Bechtel helps customers deliver projects of purpose that create a lasting positive legacy. These projects create jobs and grow economies; improve the resiliency of the world's infrastructure; connect communities to resources and opportunity; get us closer to net zero; tackle critical environmental challenges; protect people and the planet; and accelerate progress to make the world a cleaner, greener, safer place.

**Use Case:** [CivDot](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot)

**Project Size:** > 200MW 

**Projects with CivDot:** 4

[www.bechtel.com](https://www.bechtel.com/)


bechtel-logo.png

CivDot

About Bechtel

[Bechtel](https://www.bechtel.com/), a global leader in renewable energy development, is committed to innovation and excellence. Driven by a desire to deliver better and faster for its customers and to support the energy transition, Bechtel embarked on a transformative journey into tech-driven surveying with [CivDot](https://www.civrobotics.com/products/civdot). 

[Link](https://youtu.be/RBxObqMnvzY?feature=shared) to Bechtel's video

This case study illuminates how Bechtel's strategic vision and dedication to advancement led it to redefine industry benchmarks, prioritizing safety, precision, and sustainability at every turn.

#### _Challenges:_

Before instituting Civ Robotics’ CivDot, Bechtel, like all contractors, employed traditional manual surveys for solar projects. The process involved multiple 2-person crews using handheld GPS devices, consuming time and resources. Human errors and data inconsistencies could hinder accurate results. With an expanding solar portfolio, Bechtel sought innovative solutions and a standardized approach for improved surveying solutions.



#### _Solution:_

Bechtel found a comprehensive solution in Civ Robotics' autonomous surveying technology, which offered a range of benefits to overcome their challenges. 

![Civ Robotics at Bechtel.jpg](https://d3bf96qx5wreyx.cloudfront.net/medium_Civ_Robotics_at_Bechtel_c0e22ae334.jpg)
###### _Photo Courtesy of Bechtel_


### Improve Survey Time Sixfold: 
Marking 1,250 coordinates a day (equivalent to 125 per hour), CivDot enabled Bechtel to swiftly mark survey points, surpassing the limited output of manual point-by-point surveys, which typically yielded only 20 points per hour. This efficient process significantly diminished surveying time and labor requirements, allowing Bechtel to optimize resource allocation and expedite project timelines.


### Promote Safer Workspace:
Safety is ingrained into Bechtel culture, and it guides all of its actions. Preventing any possible safety risk through smart project design, construction, and delivery is paramount to the company. CivDot eliminated the need for craft professionals to carry heavy equipment while navigating challenging terrains, and multitasking for accurate measurements with handheld GPS surveying.

CivDot enabled personnel to be more aware of their surroundings, further enhancing safety across worksites. In addition workers are now engaging more with the software, thereby turning the surveying process into a more enjoyable and interactive experience.  


>_"It's fun to use the application and interact with the software. It's a more enjoyable experience for the folks out there doing the work compared to traditional methods." - Zachary Fray, Project Superintendent, Bechtel_



### Reshape Operational Landscape:
Integrating Civ Robotics into Bechtel's operations helped to optimize workflow efficiency. The intuitive design of the technology simplified training for new personnel, enabling them to quickly grasp its functionalities and contribute to project success from day one.


>_"CivDot reshaped our operational landscape, allowing us to charge ahead in a competitive market." - Taylor Carlson, Site Manager, Bechtel._


Bechtel has leveraged CivDot at two solar projects to-date and is preparing to employ it for an additional two facilities in 2024. The four solar facilities combined will produce enough clean renewable energy to power more than 100,000 homes.

Bechtel's partnership with Civ Robotics has helped to propel its approach to solar project surveying, driving operational excellence, and enhancing safety across its worksites. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Bechtel has not only overcome longstanding challenges but also positioned itself for continued success in the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry.


Civ Robotics at Bechtel 2.jpg

Bechtel revolutionized its approach to solar project surveying with CivDot, driving operational excellence and enhancing safety across its worksites. 

