Features

Formwork solutions for the first axial suspension cable stayed bridge in India; and a four-lane road bridge in Germany’s Harz Mountains, are among the latest bridge-based formwork projects analysed by Guy Woodford. RMD Kwikform India has won the contract to design and supply shoring and formwork solutions for the first axial suspension cable stayed bridge ever built in India. The Kota Bridge’s innovative design sees a single 350m span cross the entire width of the Chambal River, with three approach spans on

Leading European tolling solution companies are involved in a number of innovative tolling projects across the continent and further afield. Guy Woodford looks at some of the latest Siemens Mobility & Logistics (SML) has received orders from Eurotoll and Total, two of France’s largest electronic toll on-board unit issuers, to supply technology for the new French toll collection system. The equipment comprises on-board units for the vehicles as well as the electronic detection system. The SML orders’, worth

An array of innovative new engine and driveline developments are due – Mike Woof writes. With key construction machine events due in the New Year, various firms are already revealing plans for the future for their engines and driveline ranges and developments. Tough regulations on emissions have driven manufacturers to address this issue, while new and more efficient drives also help cut fuel use. Optimising power delivery provides an important component in reducing quantities of fuel burned, with a benefic

Emissions remain the focus for engine development but equipment manufacturers want clarity from regulators. Emissions remain a major challenge for the off-highway construction equipment market. The EU has tough targets in this respect and its objective is an overall reduction of CO2 emissions of 80-95% by the year 2050, compared to 1990 levels. There is considerable research already underway on how to reduce fuel consumption and to help ensure the security of energy supply. A number of industry sectors, suc

Caterpillar paving products are in demand worldwide, with the firm placing great importance on its offering to Africa and Middle East customers, as Guy Woodford reports. Caterpillar’s new CW34 pneumatic compactor, first exhibited at Intermat 2012 in Paris, is a valued machine in some of the company’s key regional markets, according to Gianluca Lombardi, Cat’s EAME (Europe, Africa and Middle East) paving products regional sales support consultant. It’s an important machine for the Africa and Middle East mark

Various developments are affecting the market for highway barriers - Mike Woof writes The global market for highway barrier products continues to see the introduction of new products and new standards. Some standards for barriers are also eagerly awaited and clarification is still required of the regulations surrounding motorcycle-safe barrier types. In recognition of the issues concerning bad weather on Europe’s roads in winter periods, a new amendment has been made to the EN1317 standard for safety barrie

German paver specialist Vögele is taking a global view of the construction equipment market, with machines developed for very different markets. A prime example of this is with the Dash 3 models now coming to market. The new SUPER 2100-3 paver is also available as the SUPER 2100-3i, a highly sophisticated machine that meets the European emissions requirements while offering high productivity and performance. At the same time, the company is also offering a heavy duty (HD) version of its proven SUPER 1800-2

The European Road Federation (ERF) has voiced its concern that roadside barriers in Europe may have to be upgraded According to the ERF, the recent decision of the European Commission to allow cross-border movement of longer and heavier trucks, it is keen to raise awareness of the important implications such a move may have for road barriers. ‘Road safety barriers are designed and tested according to the maximum weight of vehicles circulating on Europe’s roads. The current European Norm (EN 1317) allows for

Chinese firm Zhejiang Metong Road Construction Machinery hopes to take a share of the market for road repair equipment in China as well as in developing nations. The company’s LMT5160TYHB heat insulation road maintenance truck is designed for versatility, to carry out quick repairs on asphalt roads. It can be used to repair shallow cracks by breaking out the damaged surface, removing waste material, then spraying and filling the crack for compaction of the repaired area. The equipment suits duties on major

New developments will broaden the asphalt paving market - Mike Woof reports. A new approach to materials could help address rising bitumen costs. Increased use of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in road construction can cut a major chunk from paving costs, with an array of technologies now available. In the US, RAP is one of the most widely recycled materials and current techniques allow roads built with this material to perform well for all traffic conditions. Some European countries are also making widesp

New lane control solutions from major roadmarking companies have been installed on highways across the world over recent months. Guy Woodford reports on some of them. Clearview Traffic Group (CTG) recently clocked up the installation of over 70,000 Astucia active flush and surface mounted road studs in the UK. CTG has been involved in numerous road stud installation projects on motorways and other road types in the UK and many other countries worldwide. Its UK installations include over 4,500 Astucia road s

More efficient construction operations should be the benefit of the new technology from Leica Geosystems. The firm is introducing its latest Leica iCON telematics package, which is said to offer increased efficiency for machine control operations on site and remote machinery fleet management. The Leica iCON telematics package is a web-based suite of tools that allows contractors to increase the efficiency of machine control operations on site and manage machinery fleets. This is a key component in iCONnect,

Several manufacturers are offering improved earthmoving machines, with more to come - Mike Woof reports. One of the most notable developments comes from Caterpillar, with the unveiling of a hybrid excavator in the shape of its 336E H model. The machine is having its public launch at the bauma exhibition in Spring 2013 and will start rolling out of the factory in March 2013, while customers will be able to place orders from February 2013. Unlike other hybrid excavators on the market at present, the Cat 336E

International environmental pressure groups claim a vital road in Kenya goes through parkland as Shem Oirere reports. Kenya’s Nairobi Southern Bypass, a 28.6km stretch has become the second road project in East Africa to run into problems. Designed to the Class A International Trunk Road Standard, the route has been targeted by international environmental pressure groups following Tanzania’s Serengeti Highway, which was derailed last year. The US$208 million bypass will link Mombasa Road, near Ole Sereni Ho

David Williams is director of Kijlstra UK, one of the leading European manufacturers and suppliers of drainage solutions. The Group has a turnover in excess of €150 million and sites in numerous locations throughout Western Europe. Ever since Sir John Egan kick-started the Rethinking Construction movement more than a decade ago, designers, contractors and suppliers have been trying to find ways of improving site safety, cutting waste and generally improving efficiency in the construction process. “There has