Stockpiles and Overhangs

Stockpiles

Harley Global in Albany are engaged on a regular basis to measure a variety of stockpiles and calculate volumes. Such
projects allow us to investigate some unique methods of measurement and delivery.

In completing such projects, we also prepare a contour model and plan, to assist us to verify the shape surveyed. This is made available to clients as a contour map of their assets.

To help clients visualise the measured stockpiles we also created a dimensionally accurate rendered 3D model and fly through.

Overhangs

Another unique project we were asked to complete within the Albany Region was to map a well known rock outcrop so its maintenance and management could be planned more effectively.

Public access onto the feature included paths under overhangs, a ladder and walkway.

Measurement to the surfaces created a challenge as access to physically touch the rock in places would have required ladders, scaffolds or cherry pickers, all of which were impractical to get to the top of the outcrop via a twenty minute walk trail.

As a result, measurement of inaccessible surfaces was carried out by bouncing a laser measuring device off the rock surfaces.

Conventional contour and feature mapping does not easily show hidden features under overhangs, as when viewed from above
the top surface hides the ceiling, walls and floor of the
underneath surface.

To solve this we modelled the surfaces in 3 dimensions to create a virtual wire frame of the survey which is then rendered with nominal surfaces. This digital model is normally supplied to the client so their technical staff may take measurements from the data, however in this case this was impractical as it reduced staff interaction
over the project.

Chris Fry, our maestro of maths solved this by creating three fly throughs of the feature, to illustrate the dimensions and surface
of the feature.

Such projects highlight the interesting and unique challenges we
face each day, and how the assistance of technology combined with some intelligent personnel can generate some excellent results for our clients.