Safer and Faster Surveying with CivDot

For 100 years, [Barton Malow](https://www.bartonmalow.com/) has been committed to Building with the American Spirit: People, Projects, and Communities. The Barton Malow Family of Companies is comprised of four entities, five partner firms, and more than 3,500 team members across North America. The 100% employee-owned enterprise is on a mission to transform the construction industry through innovation and increased efficiencies in the building process. 

**Use Case:** [CivDot](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot)

**Project Size:** > 100MW


barton-malow-stacked-wordmark-full-color.png

About Barton Malow:

Barton Malow, a leading North American construction enterprise, has faced numerous challenges in ensuring precision in surveying, which is crucial to its utility-scale solar projects. The enterprise's expansion into comprehensive project management across diverse terrains has underscored the need for an efficient, accurate site layout to maintain project timelines and budgets.

#### _Challenges:_

Barton Malow's primary challenge was time in the field. Before utilizing [Civ Robotics' autonomous solution](https://www.civrobotics.com/), the team used the manual method of staking each point, which was time-consuming and physically draining. At the start of every project, there was a pressing need for a faster, more efficient solution. Besides this, it needed a system simple enough to be operated by someone with little surveying experience.



#### _Solution:_

Barton Malow found a simple, effective, and easy-to-use system by integrating [CivDot](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot) into its operations. 

>_“With CivDot, our process became super simple and effective. Easy to layout, easy to comprehend." - **Bobby Beauchamp, General Foreman, Barton Malow**_

### Better Surveying Speed and Output:
By switching to Civ Robotics' technology, Barton Malow increased the number of layout points from a single point a minute with manual staking to up to 6 points a minute with one CivDot rover.


### Simplify Training:
The intuitive design of Civ Robotics’ software, CivPlan, dramatically simplifies the learning curve for new personnel. The system's user-friendliness and accessibility enable new crew members to grasp the technology within an hour. For example, the system's ability to display skipped vs. marked points allows for efficient rerouting and progress tracking. 

![CivPlan_Cut&Fill-min.png](https://civrobotics-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Civ_Plan_Cut_and_Fill_min_8eff61761e.png)
###### _Image Credits: Civ Robotics'_


### Hands-Free Surveying:
A testament to Barton Malow’s foremen who fabricated a custom flag holders equipped with 12 compartments carrying flags in different colors. Before CivDot, the crew laboriously carried manual surveying equipment, including a GNSS pole over the shoulder, tracking arrows on controller, and following bubbles for accurate measurements. 

Now, with CivDot, the crew navigates hands-free, effortlessly pulling out and installing flags (not to mention the 20,000 daily steps). 

![Barton Malow x CivDot-min.jpg](https://civrobotics-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Screen_Shot_2024_01_02_at_9_57_19_AM_copy_min_d03bc9b549.jpg)
###### _Image Credits: Barton Malow_



### Increase Reliability:
Civ Robotics’ all-terrain marking robot increases its reliability in navigating variable topography characterized by mud, rocks, and challenging landscapes. Whether facing extreme weather conditions or encountering obstacles, CivDot consistently demonstrates robust performance, showcasing its adaptability and dependability in the diverse and demanding environments typical of Barton Malow's solar construction projects.

![Rugged terrain-min.jpg](https://civrobotics-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Rugged_terrain_min_4255e4f5d0.jpg)
###### _Image Credits: Barton Malow_



The convenience of CivDot allowed Barton Malow’s crew to have efficient workdays. By eliminating the laborious part of the job, CivDot transformed Barton Malow’s approach to construction surveying while streamlining and optimizing overall operation. Above all the Barton Malow team’s resourcefulness, coupled with CivDot's advanced capabilities, resulted in a harmonious blend of technology and creativity.

Barton Malow Hero copy.jpg

Barton Malow transforms its surveying landscape with CivDot by increasing output to 6 points a minute, simplifying operations, and firmly securing project timelines and budgets.

