Project Details

When it comes to supply and delivery of aggregates and bulk products, precision and honesty are paramount. For Taylor Bros Transport Ltd in Tauranga, the integration of Loadscan’s LVS-3BMF load volume scanner (LVS) has been a game-changer.

Managing Director, Andrew Taylor, has been in his role for about two decades after taking over from twin brothers Garry and Kevin Taylor — his father and uncle — who started the business in 1965. During his tenure, he says the company has significantly changed the way it does business, with Loadscan’s innovative technology playing a key role in how the company’s operations have been transformed.

Transition from weight to volume

“We’ve always been a tipper operation and we concentrate fully in bulk material; bulk cartage, tipper trucks,” he says.

Originally, Taylor Bros Transport relied on selling products solely by weight, using loaders fitted with scales. However, as market demands shifted towards volume-centric transactions, they encountered challenges by using that as the sole system of measuring product. Andrew highlights how the paradigm shifted when customers increasingly sought loads measured by volume rather than weight.

“People wanted volume; they weren’t buying weight, they wanted volume and the only way we could see we could do this properly was to get a Loadscan,” he says.

“We knew there was no argument. When you sell by a Loadscan, you just can’t argue; they’re proven to be accurate and, to us, it’s all about honesty and integrity, and that’s something we were missing because we couldn’t guarantee what loads we were putting out there.”

The implementation of Loadscan’s LVS addressed the critical need for accuracy and accountability in their transactions. Andrew emphasises the highly precise nature of Loadscan measurements has eliminated disputes. The technology proved itself accurate, providing the foundation for a commitment to honesty and integrity in their business dealings.

Cubic metres as the currency

In a market where customers measure everything in cubic metres, the Loadscan LVS became indispensable. Taylor Bros Transport adopted a cubic metre-based system, aligning seamlessly with customer expectations.

“We sell by the cubic metre, our customers measure everything in cubic metres, they want to know they’re getting cubic metres. Out of this yard, everything is by cubic metres and, again, there’s no other way than by using that Loadscan.”

This move not only streamlined their processes but also ensured that customers received precisely what they paid for.

“Some people will do it and think they’re going to make more money, but for us it came back to that honesty thing; we wanted to know our customers were getting what they paid for.”

It’s a benefit of the Loadscan system that’s reinforced by Taylors’ Transport Manager Brent Smythe.

“We’re looking after the customer,” he says. “Because we’re charging by volume so we’re measuring in volume — it just makes it nice and simple.”

Customer satisfaction and transparency

The transition to Loadscan brought about improved customer satisfaction and, with the integration of vehicle tracking in their trucks, it further reinforces transparency. The technology allowed them to detail, with precision, the journey of each load through the scanner.

“Our customers are happy and we don’t have any problems at all. We never ask for proof of purchase or anything like that.

“We also run GPS in our trucks so we can show what went through the scanner and where that load went to, and that technology has been good for us to show our customers that we are honest and do have integrity.”

Return on investment and eliminating guesswork

While the primary motivation for adopting Loadscan was not about seeking a direct return on investment, Andrew acknowledges that the machine quickly paid for itself.

“We didn’t buy it with getting a return on investment in mind – we bought it around knowing what we were selling and making sure our customers were getting what they were being charged for.

“We’re more than confident we’ve paid for it, more than once I’m sure, because nothing goes out the gate that’s unaccounted for now.”

The elimination of ‘estimation’ regarding product quantities significantly impacted their bottom line. The company was no longer giving away or unintentionally losing product, ensuring that every load was accounted for.

“Before, it was all guesswork. Who knows what we gave away; we’re sure it was considerable, but now we’re sure we’re not, and that’s the key to it for us.”

The ease of use and accessibility

Taylor Bros Transport attests to the user-friendly nature of Loadscan’s LVS, with the majority of vehicles passing through the scanner trouble-free.

“Most of the vehicles through our yard now will scan, and everyone finds it easy to use,” he says.

Brent also reinforces the Loadscan system’s efficiency as far as reporting and paperwork are concerned.

“Before we had the scanner, we worked off the certified scales in the loader – the product was put in the back of the truck per tonne, and was then worked out in the office per metre. Then a manual docket was having to be filled out for every truck that was filled up, every time it came into the yard.

