Introduction

Precision concrete placement is critical in modern agricultural facilities, where effective water and waste management depend on accurately sloped surfaces. Traditional flatwork methods are labor-intensive and prone to elevation inconsistencies, especially when multiple slopes are required within one pour.

To overcome these limitations, DairyLand Structures has adopted the Somero SXP 3D Laser Screed, a system designed to control floor elevations and slopes directly from a digital model. This allows the placement of complex, multi-grade surfaces efficiently and accurately — without string lines, manual slope adjustments, or multiple pour stages.

Technology Overview: Somero SXP 3D System

The Somero SXP integrates a 3D laser control system capable of reading digital terrain models (DTMs) and automatically adjusting the screed head’s elevation in real time. The machine continuously grades and screeds the surface to match programmed slope data.

Key features:

• Real-time control via total station or laser transmitter.

• Continuous adjustment for compound slopes.

• Elimination of grade stakes and manual measurements.

• Integrated data models for repeatable precision.

This enables DairyLand crews to pour entire pads with varying slopes — for example, one area sloping toward a drain while another slopes in the opposite direction for controlled runoff.

Applications for DairyLand Structures

Leachate Retention Systems

Accurate slopes are essential for channeling runoff and preventing ponding. The SXP ensures consistent gradient flow across large containment areas.

Sand-Settling Lanes

Multi-slope pours enable efficient separation and drainage, minimizing maintenance and enhancing sand recovery efficiency.

Drainage Ditches & Channels

Complex slope transitions can be poured continuously, improving hydraulic performance and reducing formwork time.

Multi-Sloped Barn Floors

The ability to integrate multiple grades in a single pour allows improved manure management, floor hygiene, and animal comfort.

Benefits and Performance Outcomes

ParameterTraditional FlatworkSomero SXP 3D FlatworkSetup Time8–12 hours (stringlines, form setup)3–4 hours (digital setup)Elevation Accuracy±½ inch±⅛ inch or betterLabor Requirement6–8 workers3–4 operatorsSurface ComplexityLimitedUnlimited (multi-slope, compound)Rework/WasteModerateMinimal

The SXP’s precision significantly reduces rework, concrete waste, and labor costs — while improving surface quality and long-term functionality.

Conclusion

The use of the Somero SXP for 3D concrete flatwork represents a major advancement in agricultural infrastructure construction. DairyLand Structures’ integration of this technology delivers faster, more accurate, and more sustainable results — particularly in projects requiring complex drainage control and environmental compliance. Multi-sloped concrete flatwork poured with 3D precision has become a cornerstone of efficient, high-performance agricultural facility design.