Surveying Upgrade: Six Points a Minute

[Qcells](https://us.qcells.com/) is one of the world’s leading clean energy companies, recognized for its established reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules, portfolio of intelligent storage systems, and growing international pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects. 

**Use Case:** [CivDot+](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot-plus)

**Project Size:** < 200MW


Qcells.png

CivDot+

About QCells:

QCells, a prominent name in the renewable energy industry, has rapidly evolved from its roots as a solar energy company to a leading global provider of photovoltaic technology. With a commitment to producing high-quality solar cells and modules, QCells has ventured into utility-scale solar projects across the United States. This expansion brought about the need for meticulous surveying to guarantee the precise deployment of solar infrastructure. 

#### _Challenges:_

Before adopting [CivDot+](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot-plus), QCells relied on traditional surveying methods offered by third-party contractors. The “grueling work” as described by Ryan Rudick, Senior Civil Superindent at Qcells, was marked by inaccuracies, scheduling issues, and the constant worry about the operator’s precision in stakeout tasks.



#### _Solution:_

Upon implementing [Civ Robotics’ autonomous surveying system](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots) - CivDot+, Qcells experienced a paradigm shift, enabling the company to reclaim control over their project timelines, costs, and surveying precision.  

![Hanhwa_QCELLS_Kitsuki_Japan33.jpeg](https://civrobotics-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Hanhwa_QCELLS_Kitsuki_Japan33_07106480d0.jpeg)
###### _Image Credits: QCells_

### Eliminate Reliance on Third-Party Contractors:
CivDot+ empowered Q Cells to in-house stakeout operations, cutting their dependence on third-party vendors. This transition led to substantial cost savings, with Q Cells now operating at just a third of their previous expenses.




### Double Up Stakeout Numbers and Quality: 
By using a traditional rover setup, Qcells managed a maximum of 250-300 stakeouts a day. Switching to CivDot+, they saw a significant improvement, now accomplishing 700 stakeouts daily. This substantial increase in capacity greatly enhanced their efficiency and quality control while reducing labor demands.



>_“With the traditional, 2-person rover crew, we were doing 250 to 300 stakeouts a day, and then also having to worry about quality. With CivDot+, I can do like 700 stakeouts with one person using the robot, and not have to worry about quality and consistency." - **Ryan Rudick, Senior Civil Superintendent, QCells.**_


### Enhance Precision and Consistency:
The manual stakeout process was grueling, fraught with the risk of human errors and difficulties in ensuring accurate alignments. CivDot+ offered a reliable solution that consistently provided precise stakeout results. This enhanced precision eliminated concerns about employee errors and made QCells' operations significantly more dependable and accurate.


CivDot+ emerged as a transformative solution for Qcells, addressing the primary challenges in construction surveying. It delivered increased speed, efficiency, and autonomy while significantly reducing costs. This synergy between Civ Robotics and QCells exemplifies the power of innovation in streamlining operations, providing unprecedented control, and delivering substantial savings, making Civ Robotics an invaluable partner in the construction industry.



Qcells_CivRobotics_CaseStudy.jpg

QCells overhauled operations with CivDot+ by eliminating third-party reliance, doubling daily stakeouts to 700 points, and ensuring precision. 

From Grueling Work to Remarkable Efficiency

[RPCS](https://www.rpcs.com/) is one of the leading solar contractors. They have enabled large pipelines of projects for developers, EPCs, and municipal utilities across the country.

By absorbing all the custom details, requirements, priorities, and challenges that 1,000-plus unique solar projects presented, RPCS knows how to deliver cost-effective solutions that will result in the highest quality operating assets for solar companies and utilities.

**Use Case:** [CivDot+](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot-plus)

**Project Size:** < 20MW


image001 (2).png

About RP Construction Services:

RP Construction Services (RPCS) is a leader in mechanical installation and project management for utility-scale solar projects. RCPS initially started as a small operation focused on solar projects in California's Central Valley and expanded across multiple states over the years. Their growth necessitated precise surveying to ensure the accurate placement of solar infrastructure like steel I-beams. 