“Now, the scanner scans their load in volume in metres and then it’s up to the driver to come in and enter his rego. It’s a real simple process. They only have to enter four things into the display unit that controls all that, and then it prints him out a ticket.

“It’s got rid of all the paper. Some days we’d be filling out 150 dockets. Every time they came in, they’d have to come in and fill out a docket – it’s got rid of that totally, so it’s just made it so easy.”

The system’s ease of use also extends to generating real-time reports, facilitating quick and efficient decision-making.

Accounting integration and future prospects

From an accounting standpoint, the company charges off the data generated through the scanner, showcasing a commitment to leveraging technology for operational efficiency. Andrew Taylor expresses excitement about ongoing improvements in technology and the prospect of seamless integration with their accounting systems. This evolving synergy between Loadscan and accounting systems promises further enhancements in data management and financial tracking.

“It’s easy to do tallies because we’re often asked for up-to-date information. It’s easy to go to the computer and download the reports, and that’s something we do on a weekly basis, or a daily basis if required.”

For Taylor Bros Transport Ltd, Loadscan’s LVS-3BMF is more than just innovative technology; it has become an assurance of accuracy, transparency, and integrity in their operations. This illustrates how the adoption of Loadscan technology not only met the evolving market demands but also exceeded expectations in terms of operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and financial accountability.

As the partnership between Taylor Bros Transport and Loadscan has continued to evolve, it reinforces the value of Loadscan’s innovative payload management solution in an industry where accuracy, accountability and ease-of-use are paramount.

Project Details

When significant floods hit New South Wales in mid-2022, parts of the region were devastated, washing away homes, displacing families and ruining livelihoods.

It was the third major flood some parts of the region had suffered in 2022, and the Hawkesbury River – one of the main tributaries in the Sydney area – peaked at 14m, a level not seen for decades. Meanwhile, the Warragamba Dam, which serves as the primary reservoir for the water supply for Sydney, overflowed, flooding areas downstream with more than 500 gigalitres of water – around 20% of the massive lake’s total capacity.

Once the water had receded, the huge level of damage was apparent, causing major issues for councils, utilities companies and service providers as they swung into action to get the region back on its feet.

One of the larger projects fell to the Hawkesbury City Council, which was tasked with clearing a major landslip on the banks of the Hawkesbury River near the settlement of Wiseman’s Ferry, around 75km northwest of Sydney. There, almost 30,000m² of earth had come down, blocking a road and causing major issues for those in the area.

Solving problems

Sadat Rahman, the Project Manager Infrastructure Recovery for the council, confirmed the size and nature of the job posed some problems for the council.

“The council has never done a job with this level of excavation – it was a huge landslip area,” he says.

After engaging a surveyor and contractor to undertake the job, Sadat’s next challenge was to ensure the accuracy of the data coming out of the site, and to match that with payments that were being made to the relevant parties.

“One of the challenges was how and what we’d use to measure this, how we make an informed decision for the claims,” Sadat explains.

After initial discussions, the Loadscan LVS-3TMM was suggested as the solution to the unique challenges posed by the difficult job.

Accurate to within +/-1%, the Loadscan system was selected as the best solution for the role and was quickly installed on-site in order to capture the information that was necessary to meet the level of detail required under the contract Sadat was managing.

“On a normal scale job, we wouldn’t need a Loadscan, but when we’re talking about 29,000m² of loadout material, that’s huge, and that’s why we thought we needed to check what we were taking out…and to double check with the surveyor information.”

Keeping track of vehicle movements

Trucks were fitted with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to ensure loads were tracked accurately, making for more efficient truck movements into and out of the challenging site. Once each truck had completed a reference scan and had their details loaded into the system, every subsequent load by that truck was then automatically picked up by the RFID receiver, with all the relevant details uploaded in real time to the Loadscan LVS.

In addition to using the Loadscan to measure what was coming out of the site, the surveyor also used a drone on a monthly basis to estimate the amount of material in the body of the landslip.

“Before they started any work, they do a scan [with the drone], and at the end of the month they do another scan; that difference gives the volume of material that we removed.

“That information is then double checked by the Loadscan.”

As part of that process, Sadat discovered that drone-generated figures were considerably different to those provided by the more accurate Loadscan LVS due to the compaction of the material on the site that was being measured prior to being loaded out.

