O Mahurangi – Penlink Transport Link Condition Surveys
The joint venture between construction companies Fulton Hogan and HEB, engaged Babbage to provide pre-construction condition surveys of over 120 residential and commercial buildings along the proposed route of the new transport link.
The purpose of the surveys was to record the condition of the residential and commercial buildings to provide a baseline for comparison against any claims for damage to the buildings thought to be caused by construction vibration. We undertook comprehensive floor level surveys and drew floor plans which provided a pre-construction record of the levelness of the residential and commercial buildings’ floors.
Typically, these surveys would be carried out using precise levelling and tape measurements of the internal building dimensions to allow for the production of the required plans.
As an alternative, Babbage Land Survey devised a workflow utilising Leica RTC360 laser scanning technology combined with Leica Lino laser level measurements to capture the required floor level information, produce a survey-accurate floor plan, provide point cloud of the building interiors and comprehensive 360 HDR photo records of the existing condition of the buildings.
These comprehensive records of pre-construction building conditions far exceeded the project requirements at a reduced cost and faster delivery over conventional survey methods. By integrating laser scanning technology into our traditional survey workflow, we ensured rapid on-site data acquisition several times faster than conventional methods in order to minimise disruption for occupants.
Navigating the scale of the project and the complexities of accessing such a large number of private properties required exceptional communication skills and meticulous documentation processes. We provided a dedicated contact to facilitate communication with occupants, schedule surveys and obtain approval from owners and occupants to access their buildings.
Despite occasional communication challenges, we were able to remain actively responsive to all occupant queries and concerns.
This all-inclusive approach to stakeholder communication and management reduced the opportunity for confusion or conflict, increased the speed at which we were able to complete the work and enhanced the reputation of Babbage, our client and also the project owner, Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
Our approach showcased innovation, integrating Leica laser levels with the RTC360 scanner in a new process that allowed for rapid data capture while ensuring the accuracy of floor level measurements to ±3-5 mm depending on the type of floor covering. A robust quality assurance process, including cross-checking data with different equipment, ensured accuracy before report generation.
Recognition from Leica’s New Zealand distribution partner, Global Survey, for our innovative approach through their invitation to feature in a marketing video showcasing our use of their equipment on this project underscored the efficacy and innovative thinking of our method.
Lessons learned included the importance of embracing advanced technology to streamline surveying processes and the criticality of thorough documentation.
Efficient data management through our use of the 12D Synergy Common Data Environment (CDE) enabled timely delivery and overall cost reduction. Incorporating Visual Inertial Technology (VIS) in the RTC360 combined with the addition of laser levelling to improve level control enhanced surveying efficiency and accuracy.
In summary, our approach to the O Mahurangi – Penlink initiative
demonstrates our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and excellence in surveying projects. By leveraging advanced technology, meticulous documentation, and proactive communication, we ensured successful project delivery while navigating the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Babbage is proud to be a multi-disciplinary, employee-owned New Zealand company. On complex projects like these, the value of a team of in-house experts cannot be understated. Our one-stop-shop approach provides significant advantages through enhanced communication, clear lines of responsibility, collaboration, knowledge-sharing and a common goal. In the end, the project and client benefit and we are proud to add this one to our list of successes.
