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Connected Construction

Machine control advances from key suppliers
May 21, 2018
The leading suppliers of machine control technology are now offering advanced new solutions for customers – Mike Woof writes. Important developments in machine control technologies are now coming to market. The major suppliers are making major advances to offer new solutions for customers, which can help boost accuracy while reducing the time needed to carry out a project, as well as minimising the need for reworking. From Topcon Positioning Group comes a sophisticated 3D machine control package that the fi
Topcon offers the potential for smoother roads
May 11, 2018
An improved package from Topcon Positioning will allow upgrades in road surface quality. The firm is launching an upgrade to its SmoothRide data collection software. This new RD-M1 Collect 2.0 package includes updates that make the mapping of road conditions easier and more efficient. The improved interface is designed to simplify setup and automatically detect the position of the wheel sensor during data collection.
Florida highway rebuild project
May 2, 2018
Rebuilding a congested stretch of highway in Florida will cut congestion and boost safety for commuters - Mike Woof writes. Florida’s 214km-long I-4 highway provides a key transport route between Tampa and Daytona Beach, but has an unenviable reputation for both congestion and safety, with frequent delays due to heavy traffic as well as crashes. The stretch running through the city of Orlando is particularly prone to jams at peak periods, with huge traffic volumes resulting in vehicles having to slow to a c
Topcon expanding through acquisition
April 30, 2018
Topcon Positioning Group is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of Viasys VDC, a Finnish infrastructure construction software development company. The purchase is intended to strengthen Topcon’s software development expertise. This will support delivery of advanced Topcon virtual design and construction solutions with BIM interoperability. Topcon has now acquired all the outstanding shares of Viasys VDC after having bought a significant percentage of its holdings in early 2016. Jason Hallett, VP of
Bentley expanding capabilities with new deals
April 30, 2018
Bentley Systems is acquiring Plaxis, a Netherlands-based provider of geotechnical software. In addition, Bentley also has an agreement to acquire soil engineering software provider SoilVision, based in Saskatchewan, Canada. The acquisitions develop Bentley’s capabilities in the geotechnical sector. These deals allow BIM advancements to be extended to subsurface engineering for infrastructure projects. Projects commence with geotechnical surveys and sampling, captured with Bentley’s gINT for versatile
Trimble expanding portfolio with new acquisition deal
April 27, 2018
Trimble is continuing to expand its array of construction solutions with a move to acquire software specialist Viewpoint. The aim of this deal is to provide a complete construction management solution, extending Trimble's ability to provide integrated project, jobsite and business workflows across construction projects. The firm has a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Viewpoint from Bain Capital. This cash transaction is valued at US$1.2 billion. Viewpoint is a leading provider of scalable
Hitachi’s sophisticated fleet management system offers efficiency
April 16, 2018
Improved efficiency is claimed for large machine fleets through the use of Hitachi’s new machine management system. The firm says it has developed an industry-leading innovation as part of its ConSite remote fleet monitoring package. The system extracts data from two sensors that monitor the quality of an excavator’s engine and hydraulic oil around the clock and is designed to increase machine availability and reduce the total cost of ownership. The new oil sensors can reduce maintenance requirements, sav
Topcon and Bentley training event
April 12, 2018
Topcon Positioning Group and Bentley Systems has run the first in its collaborative Constructioneering Academy initiatives The first session was held recently in Livermore, California. The two firms have joined efforts to provide opportunities designed to allow construction industry professionals to learn best practices in constructioneering, a process of managing and integrating survey, engineering, and construction data, to streamline construction workflows and improve project delivery. This approach
Trimble’s latest advance in machine controls
April 12, 2018
Trimble is building on proven technology with its latest advances for the machine control segment - Mike Woof writes With new systems coming to market, Trimble is keen to retain its strong position in the machine control segment. The firm is now introducing advanced technology for the bulldozer segment, which utilises similar systems to the Earthworks package unveiled for excavators at the CONEXPO show in early 2017. Eric Crim is product manager for machine control systems in Trimble's heavy & highway
Sophisticated trainer tool from Immersive
April 12, 2018
Immersive Technologies says that demand is strong for its highly sophisticated virtual reality operating training technology. The latest generation WorksiteVR Simulator from the firm is said to be both portable and affordable and is aimed straight at the construction training market. The virtual reality simulators are said to be easy to transport as they fit in two cases that can be checked in on a plane or transported between sites. This ease of portability is a key feature of the unit’s versatility. U