Features

An array of new technologies will help optimise road drainage and minimise flooding risks - Mike Woof reports In the UK the specialist contractor Lanes Group has carried out extensive inspection work of the drainage systems for the M6 toll route around the city of Birmingham. A powerful zoom camera has been used to carry out the inspection work for Midland Expressway, which operates and maintains the 43km-long motorway, running from Coleshill to Cannock.

A new highway in Mexico is connecting Necaxa with Tihuatlan and the project features challenging terrain - Mauro Nogarin reports In Mexico a landmark highway project is now close to completion, having set a number of records for Latin America.

Berco, the Italian heavy equipment machinery undercarriage parts manufacturer, is targeting strong growth after hitting back at what the firm describes as market competitor rumours of its decline and the relocation of much of its manufacturing capability to China. Speaking during a construction equipment trade media and customer tour of Berco headquarters in Copparo, near Ferrara, in northern Italy, Matteo Seghieri, the company’s Global Aftermarket Sales Manager, said, “Berco went through a very importan

The IRF is a member of the Advisory Group of the EDGAR project aiming at delivering greener asphalt roads This is an important project as reducing energy consumption is a major challenge and responsibility for the construction industry. This is not just because of the rising prices of fossil fuels, but also because of the ecological impact of the associated emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG).

A series of innovations in engine technology will cut emissions and deliver fuel savings for customers - Mike Woof writes The start of 2014 saw the commencement of the final phase of the current set of engine emissions requirements for Europe and North America. With the introduction of the first set of Tier 4 Final/ Stage IIV emissions regulations, new generation diesel engines used in construction will deliver cleaner operating performance than ever before. These highly efficient engines have been devel

The IRF’s latest calendar of events reaffirms its global reach "As a strong believer in continuing education, the IRF will continue its initiative to provide world-class training content through regional congresses, certified courses and web based media” declared C Patrick Sankey, IRF president and CEO, as he presented IRF’s updated calendar of events.

Exciting weigh in motion solutions have been introduced, while a leading North American WIM firm has secured a lucrative US contract. Guy Woodford reports Globally renowned Swiss WIM solution manufacturer Kistler recently launched its new Lineas WIM Data Logger. The data logger has been developed specifically to interface Lineas WIM sensors and to provide the most accurate vehicle weight data. It can be easily integrated into any overall solution by a system integrator to optimally cover several applica

Indonesia’s vice-minister of Public Works is engineer Hermanto Dardak and he has been awarded the International Road Federation’s highest and most prestigious individual distinction. Established in 1951, the Professional of the Year Award recognises eminent public, private and education sector professionals with an outstanding track record of leadership and commitment to the road transport industry.

Italian formwork specialist Pilosio held its fourth annual Building Peace Award in the historic setting of Venice’s Scuola Grande on Friday 12 September. This year’s winner was politician Samia Yaba Nkrumah, the daughter of Ghana’s first democratically elected president, highlighting her planned project to build a new library and learning space in Akosombo, near Lake Volta, dedicated to her father. Over 300 guests from around the world, including 150 Pilosio clients, attended the event and heard keynote sp

Efficient new soil compaction machines featuring the latest technology are now coming to market – Mike Woof reports The start of 2014 has seen a major development for the construction equipment sector, with the Tier 4 Final emissions requirements at last beginning to take effect. The implications of the drive towards the introduction of low emission engine technology have been seen right across the off-highway machinery equipment industry, and the soil compaction segment is no exception.

Key developments are being seen in the markets for compact compaction and loading machines - Mike Woof writes Various new utility machines are now coming to market aimed at the rental segment, with advances in small compaction and loading tools proving particularly popular. These will benefit from the latest low emission engines while delivering increased power and performance, as well as being easier and more comfortable to use.

Nepal’s road traffic policing is improving to help tackle safety – information provided by World Highways correspondent Ram Krishna Wagle The police in Nepal recently held a road safety exhibition, aimed at reducing the casualty rate on the country’s road network.

Super-fine milling is a technique that has been used in Brazil to rehabilitate roads for the World Cup The rehabilitation work had to be carried out speedily and economically, while minimising traffic disruption. To meet these requirements, contractor Fremix Engenharia e Comércio has been using a Wirtgen W200 cold milling machine that is fitted with a super-fine milling drum.

Fast, efficient and long-lasting repairs are claimed for the heating system developed by the Nu-Phalt Group Developed in the UK, the innovative Nu-Phalt pothole patching system equipment is now being widely used by various local authorities for road repairs. But this technology is also being employed internationally, with key sales in parts of Eastern Europe and India.