#### _Challenges:_

Before adopting [Civ Robotics’ autonomous solution](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots), the company relied on local land surveying firms using conventional techniques, often resulting in project scheduling issues and delays.


#### _Solution:_

The introduction of Civ Robotics’ automated surveying system - [CivDot+](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot-plus), marked a transformative shift in RPCS’ operations and provided tangible benefits in terms of time, independence, and cost savings. 


![medium_Image_for_RPCS_Case_study_9109bed58c.jpeg](https://civrobotics-images.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Image_for_RPCS_Case_study_9109bed58c_d9bd2d7cd0.jpeg)

###### _Image Credits: RPCS_

### Eliminate Costly Errors with Better Accuracy.
The traditional surveying methods often lead to measurement inaccuracies, resulting in misplaced infrastructure or the need for costly revisions. CivDot+, with its high precision and advanced technology, eliminated human errors. As a result, this newfound accuracy prevented expensive mistakes that would have otherwise led to project delays and additional expenditures.



### Cost Savings and ROI:
By leveraging CivDot+, RPCS eliminated surveying delays caused by 3rd parties and cut surveying costs by half. This cost savings is especially significant in the construction industry, where time delays and unexpected expenses can quickly accumulate. 


>_“If we factor in the cost, the robot essentially pays for itself after a single job, typically around 1,000 points. This is roughly a 40% to 50% reduction compared to traditional methods." - **Matt Benac, Director of Project Management.**_


### Schedule Reliability and Control:
Compared to traditional surveying methods, RPCS found CivDot+ to offer a significant advantage in terms of reliability. All they had to do was measure the control points and provide pile coordinates of the job site, and within minutes, CivDot+ was marking. This streamlined process gave RPCS greater control over their surveys and eliminated scheduling with external land surveyors. 


CivDot+ addressed RPCS’ challenges in construction surveying by offering speed, efficiency, cost savings, and greater autonomy. These benefits optimize construction processes and contribute to the bottom line, making Civ Robotics a valuable partner in the industry.



RPCS with CivDot+.jpeg

RP Construction Services transforms surveying with CivDot+ by redefining precision, savings, and autonomy for utility-scale solar projects.

Rapid Project Completion  on Your Schedule

large_FAQ_photo3_blacklogo.png

medium_FAQ_photo3_blacklogo.png

small_FAQ_photo3_blacklogo.png

thumbnail_FAQ_photo3_blacklogo.png

FAQ_photo3_blacklogo.png

Revolutionizing Land Surveying

B.jpeg

Solar farm construction.jpeg

Solar farms represent the peak of renewable energy innovation. Solar farms' layout plays an important role because of their massive scale, often spanning vast areas with hundreds of thousands of points to survey and plan.

Solar Farms

[The CivDot and CivDot+](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots) are engineered to automate and redefine surveying in the solar landscape. With these autonomous robots, installers have increased the layout output by 8x and reduced costs by more than 50%.

From precise pre-drilling, pilling, and staging piles to installing fences, MV lines, and energy storage facilities, the robots are optimizing numerous aspects of solar farm development. 

What you lay out is what you build!


Civ Robotics in solar farms

Piling involves driving I beams into the ground to provide stability and support for suspended solar panels. 

Civ Robotics' GPS-equipped surveying robots help the crew swiftly identify where to pound the piles in the ground. It’s important that each pile is placed in the right spot with no room for error to ensure all solar arrays are aligned.

[CivDot+](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot-plus) is a great tool for pile layout alongside standard pile drivers. Even with a GPS-enabled pile driver, marking the pile coordinates has many benefits:

- Avoid looking at the screen while driving
- Improve worker safety
- Increase piling productivity by 10%
- Double verify pile position and type



Piling


Staging in solar farms involves distributing piles close enough to the pile coordinate before piling. The process is applicable and useful for both GPS pile drivers and non-GPS pile drivers.   

The piles come in varying lengths per the project specifications and are identified with different colors. 