Ensuring accuracy of data

The information delivered by the LVS also assisted Sadat with reconciling financial requirements with the contract company, especially when the scans made it easy to differentiate the type of material being hauled from the site.

As part of the contract, there was a different cartage rate for spoil and rock, which initially proved difficult to manage until raw data was made available to Sadat, where the 3D scans confirmed exactly what was being hauled from the site.

“In our contract, there was a rate for spoil and a separate rate for rock,” he explains. “The drone survey does not differentiate what is rock and what is spoil.

“When it’s spoil, you cannot say it’s rock. Rock is a higher price and, once I got the raw data, I declined lots of payments.

“The scanner helped me a lot. It helped to solve that problem.”

The Loadscan difference

As well as solving a problem for the HCC on this project, Sadat says the process of implementing Loadscan’s LVS on the site was made far easier with the assistance of Loadscan’s staff.

“Whatever we requested, you were there to help us, to give us training, which helped us a lot to get familiar with the system.

“You were there to help us.”

Project Details

On large-scale site development projects, accuracy isn’t optional – it’s essential. For Alan Payne, project lead at The Kearney Companies, based in Riverview, Florida, the difference between guessing and knowing has had a major financial and operational impact. After nearly four decades with the company, Alan has seen plenty of industry change, but few innovations have delivered as much value as Loadscan’s Load Volume Scanner (LVS) system.

At Queenstown Hardfill, the business revolves around efficiently managing materials for a range of projects in the challenging terrains of Queenstown and Southern Lakes.

Company owner Steve Rout explains that the company faced significant challenges with accurate volume measurements before incorporating a Loadscan load volume scanner into their operations.

Before the addition of the Loadscan scanner, disagreements led to disputes with engineers and surveyors, and often delayed payments and strained business relationships. The tipping point came following a completed project where they had to spend a year proving their work to receive rightful payment.

“We used to keep quite a good paper record of everything, so eventually, after 12 months, we were able to prove we’d done it, and we got fully paid,” Steve says.  “But by then, we were bloody sick of having these arguments and discussions and negotiations that go backwards and forwards while your cash flow is tied up….and it becomes quite adversarial, when you’re dealing with a big chunk of dough.

“After that, we got the first trailer-mounted [Loadscan] unit, and it just ceased the problems.”

As an early adopter of the load volume scanner, Steve put the machine to work and it quickly became an invaluable asset to their operations. The unit’s mobility and efficiency addressed the absence of weighbridges in remote sites, allowing them to accurately measure and record materials without relying on subjective weight estimates.

“When you’re out on sites, you don’t have weighbridges, and we were a long way from the nearest town — 50km at least — so you just don’t have that availability,” he says.

“We operate off a lot of remote sites and we can measure accurately what we’re doing, because our projects are always priced by volume.”

While the company’s original scanner is still in operation at Queenstown Hardfill’s Glenorchy gravel pit, a second, newer Loadscan LVS-3BMF model is employed at the company’s Queenstown headquarters where it continues to deliver accuracy and reliability of volume measurements into and out of the site.

“On this site, we use it for material out; we put out quite a significant volume each year, and we also run a transfer area here where small trucks and trailers and smaller contractors bring material and we take it by truck and trailer to larger sites, which we manage as part of our operation.

“So, once again, it’s time and accuracy. There’s no doubt of what came in or what went out…and there’s no argument with it.”

The key advantage of the Loadscan LVS is its ability to measure volume directly, eliminating the need for conversion to weight. Steve says they’ve resisted the industry trend of converting everything to tonnage because it introduces uncertainties and risks.

“We’ve got materials in this district that run from about 1.2 tonne a cube up to about 2.3 tonne a cube. So, your guys are always trying to estimate, is this hard, is it loose, is it soft, is it really heavy and dense, how much airspace is in the load?

“So these are all the things that drove us to thinking we have to find a better way that can be scanned quickly, and then there’s no argument; no argument about what we deliver to our client, no argument about what we take out of a site.”

Initially implementing Loadscan’s volume scanner took some time for widespread acceptance, as sceptics questioned its accuracy. However, they swiftly validated its precision by cross-referencing scans with on-ground measurements, earning the trust of engineers and contractors alike.

“Once we bought the first scanner, it took about six months to get acceptance.

