Connected Construction

Topcon machine control units take the heat off an Alaskan contractor

December 4, 2015

Juniper, spruce, cranberry, cottonwood and rose. Most people think of pine trees and berries amid beautiful country fields. But for one contractor based just below the Arctic Circle in the US state of Alaska, the names represent a successful job completed using machine control. Valley General Construction recently finished a US$350,000 contract for the upgrading of country roads in the local borough of Matanuska-Susitna. The colourful names belong to roads in a heavily wooded residential subdivision located

New app from Topcon handles positioning data

November 23, 2015

Topcon Positioning has developed a new, no-cost app for the LN-100 Layout Navigator system. This now allows cross-platform support for the MAGNET Construct app and was initially released for the Android market but is now available for Apple devices as well. The free MAGNET Construct app offers options to wirelessly connect to and drive an LN-100 for fast as-built measurements as well as graphical guidance to design data. According to the firm, this cross-platform compatibility of the MAGNET Construct app al

CECE Summit – is Europe ready for a digital construction worksite?

November 20, 2015

The CECE has voiced his concern over government regulations that could strangle innovation for the digitalisation of construction machinery. China’s imploding economy was another topic at the recent conference in Brussels, reports David Arminas. The CECE has urged the European Parliament and European Commission to enact legislation that promotes rather than hinders the construction sector’s transition to a digitalised way of working. “We need a smart regulatory framework that helps to unlock the full poten

Trimble’s GCS900 3D system makes the grade with Bobcat

November 20, 2015

Trimble’s GCS900 3D system for grade control is now available as an upgrade from the 2D laser-guided and sonic/slope systems already offered by Bobcat. The Trimble GCS900 is extremely flexible and can be used on excavators, dozers, motor graders, compactors, scrapers, trimmers, and milling machines. The GSC900 cab be used both as a single unit, or as an upgrade from a GCS600 Grade Control System.

Bentley presents awards for engineering excellence

November 5, 2015

Innovation in infrastructure engineering was highlighted at the annual Bentley Systems awards ceremony, held in London’s Metropole Hotel. A series of major project were given awards for the innovative ways in which software from Bentley has been used to deliver challenging projects more quickly and efficiently. Prior to the event teams of jurors had already viewed a wide range of entrants across many engineering disciplines, selecting three finalists in each category. The jurors then met at the event and

CECE urges harmonisation of Europe’s machine control technologies

September 25, 2015

At their joint summit, held in Brussels, Belgium, the presidents of CECE (Committee of European Construction Equipment) and CEMA (European Agricultural Machinery Association) presented to EU institutions a manifesto consisting of five priority actions for a successful digital transformation of the construction and the agricultural machinery industries.

Bentley Systems announces nominees for its innovation awards

September 24, 2015

Software specialist Bentley Systems has announced the nominees for its ccconstruction software innovation awards, being held in the UK in November 2015. The project finalists for the 2015 Be Inspired Awards highlight Bentley users advancing infrastructure design, construction, and operations throughout the world. Ten independent jury panels selected the 54 finalists from more than 360 nominations submitted by organisations in 55 countries.

US software provider Bentley Systems has acquired Paris-based e-on software

September 15, 2015

Infrastructure software provider Bentley Systems has acquired Paris-based e-on software for an undisclosed amount. The company becomes a Bentley subsidiary and will continue to focus on creating 3-D virtual environments for highways as well as other major infrastructure projects. VUE and PlantFactory products are some of e-on’s main products used by computer graphics professionals in the media and entertainment, science and education industries.

VIDEO: Cycle parking at the office is getting easier

September 7, 2015

Highway designers are increasingly asked to integrate cycle lanes and paths into their projects in major urban areas. And many commuting cyclists are grateful for it, too. But what happens when the cycle path ends, even if it is right outside the rider’s destination, such as his or her work place, be it an office building or factory? That last few metres are essential for completing the perfect commute. This means being able to park the bicycle in a secure environment.

Trimble expanding BIM capability with Vianova purchase

September 3, 2015

Trimble is expanding with the acquisition of Norwegian firm Vianova Systems. The move brings Trimble additional capabilities in BIM, a key technology area. The financial terms were not disclosed. Vianova Systems is a pioneer in the development of software leveraging advanced BIM technology for the civil engineering market and infrastructure lifecycle management across infrastructure design. The company offers a portfolio of solutions for civil engineers, civil contractors and project owners. These solutions