One of those construction activities that can cause big hassles later down the road is finish grading. When final elevations are not determined accurately, poor drainage, uneven surfaces, standing water and over-movement of unnecessary material can all occur.
More than an experienced operator watching the surface is needed for precision grading. Requires accurate elevation data, accurately set-up equipment and regular checks during the project. Knowing how modern grading equipment helps to control the process can help contractors complete the last part of their work on driveways, pads, landscaping, agricultural land, or site preparation more quickly, cleanly and predictably.
Understand What Finish Grading Requires
The process of making the final contours and elevations needed for a site is known as finish grading. The goal can be to set the drainage slope, to level a building pad, to slope a driveway, or to level the landscape profile. With the end product affecting how water flows on the land, it is important that the accuracy is measured.
Review the grading plan and determine critical elevations, slope requirements, drainage paths and boundaries before starting. It is also important that operators know the location of material removal and the location where extra material may be needed.
Set Up the Laser Reference Correctly
Prior to using the equipment, the laser transmitter should be set up correctly for the site and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The receiver also must be mounted and calibrated properly. If the setup is inaccurate, even a sophisticated piece of equipment can’t make up for it.
Verify the reference elevation prior to grading operations and that the laser is stable throughout the work. If the site is larger, regularly checking the reference can help to determine if there are accidental changes or equipment moving around that may affect a large area before it does.
How Laser Grading Boxes Improve Accuracy
Laser grading boxes combine grading equipment with laser-based elevation guidance to give operators a clearer reference while shaping the surface. This eliminates the need for the operator to make a full visual check and can be used to determine whether the cutting edge or the grading surface is above or below the target surface or coming close to the target surface.
This can help to keep grades uniform over larger scales. The technology is particularly beneficial if exact slopes or elevations are needed. Laser guidance should be used to complement, not supplant, good operating practice, however.
Maintain Equipment for Consistent Results
If the equipment isn’t working properly, you’re not having precision. Before use, check the grading box, cutting edge, mounting points, laser receiver, cables, controls and other parts. Rusty cutting blades can impact material transfer and can make it more difficult to maintain uniformity in the finished product.
It is very important that laser components are kept clean and treated with care. Adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance and calibration guidelines. Good maintenance is more than just a way to prolong equipment life.
It minimizes variables that can affect the accuracy of the grade reading and ensures operators can rely on the information they are presented with while operating.