“A lot of people didn’t think it was accurate, but we were able to prove very quickly it was. We surveyed truck loads — we’d tip it out on the ground and survey it and verify it.

“After that, most of the engineers accepted it.”

Contract clarity

Loadscan has also become integral to Queenstown Hardfill’s pricing system, serving as the basis for volume measurements in their contracts.

“We changed our quoting system to be based by volume measure through the scanner, and we basically had that in the contract as if that’s the volume it had, that’s what we got paid for. It was part of the contract documentation and it just stopped all our arguments.

“End of story.”

This shift has brought clarity, putting an end to disputes and streamlining operations. It has proven particularly beneficial for remote sites lacking weighbridge infrastructure, where traditional measurement methods would be impractical.

The system guarantees accuracy and ensures dealings with clients have become smoother, as they appreciate the transparency and reliability Loadscan brings to their operations.

“It guarantees our QA, and we can back it up with facts,” Steve says. “So once again, it helps with your dealings with clients because they know there’s not going to be any hassle.

“If we tell them we’re bringing them 500 cubes, they get 500 cubes or, vice versa, if we’re carting 500 cubes out of their site, they know that’s what’s happening.

“It allows you to work remotely without having any issue about trust or misunderstandings.”

That trust has translated into improved cash flow, a critical aspect of their business.

“As we all know, cash flow is king now.  If you haven’t got your cash flow because you’re having an argument, it affects your business.”

Beyond the financial benefits, Loadscan has helped them maintain their commitment to delivering what they promise. It has prevented potential discrepancies caused by human error or subjective judgments, creating a more efficient and trustworthy operation.

“We love the thing. We just love it. We don’t have arguments with clients anymore.”

Project Details

Russell Pratley, the Regional Environmental Supervisor for Dunedin infrastructure management company Delta, is pretty clear when asked why the company installed a Loadscan Load Volume Scanner (LVS) at a Dunedin City Council quarry in rural northern Taieri on the outskirts of the southern city; cost, installation location, and accuracy and relevance of load measurement.

A cost-effective solution for a flexible location

Russell explains that a traditional weighbridge posed both a logistical challenges and financial barriers, especially as there was the prospect of needing to relocate the weighbridge should the quarry expand in future years.

“The first thing was the cost of the weighbridge was going to be a lot more tricky for us, especially where we’ve got this scanner positioned,” he explains. “If we were going to mine this area then we’d have to shift the weighbridge…and so a lot of it was the cost.

“We’ve had a lot of experience with weighbridges in the past, and this causes a lot of headaches with load cells breaking and stuff like that,” he adds.

That cost factor, coupled with potential reliability issues of a weighbridge, led them to explore alternatives. Enter Loadscan, where an LVS-3BMF load scanner provided a solution tailored to their needs, offering not only cost-effectiveness but also a seamless integration into their operational framework.

“The volume scanner was the better option for us because we sell our metal by the cubic metre.”

“We’ve got weight scales on our loader and we’ll estimate how many cubic metres, as the loader weighs by tonne, but we never have sold it by the tonne.

“We’ve always measured by the cubic metre of gravel coming out — or any product coming out — by the cubic metre,” Russell states.

“It’s very hard to estimate cubic metres if you’re selling by the tonne.”

Embracing precision with volume scanner technology

As well as accurately measuring every truck load of material leaving the site, the data generated by the LVS also provides real-time updates which allows Russell to manage the annual totals being removed from the 14-hectare site.

“We pay a royalty to the City Council for every cubic metre that we sell that comes out of this quarry,” Russell says.

“It was like 30,000 cubes a year, and then the last 2 or 3 years it was down to 22,000. And now we’re at 18,000 cubes,” Russell says.

The quarry also sits on top of an aquifer, which is protected and, consequently, means the limit of the amount of gravel that can be extracted from the site is reducing as part of meeting environmental targets.

Waste Disposal Levy information

Perhaps more immediately relevant to the overall operation of the Delta quarry is the amount of cleanfill coming into the site, which then allows the land to be restored as the quarry is mined.

Trucks entering the site to dump cleanfill are scanned in through the LVS, with totals tallied and the companies then billed according to Ministry for the Environment’s (MFE) waste disposal levy scheme. This precision extends to different categories of clean fill, including class three, four, and even class five material entering the site.

