Fudo Tetra, Soil Technica / Expanding application of automatic ground improvement machine construction to small machines
Construction demonstration using a small construction machine
Fudo Tetra and Soil Technica partially improved the automatic placement system "Geo-Pilot Autopile" using a large ground improvement machine, making it possible to apply it to small construction machines. The industry's first high-pressure injection method has been added to the deep mixing treatment method, which was conventionally only a mechanical agitation method. It supports a wide range of construction conditions and has the flexibility to select a construction method according to the application. We will continue to actively propose automated construction and respond to the increasing demand for ground improvement work.
An automatic placement system for large construction machines will be developed in 2020. I have achieved many achievements. There is no major change in the automation function of the added small construction machine type.
In the mechanical stirring method (CI-CMC method), the placement work such as inserting and pulling up the stirring blade installed at the tip of the leader and injecting cement slurry is automatically controlled. A monitor is installed in the cockpit to display the operating status of the machine. It communicates wirelessly with the on-site slurry plant and automatically monitors the plant and adjusts the flow rate to the pump.
The high-pressure injection stirring method (FTJ-NA method), which has achieved automation, injects solidifying material slurry at high pressure from the nozzle attached to the tip of the stirring blade, and stirs it at the original position to create a hard improved body. For the small construction machine that supports the two construction methods, we have added control of gripping change of the shaft chuck, flow rate adjustment of the high pressure pump, and automation of pressure monitoring. Specifications can be easily changed by simply replacing the stirring blades, making it possible to use different construction methods at the same site.
By automating the placement work, lever operations are almost eliminated, greatly reducing the work burden. In addition to improving productivity, it also contributes to quality improvement by paying close attention to the heavy machinery and existing structures that come and go at the construction site. It is said that the operator's training period, which was required for about three years, can be shortened to about one-third.
Currently, there is one small construction machine equipped with the system, but there are plans to increase the number to four in the first half of 2023. On the 4th, the actual machine was unveiled at the Fudo Tetra Research Institute (Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture), and Jun Obayashi, Director and Managing Executive Officer, General Manager of the Geotechnical Business Headquarters, said, "We will use ICT to overcome the issues of improving productivity and securing workers. That is one of the growth strategies of the ground business.We will continue to develop technology, including the handing down of technology, and aim for full automation.”
