Features

While the use of GPS is now commonplace in industry there are locations that do not get a reliable signal throughout the working day. The location, geographical layout and depth of a quarry can cause 'canyoning', where GPS signals are not dependable.Poor signals make GPS-based machine tracking technology unreliable but a Canadian firm has an RFID-based system it believes could be the answer for such sites. This cost effective QuarryTag system has been adapted from a product that has been widely used by the

Key international seminar promoting affordable, safer and environmentally friendly pavement preservation practices. Building on the success of last year's seminar, IRF is proud to invite you to the 2nd Annual Preserving our Highway Infrastructure Assets seminar, which will be held in Orlando, Florida, USA, from 3-6 August, 2010.

Work on an award-winning US bridge was completed with savings and benefits to motorists through the help of an innovative barrier. The bridge replacement of US 31 over I-465 and Lick Creek in southern Indianapolis, state capital of Indiana, won the 2011 Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana. Stephen J. Christian & Associates of Indianapolis completed the design in less than nine months to allow Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to take advantage of the favourab

Tony Marshall, Director at Arup, looks at ways in which the company encourages sustainable mobility. From policy and systems development through to the design and execution of major infrastructure projects, he reviews Arup's global project experiences and research programmes

Innovations abound in the aggregate production sector - Mike Woof reports. With road construction accounting for a significant percentage of aggregate production, developments in this industry are of major importance for the highway sector. Technical advances in aggregate production methods have pushed technological boundaries, resulting in cost/tonne reductions for products and improving operating efficiency for major producers.

Italian company Fracasso says it now offers a barrier system developed around a modular design concept to meet an array of needs. Called 4safe, the system is said to combine high safety standards along with versatility in use. The system is said to be easy to assemble and uses common components that can be assembled in different ways to meet varying containment requirements. The 3n beam is the key to the range and has been proven in TB11 impact testing. Where required the system can be assembled to H4 stand

Delays to better barrier safety pose further risks for Europe's powered two wheeled riders. The issue of safety for powered two wheeler riders (PTWRs) is a matter of some debate in Europe. Although Europe's PTWRs make up a mere fraction of the vehicle population, they figure highly in accident statistics. Safety provisions could be improved using available technology but a recent political decision has downgraded the importance of such a move.

In concrete paving, Leica Geosystems has long held the dominant position in the market for stringless 3D controls. The company's products are well-accepted by contractors and have been used on an array of machines from different manufacturers with a high degree of success in recent years. GOMACO has been working with Leica Geosystems for some time and the two companies set up a partnership recently. This combination technology and business relationship has seen the placement of personnel from Leica Geosyste

Russia should be one of the largest and most dynamic infrastructure markets in the world over the next 15 years, and now "the time is right to begin a major push." Patrick Smith reports

One of the world's most versatile building materials is subject to a variety of tests to make sure it is fit for purpose. Patrick Smith reports

New trials pave the way for smart road pricing using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). In recent years, the concept of road charging has been gaining acceptability among Europe's policymakers.

3D machine controls can optimise milling efficiency, Mike Woof reports. More efficient milling and recycling operations can be carried out by using the latest 3D control systems on the market. At the last Trimble Dimensions event in Las Vegas, the advantages of 3D controls for milling operations proved a key topic. The use of 3D control systems can offer huge advantages in milling operations. This technology helps increase productivity as the milling machine will only remove what is required, which also hel

New regulations and technology are driving change in the soil compaction sector - Mike Woof reports. The impact of the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions regulations has been hard on some machine sectors in particular. Sloping engine covers have been introduced in several equipment categories as a way of improving visibility for operators, including soil compaction machines. At the same time, new machine guidance technologies have been developed and introduced to the soil compaction market, boosting produc

A growing niche market for roller compacted concrete has prompted manufacturers to offer solutions. Mike Woof reports. Increased demand for roller compacted concrete (RCC) machines in certain applications mean that this is now a growing market, with manufacturers having developed new machines for this sector. RCC comprises uncrushed and/or crushed aggregate, hydraulic binders and may also contain concrete additives. It is mixed in a concrete mixing plant on or near the job site and one of its main benefits