Features

The latest asphalt paving technology is now available and being utilised in novel ways to build and improve roads, often in challenging applications. Tough working environments, strict project deadlines and precise quality requirements are all posing engineering challenges for road construction projects around the world. For a number of asphalt paving applications, novel approaches and new technology are being employed to deliver projects on time and within specifications. In China, improvements to the coun

With new machines coming to market, the asphalt paving sector is seeing an array of sophisticated technology now available

In November 2012, the new Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, hosted the first ever Formula 1 US Grand Prix on a purpose-built track. But, as Jeff Winke and Guy Woodford report, the construction of COTA was just as demanding as competing in an F1 race itself For COTA construction contractor Austin Bridge & Road, L.P., nothing was more vital to the successful building of the 5.5km F1 track than meeting the strict criteria for its asphalt-paved surface. “The amount of stress this pavement will un

In China, PERI is playing a crucial role in the construction of the world’s longest underwater tunnel The 6km tunnel is part of a new 35km long road connection across the Pearl River bay in southern China, aiming to allow Hong Kong to grow both physically and economically with Macau and also Zhuhai on mainland China. In a huge field factory near the underwater tunnel site, two production lines are being used to produce a total of 33 tunnel elements. Each of the reinforced concrete tubes for the standard sec

Despite challenging times, the second bC India construction equipment show proved a success Mumbai, India’s most populous city and the fourth most populous in the world, has again delivered a successful bC India. The bauma/ConExpo international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles, was held at the Bandra Kurla Complex, and impressively strengthened its position in the Indian market despite the challenging situation in the industry. Duri

A new River Nile bridge is essential to boost trade and improve traffic in landlocked Uganda. Shem Oirere reports A new bridge across the River Nile at Jinja, to be constructed by Uganda, is promising to boost trade in eastern Africa and pave the way for smooth and safe traffic in and out of this landlocked country. The bridge, also known as the Second Nile Bridge, is the first cable-stayed bridge in the region and will be constructed at Njeru, 80km east of the Ugandan capital Kampala, along the Kampala-Jin

An optimum infrastructure is a decisive factor for the economy of every country in order to facilitate a fast and reliable transport of goods. In Russia, which covers more than 17 million km², the expansion and maintenance of trans-regional roads plays a decisive role Transportation delays and failures due to non- or poorly-upgraded roads cost the country approximately 9% of economic output. Statistics from the Ministry of Transport show that only 8% of all Russian roads are multi-lane. The Russian governme

The magic of Morocco will form an idyllic backdrop for one of the landmark events on this year’s IRF calendar: the major regional conference focusing on North Africa & the Mediterranean which is being hosted in Marrakech on 19-20 March. Abdelaziz Rabbah, the Moroccan minister of Equipment & Transport will set the tone by welcoming delegates to a special high-level segment, which will open the event in the presence of dignitaries and senior officials drawn from throughout the region. This will include keynot

Mario Gasparri, head of the CNH Construction Equipment business for its new Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) business region, outlines his and the Group’s immediate and long-term priorities “The creation of Fiat Industrial by bringing together the three businesses of CNH, Iveco and FPT Industrial has resulted in a business operating on a vast scale: Fiat Industrial is one of the top three global groups in the capital goods industry. Because of the large scale of Fiat Industrial and the huge scope of our b

GPS technology has been used to maximise performance for a novel use of compaction machines. Construction equipment from Caterpillar has been used to help construct a reservoir that will be used to contain water used for snow-making for the Plan de Corones ski area at Alto Adige in Italy’s South Tyrol. The ski area features 116km of slopes and 32 new lifts and a network of reservoirs and underground pipes has been installed for the production of artificial snow when required. A key feature has been the cons

US-based dumpbody specialist Philippi-Hagenbuch has been awarded a European patent for its innovative rear-eject dumpbodies. The award was made by the European Union to LeRoy G Hagenbuch, chief engineer and co-founder of Philippi-Hagenbuch. The patent covers the construction and components on the company’s line of rear eject truck bodies. The PHIL rear eject bodies are also patented in the US and Australia and since the firm was founded in 1969, it has earned more than 100 patents for innovations and design

At a diminished Asphaltica exhibition, many of Italy’s asphalt sector companies spoke of the importance of overseas markets. Kristina Smith spoke to some of the firms seeking export success. Italy’s 6th Asphaltica show, held in Padua in November last year, provided a snapshot of the challenging economic conditions faced by the country. 2012 was the year when Italy felt the impact of the economic crisis which many other European countries had already suffered. Reflecting this, the exhibition was half the siz

Some of the latest speedometer technology has been successfully trialled in French highway work zones, while tireless work continues across Europe and the United States to reduce the number of work zone deaths and serious injuries involving road workers and motorists. Guy Woodford reports The number of roadworkers being killed and seriously injured on England’s motorways and major trunk roads more than doubled between 2007 and 2010 – from no deaths and 14 serious injuries. This rise has led to to major camp

Brussels calls for 70% recycling of construction waste by 2020 but *Peter Craven asks if there is a greater target to be achieved in the UK. In the UK, over 90 million tonnes of construction, demolition and ground excavation (CD&E) waste is generated each year from construction, demolition and civil engineering projects. Across Europe this figure is well in excess of 1000 million tonnes and represents a valuable and sustainable asset to the construction sector, as well as protecting natural resources. The r