Surveying Team is looking for various ways we can innovate to get the most out of
the technology, so it is certainly something we are likely to use more into the future.”