Van Elle, one of the UK’s leading geotechnical, piling and foundation contractors, have developed a bespoke automated drilling and grouting management system in conjunction with C A Design Services Limited.

This new system eliminates the need for paper records by using touch screen technology. Engineers on site can now enter all drilling log data directly into a database and monitor site progress all via the web. The application uses Autodesk design web format (DWF) technology to allow the site plan to be visible over the web. The same site plan is also a user interface to the application allowing users to select objects on the plan to view and edit data.

The same information can be viewed in real-time across Van Elle’s organisation.

Ged Connolly-Thompson, IT Project Manager of Van Elle, says,

“The OnSite system drastically reduces the amount of time and resource required to produce information for our clients; enabling us to be even more responsive in helping them to meet their deadlines.”

Though currently only deployed on ground stabilisation sites, the OnSite System will shortly begin deployment across the remainder of Van Elle’s specialist projects, affirming the group’s commitment to invest in new technologies.

The OnSite system will also link up to the new extranet extension to Van Elle’s existing website ( www.van-elle.co.uk ) enabling clients to access documents and data.

C A Design Services Ltd ( www.cadesignservices.co.uk ) specialise in the creation, sharing and management of CAD and other digital data to industries and sectors including; construction, process, retail, healthcare and government agencies.

Grant Dott C A Design’s Technical Manager sees the development as a ‘win-win’ opportunity. “Van Elle get a great product that will give them a technological advantage and CADS get a boost for their core technology in a different direction. Currently our core technology is used in StoreSpace, for retail planning and merchandising so adapting it to Construction Management was a challenge well accomplished.”

CAD’s core technology is based around AutoCAD and Autodesk DWF technology. It will soon to be available for schools and other institutions, to aide in the planning, procurement and maintenance of the facilities.