Case Study: Rock Structures achieves 50% faster basement and utility excavation with Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform

Rock Structures Speeds Basement and Utility Excavation by 50% with Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform

Rock Structures Utility and Excavating, a Kaysville, Utah contractor that specializes in residential basement digs, underground utilities and rock retaining walls, needed to increase excavation productivity and grade accuracy to take on more work and reduce material waste. Owner Ryan Goodfellow wanted to reduce reliance on grade checkers, eliminate over‑excavation of utility trenches, and lower gravel and concrete overages.

They deployed Trimble GCSFlex and the Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform with excavator “automatics,” giving operators an in‑cab 3D grade display and semi‑automatic boom/bucket control. The company now excavates 40–50% faster (roughly 50% production gain), holds grade to about 0.3 in., cuts gravel use for backfill by ~50% (≈$150 saved per basement, ≈$1,500/month) and reduces concrete/material costs—resulting in higher efficiency, lower costs and greater competitiveness.

Rock Structures

Ryan Goodfellow

Owner