Connected Construction

Topcon Europe Positioning has introduced its 'next-generation' field controller technology with its new FC-250, which is designed to give users increased power and performance in a rugged and compact unit.

PAVING CONTROL specialist MOBA is offering a new system said to be able to boost surface quality and longevity. Called the PAVE-IR, this unit can be used to identify segregation issues during paving processes, a problem that is a major cause of premature failure in asphalt roads. Numerous studies have identified the relationship between thermal segregation and density and the new PAVE-IR package from MOBA is said to offer contractors a non-destructive method for detecting thermal segregation in real time

Wirtgen has developed a novel control system for use on its concrete paving equipment. Matthias Fritz is the product engineer at Wirtgen tasked with developing the system. The new AutoControlpackage uses GPS technology to provide guidance for the machine's steering functions. Fritz added, "It has an augmentation centre for vertical control because it requires millimetre accuracy for height." This 3D control system is for use with the firm's SP15 and SP25 slipform pavers and is said to be a user-friendly, co

The use of GPS machine control on sub-base has improved final rideability on a major highway reconstruction project. Innovative construction techniques have helped to upgrade a 9.6km stretch of the 307km long I-96 highway in the US state of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project was initiated in the third quarter of 2009 and was completed in the fourth quarter of 2010. Interstate Highway Construction acted as general contractor on the project, which included widening the shoulder

The sector for machine guidance systems is growing fast as contractors become more and more aware of the benefits of using this technology. Increased speed, working accuracy and cost effectiveness are key benefits of this technology, with just three firms, Trimble, Topcon and the Hexagon Group, dominating the market. The Hexagon Group is perhaps the newest entrant to the sector, having acquired Leica Geosystems and Scanlaser in recent years. John Fraser is sales and marketing manager at Scanlaser, and expla

Innovative uses are being made of GPS technology, Mike Woof reports. US firms Creighton Manning Engineering and Delaney Construction have made a novel use of GPS technology in a project for the Route 85 Slingerlands bypass extension in the US.

A range of key software innovations are now available for road construction applications from various suppliers - Adrian Greeman writes. Two significant and highly economic alternatives are now available to the major CAD providers both from Belgium and both offering interesting features. First is Pythagoras, which describes itself as a modern CAD program specially designed for topographical applications which include land surveying, road design and city planning.

The collection and handling of data are key technology drivers in the software sector. New methods of data collection and manipulation are driving significant developments in software at present. The latest technology allows designers and engineers to collect, store and manipulate ever larger amounts of data. Growing use of mobile field equipment for both data collection and field management is driving interactive systems. And in an interview this month Autodesk senior vice-president for the construction an

A new cycle way monitoring system developed by consultant Cowi and laser electronics company Dynatest in Denmark adds a new dimension to monitoring local road networks. It is developed from standard road condition measurements but is specially tailored for the bicycle path and the particular ride conditions needed for cyclists. The need is growing as the bicycle lane becomes increasingly important around the world. In London a number of special bicycle "super highways" have been introduced, marking off bicy

Two Caterpillar 14M graders equipped with AccuGrade dual GPS systems with cross-slope capability are providing accurate finish for road construction and upgrading work on projects in the Republic of Burundi.