Cement Production Plant Infrastructure Survey

Project Summary

Construction Layout for Pioneering Carbon Capture Infrastructure

IBW Surveyors provided comprehensive construction survey support for the Carbon 1 Mississauga facility at the Ash Grove Cement Company, representing one of Canada’s first commercial carbon capture and utilization plants and a significant milestone in industrial sustainability. This groundbreaking project required integrating cutting-edge clean technology infrastructure into an active industrial cement production environment, creating unique logistical and technical challenges that demanded exceptional precision and adaptability. The construction of this pioneering facility presented significant operational constraints including limited site access, ongoing plant operations that could not be disrupted, and extremely tight construction tolerances required for proper functioning of the specialized carbon capture process equipment. IBW’s mandate encompassed the full spectrum of construction layout tasks across a phased construction schedule, requiring our team to maintain consistent survey control and verification throughout the build while working in close collaboration with the contractor to adapt to the dynamic conditions of an operating industrial facility.

Technical Details

Phased Control Network Maintenance with Embedment Precision Layout

The technical execution of this project centered on maintaining high-precision geometry across various construction phases within the challenging active plant environment. IBW established and rigorously maintained a robust site survey control network that served as the project’s geometric backbone, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout the phased construction sequence. From this stable control foundation, our team executed precise layout of concrete foundations and formwork to guide the pouring of critical structural elements, followed by detailed layout of anchor bolts and embedded items that were essential for subsequent installation of heavy machinery and specialized carbon capture process equipment. The complexity of these embedment layouts required meticulous attention to positioning accuracy, as any deviation from design specifications could compromise the alignment of the sophisticated equipment systems that would ultimately enable the facility’s carbon capture functionality. Throughout the structural erection process, IBW performed continuous column layout and verification work to monitor adherence to design tolerances, providing the construction team with immediate feedback that enabled proactive adjustments and ensured long-term structural integrity of this innovative clean technology infrastructure.

Equipment & Technology

Trimble High-Precision Total Station Network with Rigorous Verification Protocols

To meet the stringent tolerance requirements demanded by the process-related components of this carbon capture facility, IBW deployed high-precision surveying instrumentation specifically configured for industrial construction applications. The layout and verification operations utilized Trimble Robotic Total Stations equipped with High Precision (HP) 0.5″ angular accuracy capabilities, ensuring that all positioning tasks met the strict geometric demands of the facility’s engineering design specifications. Site control network establishment and elevation verification employed Trimble DiNi Digital Levels for precise vertical reference throughout the construction phases. All field observations and layout data were processed through Trimble Business Centre for comprehensive data management and quality control verification. This rigorous instrumentation approach and verification protocol enabled IBW’s survey services to be instrumental in the successful advancement and completion of major structural works, ensuring that all structural components including complex anchor bolts and embedded items were installed exactly as designed to support the long-term performance and integrity of Canada’s pioneering commercial carbon capture and utilization infrastructure.