Lasers were first introduced for construction applications in the early 1960s. Since then, lasers have become increasingly user-friendly and are becoming more and more the norm on the job site. Uses include determining level, grade, vertical alignment, and distance.

A laser is like a bubble level that has a seemingly unlimited length of reach. It establishes an accurate reference over the whole work area from which all measurements can be made. Lasers offer the contractor productivity improvements over traditional methods, since they are quick and easy to set up and allow one-person operation.

Lasers are used by construction contractors for the following activities:

• Grading

• Leveling

• Alignment

• Grading

For grading and earthmoving, contractors can choose from laser-based display systems or laser-based grade control systems.

Laser-based machine guidance systems are easy-to-use modular systems that are flexible and configured to the machine and site requirements. Designed to provide visual guidance to machine operators for manual grading operations the system includes a laser transmitter that emits a rotating 360-degree beam of light and a laser receiver mounted to the machine. Depending on the transmitter, the laser beam can be either a flat plane for flat grade work or tilted for sloping work. A magnetically mounted receiver on your machine clearly displays your grade status — on, above or below. Using laser-based display systems to guide the cutting edge to grade, you can speed up grading operations, making you more accurate and more profitable. Laser-based display systems are highly flexible and can be used on a wide range of machines, including dozers, backhoes, scrapers, skid steers, and excavators.

Add proportional valve controls to the machine's hydraulics and a user interface, and the laser-based display system is quickly upgraded to a laser-based grade control system. If these changes are combined with an electric mast option, the laser receiver can be raised or lowered from within the operator's cab, saving time and effort. The signals from the laser receiver are used to control a proportional hydraulic valve for blade correction, allowing operators to grade faster and more accurately. This type of system is best suited for large site preparation work. Laser-based grade control systems have numerous benefits — including reduced stakeout requirements, improved material yields, faster job cycles, and they eliminate communication errors, rework and idle machine time. Some of the systems available can be used for jobsite management or jobsite control.

Leveling

Leveling is a requirement of practically every construction application. A laser level provides a constant horizontal reference plane. With a receiver to detect the laser plane and grade rod the user can control level and elevation over the job site. Common applications include checking cut and fill requirements, controlling excavation depth, leveling concrete forms, and controlling concrete pours.

Alignment

For exterior and interior applications that require both level and vertical alignment, typically a horizontal and vertical laser is used to provide a horizontal and vertical reference for the job site. This allows additional applications such as alignment and plumb of concrete forms, the layout of interior walls and hanging suspended ceilings. Most feature a visible beam allowing the user to easily see the laser position without the need to use a laser receiver.

Lasers provide key competitive advantages to a contractor. They are faster than traditional methods, their one-person operation allows the reallocation of labor, and they can dramatically reduce the need for costly rework. Lasers can be used throughout the construction process and can result in increased productivity and profitability. Many of the systems have been designed for single-person operation.