Connected Construction

High performing compact loaders from Kubota and Volvo CE

April 12, 2018

The competitive market for compact loaders is seeing new additions Kubota, SDLG and Volvo CE are now offering compact wheeled loaders that deliver more power and performance than earlier generation models. These compact wheeled loaders are intended to carry out a wide range of tasks and can be used for truck loading or stocking purposes, as well as an array of other duties. Tight turning circles mean that the machines are able to operate on small sites, while the units have long wheelbases for their ove

Excavator guidance system from Leica Geosystems

March 12, 2018

Leica Geosystems is now offering a new iCON iXE solution aimed at boosting the versatility of excavators. The package allows the tilt function on a tilt rotator to be handled automatically, increasing versatility and accuracy. This new package can be used on excavators equipped with 2D or 3D excavator guidance solutions from Leica Geosystems and tilt rotators supported by SVAB Quantum. The iXE CoPilot package means that the tilt will automatically be adjusted so it is held parallel to the surface as the o

Sharing point cloud data with Topcon

March 12, 2018

A new package from Topcon Positioning Group can help with collaboration and sharing for 3D point cloud data. This web-based service is for integration with the MAGNET Collage desktop mass data processing software — MAGNET Collage Web. According to the firm, the MAGNET Collage Web allows users to access data through a web browser that integrates with the MAGNET Collage Office version. The package means that users can publish and share mass data maps in a user-friendly and intuitive 3D web-based environment

Ammann sets up partnership for digital construction future

March 12, 2018

Amman has teamed up with an Austrian firm to develop digital construction solutions. The Austrian construction process specialist hiQ solutions and the Ammann Group’s Digital Products team have established Q Point, which will provide an independent, open digital platform for the construction industry. The new firm, Q Point, is intended to increase construction efficiency and quality, while also cutting costs. The plan is to establish an open, manufacturer-independent platform that has open standards. This

Topcon expanding operations with acquisition

February 21, 2018

Topcon Corporation has acquired all the outstanding shares of ClearEdge3D for an undisclosed sum. This deal adds a technology leader in the engineering and construction software industry to Topcon’s portfolio. ClearEdge3D’s EdgeWise software is intended to speed as-built modeling workflows by utilising automated feature extraction algorithms and other patented technologies. Its Verity construction verification software compares laser scan point cloud data of recently completed construction work against

New project software developed by Bentley

February 8, 2018

Bentley Systems claims that its OpenRoads ConceptStation modelling package allows highway engineering professionals to quickly build conceptual road and bridge models. The software allows rapid conceptual and preliminary design, using information obtained through point clouds, reality meshes, GIS, and other sources. OpenRoads ConceptStation combines engineering drawing tools and project costs to improve decision-making in the design phase. Benefits include increasing design productivity, identifying

Delta Bloc solution for major upgrade to UK’s M6 motorway

February 8, 2018

Delta Bloc’s structural precast concrete barriers have been supplied for a €308 million smart motorway project being undertaken by Highways England on the M6 Motorway. UK contractor Charcon Construction Solutions worked with Delta Bloc UK, which develops, manufactures, supplies and installs permanent and temporary concrete road safety barriers. The Highways England scheme between junction 16 at Crewe and junction 19 at Knutsford has seen a new 32km concrete safety barrier installed in the central reservat

Seeing noise with SoundPLAN’s software

February 8, 2018

The latest noise mapping software from SoundPLAN is said to offer a host of new features and enhancements. The SoundPLANnoise 8.0 package models levels and dispersion of noise in a variety of situations from individual rooms to entire countries. This upgraded version now offers an improved indoor noise mapping capability, a new interface with Googlemaps and OpenStreetMap and can work with the latest noise standards, including the Common Noise Assessment Methods in Europe (CNOSSOS-EU). The firm claims th

Straight to the point for measurement

February 6, 2018

Leica Geosystems says it is introducing a major advance in site surveying. This offers a novel tilt compensation system, so that users are no longer required to hold the pole vertical. The new Leica GS18 T is claimed to be the world’s fastest GNSS RTK rover, while the firm is also offering the latest versions of Leica Captivate field software and Leica Infinity office software. With the addition of calibration-free GNSS and various upgrades to the Captivate field software and Infinity office software, use

Trimble’s technology advances for machine fleets

January 26, 2018

Trimble is gearing up to boost construction efficiency with a new level of machine technology – Mike Woof writes The introduction of the latest version of Trimble’s VisionLink package will help allow contractors to reduce operating costs while boosting working efficiency, according to the firm. Trimble’s VisionLink system was developed in partnership with Caterpillar and includes tools for production monitoring. This now offers customers greater capabilities, due in many respects to its increased versat