“With the clean fill, we convert the MFE factor of 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre, and then we pay the levy back to the government for $10 a tonne,” Russell says.

“We load different categories of clean fill.

“We generally have class three and four clean fill.

“If we have a contractor doing subdivisions and they’ve got virgin material coming in here, then I can put a category into that machine saying class five, virgin material, so we’re capturing everything that comes in and out now.”

Navigating operational challenges with Loadscan

While acknowledging the reliance on truck drivers for correct data input, Russell emphasises the streamlined process Loadscan brings to their invoicing and administrative tasks through the cloud-based MyScanner web portal, which ties into the Delta billing and administrative system. The real-time access to information allows them to address concerns promptly and ensure accurate invoicing.

“That information is accessed by our administrator in town, and we have a guy in an office that that takes all that information and does the invoicing directly off that,” he says.

Accurate operation with Loadscan

Russell provides insights into the unique challenges posed by the Delta site, where Loadscan not only ensures compliance with the city council’s limits but also aids in responsible practices. The accurate measurement of various materials, including gravel, soil, and bark products they sell, reflects the precision and reliability of Loadscan’s technology.

“It works very, very accurately.”

Awesome technology

“I really think this system is awesome. It’s awesome technology. It works really, really well for what we’re trying to achieve.

Since being installed in December 2022, Russell says the scanner has proven its worth with accurate measurements and increased operational efficiency.

He says the technology and seamless integration into the Delta administrative system provide a serious contrast to the potential challenges a weighbridge would likely have brought, while delivering an accurate measurement tool that increases efficiencies.

Project Details

In the heart of OceanaGold’s Macraes Operation goldmine in Otago, every ounce of efficiency counts, and Senior Geologist, Graham Gibson, says the Loadscan Mine Payload Scanner (MPS) has emerged as a game-changer in truck load measurement.

He says the MPS volume scanner has revolutionised operations, offering a seamless and continuous workflow, as well as identifying issues such as carryback, which can quickly have a negative impact on profitability.

Tackling carryback head-on

It’s when the trucks return from dropping their load at the waste pad or ROM pad that carryback — a perennial concern in mining — is often detected.

By using data from the scans provided by the MPS, carryback becomes a quickly identified issue and a very manageable task which can be quickly rectified.

“They come back through the scanner, and they’ll obviously see if they’ve got any carryback,” he says. “It’s significantly reduced the carry back because we can get on top of that straight away.

“If we’ve got more than half a cubic metre of carryback on, then the truck will go up to the ROM pad and get the carryback scraped out, so the next load has got a clean tub again.

“And I think that’s one of the main benefits for the Loadscan system is just any truck with carryback in it, it’s just getting it out straight away,” he says, before reinforcing the carryback issue with another strong endorsement.

“Less carryback, more tons out of the hole, the less fuel, less CO₂. It’s better for everyone,” he states.

Beyond the surface: Utilising data for efficiency

Graham reveals a hidden treasure in the Loadscan MPS capabilities — the utilisation of the data that’s generated by the system.

Beyond mere load measurements, the MPS offers detailed 3D scans, which give an insight into truck loading, weight distribution and chassis balance. Graham envisions leveraging this data for enhanced truck efficiency, a big step towards optimising fleet utilisation.

“As in checking that trucks are loaded properly because there’s so much, rather than just the truck’s not loaded properly.

“It puts weight on the chassis where it shouldn’t, forward or back, side to side and, quite often, if it’s loaded heavy on one side, there’s actually room for dirt on the other side.

So, using a lot more of that data as well potentially will help us out with truck efficiencies and effectiveness.”

Loader education also becomes a key focus, with the ability to visualise load distribution in 3D and pass this on to the bogger operator who is working at the face.

This contributes to maximising truck efficiency and reducing environmental impact as well as addressing carryback when required.

“That’s it’s one thing that we can use it more in the future is for loader education — if there’s carryback in the front left of the tub, or how that load’s sitting left and right and forward, back.

“There’s a lot of advantage in there as well.”

Pursuing operational excellence

In the tireless quest for peak performance, the Loadscan MPS at Macraes Goldmine emphasises the successful lateral thinking that can be employed in the drive to improve day-to-day mining operations.

