To prepare for their bachelor’s thesis and to explore individually selected topics in greater depth, students in their 6th and 7th semester of the Bachelor Surveying and Geoinformatics have the opportunity, through the module “Current Topics in Geomatics” (AKG), to expand their knowledge and build on what they have already learned. As part of the “Digital Construction Site” (DIB) topic area, the program included a visit to MTS Schrode AG in Hayingen.
The aim of this field trip was to put the theoretical knowledge we had previously learnt into practice and to gain a first-hand insight into the use of digital technologies on a building site.
The module was led by Prof. Alexander Beetz and Prof. Gerrit Austen.
After a warm welcome at the MTS Schrode AG Academy, we began our visit with pretzels and coffee. In two fascinating presentations, we were first given interesting insights into the history of MTS Schrode AG, as well as into the various systems and technologies that make up a modern, digital construction site.
Particularly fascinating was the overview of the entire cycle in civil engineering and road construction – from initial planning through to execution and subsequent maintenance. We were introduced to various programmes and workflows, some of which were developed in-house by Schrode AG.
It became clear just how easily and practically digital solutions can be integrated into day-to-day site operations. Particularly impressive was the quick and straightforward transfer of data via the cloud. This gives all those involved access to up-to-date plans, survey data and other important information at any time and from anywhere. This creates a seamless digital process that significantly facilitates collaboration between planning, surveying and the construction site.
We then gained further insights into the work processes at MTS Schrode AG during an exciting guided tour of the premises. Among other things, we were able to visit the warehouse and learnt a great deal about the various machines, systems and their potential applications.
A particular highlight was seeing a construction site crawler. Here, we were able to see the sensors fitted to the vehicle for the automatic control and alignment of the blade.
Before heading off to a construction site, we were able to refuel with a light snack. We were also given an interesting demonstration of the GNSS rover with its laser attachment and its practical applications.
The construction site we were able to visit as part of our tour was located in Bleichstetten. Once there, we were split into two groups so that we could gain hands-on experience of different areas of the digital construction site.
One group received a detailed introduction to taking measurements. This involved a demonstration of both the GNSS rover and the new laser attachment, which were then put into practice straight away. Meanwhile, the second group focused on digital excavator control. The system’s operation was first explained, before it was put into use directly in the excavation pit.
A particular highlight for many of us was the opportunity to operate the excavator ourselves and try out the digital excavator control system independently. This allowed us to experience first-hand how the systems previously presented in theory are used on a real construction site and what advantages digital support offers when carrying out construction work.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire team at MTS Schrode AG for organising such an open and informative day. We would also like to thank Prof. Alexander Beetz, who made this exciting excursion possible as part of the AKG’s ‘Digital Construction Site’ programme.
It was an all-round successful day that showed us how surveying, BIM and construction machinery control interact in practice – and how digital data translates into tangible work on the construction site.
