Case study
Grading on a curve
As a general contractor, Bowen Engineering has eagerly embraced Trimble grade control and GNSS technology. Operating 14 GNSS-enabled machines allows them to achieve precision, minimize rework, reduce costs and improve safety across major industrial projects.
Key achievements
- Achieved perfect 1.5:1 side slope and precise 2% grade on a conical tank bottom
- Redirected dirt spoils resulting in considerable cost savings
- Created a safer work environment by eliminating manual grade checks on dangerous slopes
- Saved significant crew time on grading and backfilling
Solutions leveraged
Summary
The digital data from our machines, and our other technology solutions, provides added value to our partners, helping strengthen those relationships and ensuring we are able to put together the best teams to solve any customer need.
— Scott Heinzelman
Survey controls engineer, Bowen Engineering
Background
In the demanding world of municipal and industrial construction, Bowen Engineering stands out by embracing technology to enhance project delivery. As a general contractor specializing in essential water, wastewater, industrial and energy facilities, Bowen self-performs about 80% of its work, a feat made possible by a long-term commitment to technology. The company's digital transformation has focused on connecting field operations to boost safety, productivity and data management.
This journey began more than 15 years ago with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) for surveying, which naturally evolved into GNSS-guided heavy equipment. Through its partnership with SITECH of Indiana, Bowen tested Trimble GCS900 grade control systems, leading to a broader adoption of the Trimble Earthworks grade control platform with Trimble® Business Center (TBC) software. Today, Bowen operates 14 GNSS-enabled machines. The results have been a hit with their operators, who appreciate how the technology helps them complete tasks with accuracy and minimal rework. As one operator noted, the technology has been particularly beneficial for digging pipe trenches, allowing him to stay on elevation and produce a consistent, level dig.
Bowen crew works on a service lateral from a newly installed main line in a residential area.
Solution
Dirt to dollars
On a recent 80-acre project in Glendale, Kentucky, Bowen used TBC to elevate linework and create design models for their machines, a process that streamlined the creation of subgrade and finished grade models for drainage and roads. The team also used a drone to conduct a topographic survey, inputting the data into TBC to discover they could redirect extra dirt spoils rather than hauling them offsite. This simple data management move resulted in considerable cost savings for both Bowen and the owner.
Similarly, for an underground water storage project in Lafayette, Indiana, the technology was critical. The job required excavating a 30,000-cubic-yard conical tank base with a 22,000-square-foot bottom. With grade control, the crew achieved a perfect 1.5:1 side slope and a precise 2% grade on the tank bottom.
Results
Precision paves way for a better workforce
The adoption of grade control systems has not only improved project outcomes but also energized Bowen’s workforce. According to Scott Heinzelman, a survey controls engineer with Bowen, this technology gives the company a competitive edge in today's challenging labor market by enabling a high level of efficiency and quality in the field. The GNSS-enabled equipment also created a safer work environment by eliminating the need for someone to constantly check grades on dangerous slopes. The technology's ability to save crew time on both grading and backfilling has been a significant win.
The digital data generated by these machines also provides added value to partners, strengthening relationships and helping Bowen assemble the best teams for any project. As Bowen continues to refine its processes, the benefits are clear, enabling more precise earthwork, reducing project engineer time and delivering projects a grade above the rest.
