Surveying Underground: Overcoming Challenges in Mining International's Limestone Quarry
Customer Company Size
Mid-size Company
Region
- America
Country
- United States
Product
- Trimble R8 GNSS Receiver
- Trimble VRS™ technology
- Trimble TSC2® Controller
- Trimble VX™ Spatial Station
- Trimble GX 3D Scanner
Tech Stack
- Trimble Survey Controller™ Software
- Trimble PointScape Software
Implementation Scale
- Departmental Deployment
Impact Metrics
- Digital Expertise
- Productivity Improvements
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics
- Networks & Connectivity - Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
- Sensors - Camera / Video Systems
Applicable Industries
- Mining
Applicable Functions
- Field Services
- Maintenance
Use Cases
- Machine Condition Monitoring
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- System Integration
- Hardware Design & Engineering Services
About The Customer
V3 Companies is an Illinois-based consulting firm specializing in engineering, construction, and environmental services. With a focus on providing innovative solutions, V3 Companies has established itself as a leader in the industry, offering a wide range of services to clients across various sectors. The company is known for its expertise in handling complex projects, particularly in challenging environments such as underground mining operations. V3 Companies' commitment to leveraging advanced technology and its ability to adapt to unique project requirements make it a preferred partner for clients seeking efficient and effective solutions. In the case of Mining International’s limestone quarry in Joliet, Illinois, V3 Companies was tasked with conducting a topographic survey of a tunnel, a project that required overcoming significant logistical and environmental challenges.
The Challenge
The task of conducting a topographic survey in Mining International’s limestone quarry in Joliet, Illinois, presented several challenges. The tunnel, which is 488 meters long, 7 meters high, and 6 meters wide, was originally used by large dump trucks to transport rock to the surface. However, as the mine expanded, a crushing plant was built, and a conveyor belt was installed to transport the crushed rock to the surface. The conveyor was hung from the tunnel ceiling to minimize disruptions, necessitating profiles of the tunnel’s ceiling for offsite system construction. V3 Companies faced challenges such as absolute darkness, transport issues, working on high platforms, and establishing control in a highly variable environment. Heavy truck traffic and daily road grading ruled out control set in the tunnel floor, requiring innovative solutions for control point establishment.
The Solution
To address the challenges of conducting a topographic survey in the limestone quarry, V3 Companies utilized Trimble’s Connected Site™ solutions. They established surface control using a Trimble R8 GNSS Receiver linked to the Precision Midwest Real Time Network (RTN) with Trimble VRS™ technology. This setup allowed them to extend control into the tunnel using the Trimble TSC2® Controller and Trimble VX™ Spatial Station. Due to heavy truck traffic and daily road grading, control points were set in the tunnel walls using threaded rods and prisms. The Trimble GX 3D Scanner, controlled by a laptop and Trimble PointScape Software, was used for scanning, with the Trimble VX employed for tight spots. Scans were assembled into a point cloud, with scan intervals set to 15 cm to keep file sizes manageable. For setting out bolt holes in the tunnel ceiling, a boom truck and a reversed prism were used, with an inverted rod and flashlight aiding visibility. The mine’s diesel-only policy necessitated the use of a diesel truck to power the scanners and provide lighting.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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