Graham underscores the far-reaching impact of minimising carryback, leading to increased material extraction, lowered fuel consumption, and a diminished carbon footprint. The Loadscan MPS goes beyond being a mere instrument; it acts as a driving force for a mining future that is not only more efficient and sustainable but also more profitable.

Project Details

From Kaipaki Rd on the outskirts of Cambridge in the Waikato, the only sign of Shaw’s Quarry is the sign at the gate and the yellow Loadscan volume scanner perched down the end of the driveway.

Shaw’s Quarry is a 7m deep sand pit situated right in the heart of some of the best farming land around…and that’s exactly how Operations Manager Dave Marinkovich expects it to look once the quarry has reached the end of its operable life.

“It’s very important. It was a working farm prior to being quarried, and that will be the aim once it’s finished, so repatriation is a big part of what we’re doing,” he says.

Initially, the pit was planned for a 15-year operation over approximately 40 hectares but, with an increase in truck movements, it’s now expected the life span will last between 7-10 years before the sand supply has reached its limit and the incoming clean-fill has repatriated the site.

“We still have a limit of 200,000 cube a year which, at the moment, we’re pretty much right on target to meet,” Dave says. “Luckily enough we’re almost matching clean fill in with sand out at the moment.”

Along with ensuring the quality of the clean fill is maintained – which is done through regular and rigorous testing – understanding the volume of fill entering the site is almost as important as measuring the volume of sand going out to construction sites around the region, which is where the Loadscan-supplied LVS-3BMF load volume scanner (LVS) really plays its part.

“We put the Loadscan in because we were after the most simple operation that we could have,” Dave says.

“A lot of the sand that comes out of here is for construction; there’s a lot of land development that’s going on in the Hamilton and Cambridge region at the moment and, obviously, with the quantity surveying that happens around that, a lot of them have big ideas as to how much clean fill needs to come out and also how much sand in. 

“They’re obviously not working in weights when they’re doing those sorts of surveys, so it’s a great crossover between what they need and what we put out in terms of looking at volumes rather than weight.”

The block-mounted LVS unit is conveniently situated for trucks leaving the site with sand, as well as those entering with clean fill, with adequate room for trucks to queue if demand is high.

“Essentially we’ve got two diggers with two operators, and the Loadscan really simplified our operation,” he says. “It’s nice and easy to use. The truck drivers are all familiar with it, and it also helps in the background with all of our invoicing and reconciliation with looking at our volumes and sticking to the volumes we’re allowed, and also forecasting across the year to make sure we don’t go over those volumes.”

He explains that the Loadscan system – through the cloud-based MyScanner portal – also dovetails into Shaw’s reporting and invoicing software as well, simplifying the accounting process and adding extra efficiency to the overall operation.

“One of the other good things about the Loadscan is all the data coming out of it transitions into our billing system really well. Again, were looking for something really simple so we don’t have to have people looking over it every day and that’s worked really well.

“We get different job numbers from a range of different jobs; we’re not a big operation here, but often over 200 truck and trailers a day.

“Drivers come in, it’s recorded to their regos and job number and company that they’re working for and that all transitions into Xero, and it’s really easy for the billing process.”

For more information on Loadscan’s Load Volume Scanner system CLICK HERE

Project Details

Just north of the city of Auckland, New Zealand’s commercial centre, is one of the largest roading infrastructure projects undertaken.

The entire Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Wellsford project will consist of around 38 kilometres of 4-lane highway. Phase 1, the Pūhoi to Warkworth section, covers 18.5 kilometres, with around 10 million cubic metres of earth being moved for site clearing and embankments. This section will open in May 2022.

The project is a Public Private Partnership between the New Zealand Government and Northern Express Group (NX2). Fletcher/Acciona is a construction joint venture (CJV) contracted by NX2 to build the Pūhoi to Warkworth section of the motorway.

All material grades required for the construction phase are sourced onsite in the project quarry. Once loaded, material is trucked to multiple site access points depending on the grade of material required. Topsoil for beautification is trucked in from external suppliers.

Loadscan supplied five trailer-mounted mobile LVS-3TMM load volume scanners (LVS) which are situated at strategic access points across the project geography. The mobile LVS trailer units are ideal for a project of this nature, and are conveniently moved around the site to meet specific measurement requirements. All five units are trade certified in New Zealand and Australia, with a certified measurement accuracy of +/-1%.