[CivDot](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot) can mark locations for 3,000 piles per day within 4 inches accuracy, ensuring the right pile is  placed closer enough for the pile driver to pound. The CivDot takes the piles' design data, creates an optimized route, and marks the pile locations with spray paint. The operator can then install either colored flags, nails with whiskers, or stakes.


Carrying out pile staging activity with [CivDot](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot) increases the pile driving efficiency. CivDot has helped improve the survey time up to six times for our clients like Bechtel.



Staging Piles (Shakeout)

Solar farms take up space. For example, a 220 MW (roughly 1,100 acres) takes up as much as 833 American football fields. With the solar market booming, many new projects are challenged by difficult site terrains made of rocky, dense, and full of caliche soils.

Pre-drilling becomes a necessary step. Pre-drilling is the process of drilling through rocks and hard soil to replace them with softer material that is easy to pound through for piling.  

It’s important to have an accurate layout of drilling locations so that the crews can work more efficiently. CivDot+ has an accuracy of 3/100’ (8 mm) and can pin-point up to 1,200 points per day.


Pre-Drilling

An alternative for drilling and piling when the terrain is harder. Ground screws are used to cut through the most challenging soil conditions. It requires a precise layout like piling. 




Ground Screws

Medium-voltage (MV) lines are installed to connect the solar panels and distribute the electricity generated. Proper design, installation, and maintenance of MV lines are essential to maximize the performance and reliability of solar energy systems.

[CivDot](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot) can survey and lay out the location for trenching for MV lines. It can help prepare a real-scale blueprint with dashes for MV lines. 

MV Lines

Fencing around solar farms serves multiple purposes, from security and safety to ecological conservation. 

Civ Robotics’ robots help by efficiently locating points for fencing. The robots can accurately mark out the perimeter of the project, ensuring that the fence is properly placed without any gaps or overlaps. 


Fencing

Battery storage in solar farms refers to the use of rechargeable batteries to store excess energy generated by solar panels. This stored energy can then be used during peak demand or when there is less sunlight, making the solar farm more efficient and reliable.

Battery storage is placed on a leveled concrete slab, which requires creating a new foundation or framework. Civ Robotics shows construction workers where to cast the concrete for battery storage. 

Battery Storage

F.jpeg

Earthworks

Trenching is the process of digging narrow channels or trenches in the ground for diverse purposes, such as installing underground utilities, laying cables, pipes, or conduits, and creating drainage systems.

Civ Robotics’ autonomous surveying solution draws trench lines in realscale across various project types, job sites, and challenging environments. It offers a faster, safer, more accurate, and cost-effective solution. It helps measure the ground elevation and guides the field crew on how deep to dig.

Trenching

Topo or topographic surveying is the measurement and mapping of the physical features and contours of the land surface. Topo helps provide detailed information about the terrain, such as elevation changes and slopes. 

[Civ Robots](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots) measure the ground elevation  at every coordinate they mark. In addition, users can also enable Civ Robots to continuously measure the ground at predefined time and distance while in motion. 

TOPO

Cut and fill refers to the process of excavating earth material (cut) from one area of a site and using it to fill (fill) another area to achieve desired grades, slopes, or contours. 

[Civ Robots](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots) help with grade checking using delta elevation feature.


Cut & Fill

Grade checking is the process of ensuring the vertical accuracy of the finished surface grades or elevations according to design specifications. 

[CivDot](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdot) helps in grade checking with elevation differences. 

Grade Checking

G.jpeg

Ground Improvements

Commonly used in construction to prepare the ground for foundations, roadways, and other structures, dynamic compaction is a technique that densifies soils. It involves filling materials by dropping a heavy weight from a significant height. The process reduces the void in the soil, leading to increased density, strength, and stiffness. 

