How Trimble GNSS technology and connected digital workflows are helping a Queensland blasting contractor improve drilling accuracy, reduce preparation time and increase productivity.
For quarrying and drilling contractors, accurate hole placement and efficient site preparation play a major role in productivity, operating costs and blast quality. For this reason, many contractors look for ways to streamline their workflows and improve consistency on site.
Donnelly Blasting Services (DBS), a family-owned business based in Jimboomba, Queensland, has transformed its drilling operations by connecting aerial surveying, digital design and GNSS-guided drilling in one streamlined workflow.
With support from SITECH Construction Systems, DBS has used Trimble technology to cut manual set-out, reduce rework and improve consistency across its drilling operations.
DBS manages every stage of its quarry operations, from surveying, mark-out and blast design to drilling, shotfiring and site monitoring. With approximately 20 drill rigs and 30 staff, the business needs efficient processes to keep its operations moving.
In the past, the team relied on tape measures, spray paint and manually marked drilling plans to prepare for a blast. These methods took valuable time on site and increased the risk of set-out errors.
To improve this process, DBS introduced GNSS-guided drilling in 2016. Since then, the business has connected each stage of its workflow, from capturing site data to guiding the drill into position.
First, the team uses a drone to survey the prepared area. It then processes the survey data in Trimble Business Center (TBC), extracting site surfaces, trenches and other features for planning.
Next, DBS transfers the data into its blast design software and sends the completed drill plan directly to the rigs.
As a result, the team can move from survey to design and drilling without repeated manual set-out or unnecessary file conversions.
Trimble GNSS positioning helps drill operators navigate to each hole location and follow the required position and inclination. In turn, operators receive clear digital guidance in the field, helping them follow the drill design more accurately and consistently.
DBS uses Trimble GNSS equipment, including R750 and R780 GNSS systems and SPS855 base stations, alongside Trimble Business Center office software.
More importantly, these technologies work together to connect each stage of the job. Instead of treating surveying, design and drilling as separate tasks, DBS carries digital information through the entire process.
DBS has seen tangible benefits from its connected workflow.
Blast preparation time has dropped significantly. Work that previously took around a full day can now be completed in approximately two to three hours, from arriving on site to commencing drilling.
Manual mark-out has been eliminated. On larger blasts, staking and marking holes with tape measures could previously take three to six hours. The digital workflow removes that task from the process.
A smaller team can support more drilling activity. DBS reports that work which traditionally required one person for every two drills to mark out holes can now be managed by two people overseeing a fleet of 20 drills.
Rework has become far less common. More accurate hole positioning has reduced the need to redrill holes because of set-out errors or hole deviation. DBS also reports improvements in blast fragmentation, helping more material move through the crusher without requiring secondary rock-breaking.
Together, these improvements help the business use its people and equipment more effectively while maintaining a stronger focus on quality and consistency.
For DBS, the benefits extend beyond individual job sites.
Production Manager Dan Donnelly credits GNSS technology and the connected workflow with helping the business expand its capabilities and compete for more demanding projects.
“With the GNSS and the workflow, we’re winning jobs now that we would never have won 10 years ago.”
DBS continues to explore new opportunities, including the potential for autonomous drilling. The business is building on its investment in technology to find further ways to improve efficiency and performance.
Its experience shows how specialist contractors can connect survey data, digital design and machine guidance to improve established processes and pursue new opportunities.
Donnelly Blasting Services demonstrates how the right technology, a connected workflow and practical industry expertise can deliver meaningful improvements on site.
SITECH Construction Systems helps civil construction and specialist contractors get more from Trimble technology through product expertise and local support.
Whether you want to improve site positioning, streamline digital data workflows or explore GNSS-guided machine applications, our team can help you find the right solution for your operation.
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