Material excavated from the quarry is measured as trucks exit, with grade, volume, and destination recorded via the scanner. Understanding which cut the material has come from within the quarry, and where the various grades of material are trucked to is critical for quality control, according to Site Engineer, DJ Nio-Aporo. The automated Loadscan LVS system enables full visibility and volume tracking, ensuring completely accurate reporting of material movement and placement.

Scan data is viewed in real-time by project engineers, providing them with immediate and up to date information on material movement. Scan data is exported from Loadscan’s proprietary Overview reporting system into the customer’s project management software. It can then be analysed and used for planning and reporting.

During the 2020 Covid lockdown, Loadscan provided remote user and technical support for the five scanners through their secure MyScanner cloud portal, ensuring undisturbed and seamless operation on site. Site Engineer, DJ Nio-Aporo says, “Working with the Loadscan team has been really helpful in getting the Loadscan system off the ground and running efficiently”.

For more information on Loadscan’s Load Volume Scanner system, CLICK HERE.

Read more civil construction case studies.

Project Details

Rodney Aggregates Supplies use a load volume scanner (LVS) in their Whangaripo Quarry north-east of Warkworth, New Zealand, to minimise profit loss due to carry-back on their overburden stripping programmes.

Daniel Le Roux, Business Manager at Rodney Aggregates, says, “The scanner was measuring significant amounts of carry-back by the contractor. Especially this season where the material was sticky and wet compared to previous years. This was often up to 5mᶾ per load, which on some trucks is 20-25% carry back — obviously a huge saving for us.”

The Whangaripo Quarry is a regular supplier of high-quality greywacke products (asphalt and concrete aggregates through to base courses and bulk fill) to the North Auckland region.

They strip up to 2,500mᶾ of overburden material a day and if Rodney weren’t using the Loadscan LVS they wouldn’t be aware of the carry back in the truck bins, which influenced the final payments to the contractor. In the years that they used the surveyed volumes compared with truck load count, carry back was never considered although it was present, therefore a discrepancy was between survey and truck count volumes. In terms of financial cost, if 20% of a truck load is haul back then the business suffers $3,250 per day cost for material not hauled. Over their six-day working week that’s $19,500.

Hypothetically, if the LVS unit has a conservative lifespan of 5-years (though being a touchless system with no wear parts it’s proven to last much longer!) that’s a saving of $4,875,000 in carry-back alone.

Loadscan’s LVS system utilises laser scanning combined with proprietary software that creates 3D model images of trucks to measure the exact volume of material loaded in a truck or trailer bin. Every system includes an RFID reader for the automatic identification of each vehicle, every load.

Not only does an LVS system enable proper management of loading and carry-back, but having highly accurate measurement of every load also gives users an auditable trial of transparent data.

For Rodney Aggregates that data has eased invoicing tensions. Le Roux says, “In the past we used to rely on an aerial survey to calculate volumes moved. This meant that during the season the payments/measures were based on load counts and the final payment was sorted at the end of the season after completing the final flyover. There were usually arguments over final amounts, so final payment was often agreed up to three months after completion of the works.”

Loadscan’s LVS system is completed by load-management reporting system called Overview. Overview provides Rodney Aggregates with the full picture of material movements on-the-fly. They are now equipped with the real-time actionable intelligence to monitor exactly how much product has been stripped by their earthworks contractor.

Le Roux says, “Another great benefit is having the data of loads/volumes real-time in front of me. It makes monthly payments accurate and reliable — no arguing with the contractor on volumes moved.”

The LVS model used by Rodney Aggregates is Loadscan’s mobile truck scanning solution (LVS-3TMM). The fully self-contained mobile truck measurement unit is driven to site and fully setup and operational in as little as 45 minutes. There are a range of power options, plus the ability to transmit truck measurement load reports via Wi-Fi, Cellular Modem or Network cable.

The scanner, with extended rigger, is set up to measure the 40T articulated dumpers removing overburden from the quarry. Rodney Aggregate’s LVS is equipped with a built-in kiosk so that it’s fully self-contained. Overview reporting software is used to process and sort scan data and to generate custom load reports. And the office is equipped with LVS remote control functionality via network cable/WiFi/cellular modem.

For more information about load volume scanning (LVS) systems visit www.loadscan.com.