Civ Robotics’ [autonomous robots](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots) are useful in accurately laying out where to drop heavy weights in a common pattern of either 5’ by 5’ or 10’ by 10’

Dynamic Compaction

Ground improvement technique used to provide a short path for water to escape from soil. Wick drains are narrow, perforated, corrugated plastic or synthetic strips wrapped in a geotextile fabric. 

Civ Robotics’ precision in land surveying and layout is invaluable in planning and executing the installation of 10,000 to 100,000 wick drains, ensuring the ground improvement process is conducted efficiently and accurately.  



Wick Drain

A technique used to enhance the strength, stiffness, and overall performance of soil. Particularly useful in areas with compressible soil conditions, columns improve the load-bearing capacity of the ground and reduce settlement. Some examples of columns include Controlled modulus columns, Stone columns, and bi-modulus columns. 


Civ Robotics’ technology helps in the planning and installation of columns by offering millimeter-level accuracy in land surveying and layout coordinates. Precise placement of columns is crucial for improving soil stability and support for future constructions. 


Columns

E-option2.jpeg

Airport striping is an important part of the airfield’s visual aids. The primary goal of these markings is to enhance visibility and reduce runway violations

Airport Striping

[CivDash](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdash) is used for pre-marking runways, taxiways, and apron markings. CivDash allows crew members to work from a safe distance (up to 100’ away). Instead of marking points every 20 feet, lay striping area with lines.

[CivDash](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdash) can mark with a sub-inch accuracy and work four times faster than the traditional, manual method.  

Airport striping often occurs at night, when air traffic is reduced. In these time-sensitive scenarios, every second matters, and CivDash’s ability to work quickly and accurately is invaluable.

Airports

C.jpeg

Road striping, often referred to as road marking, is a fundamental aspect of road construction and maintenance. It is an intricate process that requires accurate placement and clear visibility. 

With the manual process of road marking, which requires pulling strings and measuring tapes, contractors achieve approximately 0.7 miles of markings per hour.

Road

[CivDash](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdash), a robot built for roads, automates the road layout workflow. It can mark up to 25 miles of lines in a single workday, maintaining a sub-inch accuracy.

- Mitigate risks and ensure worker safety with remote operations away from live traffic
- Equip the striping crew with full-scale drawings on the ground instead of points every 20’ for quicker, seamless striping, and say goodbye to pulling tapes.  
- Increase reliability and eliminate costly rework.



Road Marking

Guardrails are protective barriers placed along roadsides and elevated platforms to prevent accidents and falls, enhancing safety for pedestrians and vehicles alike.

[CivDash](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdash) helps by efficiently locating points and lines. The robot can accurately locate and mark points, dashes and solid lines along the desired path for installation, ensuring guardrails and barriers are positioned accurately meeting safety standards and regulatory requirements.


Guardrails and Barriers

Curb and gutter form the edges of roadways, with the curb serving as a raised barrier and the gutter providing a channel for stormwater runoff. They help maintain road structure, improve drainage, and guide traffic flow efficiently.

[CivDash](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdash) can assist in laying out curb and gutter by accurately mapping the desired alignment and elevation of the roadway edges.

Curb and Gutter

Roads

D.jpeg

Parking lot striping is managing and organizing parking lot spaces for better traffic flow. It involves measuring and applying lines, symbols, and directives to surface parking areas. 



Parking Lots Striping

Precision is the key to parking lot striping. Clear markings help prevent accidents by guiding vehicles and pedestrians, driving lanes, pedestrian crossings, and loading zones.

Parking lots require constant restriping, with CivDash contractors can create and save the mission once and re-stripe as needed.

Civ Robotics’ robot [CivDash](https://www.civrobotics.com/robots/civdash) is designed to ensure sub-inch accuracy, eliminating errors. As a result:
- It surpasses traditional methods in both precision and efficiency.
- It allows for projects to begin striping sooner thanks to the increase in layout speed.
- Ensures worker safety with remote operations.


Success Stories

Safer and Faster Surveying with CivDot

Surveying Upgrade: Six Points a Minute

From Grueling Work to Remarkable Efficiency

Rapid Project Completion on Your Schedule