Skip to main content

Smooth sailing for paving with Topcon’s SmoothRide

Topcon Positioning Group’s new road scanning solution SmoothRide can gather highway asset data at highway speeds with no need for lane closures, crash trucks or escorts. SmoothRide is a vehicle-mounted resurfacing solution for paving and milling projects. It uses a combination of core Topcon technologies designed to deliver the smoothest surface possible, while efficiently managing the quantity of material for each project.
April 14, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Topcon’s Jörg Velten with the RD-M1 scanning unit

7300 Topcon Positioning Systems’s new road scanning solution SmoothRide can gather highway asset data at highway speeds with no need for lane closures, crash trucks or escorts.

SmoothRide is a vehicle-mounted resurfacing solution for paving and milling projects. It uses a combination of core Topcon technologies designed to deliver the smoothest surface possible, while efficiently managing the quantity of material for each project.

With the new RD-M1 scanning unit, the system maps the existing surface elevations - with many more points captured versus what can be expected with traditional tools. This provides more accurate data needed to confidently estimate materials, as well as to form the basis of the final design surface.

The workflow consists of a vehicle-mounted road scan, existing and finish surface design, and machine control using GNSS with sonic tracker sensor guidance.

Once the road information is gathered, operators can use Mobile Master Office point data processing software to recreate the existing surface. Magnet Office with Resurfacing is then used to digitally create a high-resolution model of the required finished mat.

The resurfacing module allows operators to create a design using specific regulatory requirements such as minimum thickness, desired cross-slope, and overall smoothness.

The information is then passed onto a paver or milling machine to allow for variable depth paving to where it is required - with the result being a much smoother road as well as faster completion times, explained Jörg Velten, Topcon Construction’s European support manager.

All videosAll show news

Related Content

  • Novel dual layer paving work in Germany
    February 2, 2017
    A German contractor is now using two novel asphalt paving technologies from Vögele together for key projects The firm has acquired Vögele’s InLine Pave equipment with its innovative dual layer paving technology as well as one of the SUPER 1800-3i SprayJets for paving a surface course. This combination of technologies is allowing contractor Rask Brandenburg to carry out fast and efficient road rehabilitation work on some major routes, including a busy Autobahn stretch leading into capital Berlin. T
  • NDT sensor fusion in structural pavement condition surveys
    February 27, 2017
    Early detection of pavement defects and the causes of deterioration is essential for effective maintenance planning, writes Dr Alena Uus* There is a need for optimisation and development of UK highway survey methods that would provide comprehensive information on the surface and subsurface pavement condition and operate at traffic speed, which eliminates the requirement for lane closures. Performance of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods commonly employed in pavement condition surveys can be potent
  • GOMACO paves the way with GP4
    March 13, 2017
    GOMACO says that its new GP4, unveiled at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017, is able to pave widths of up to 12.2m. The machine features GOMACO’s latest technology including a smart telescoping frame, smart pivot arms and extreme steering capabilities, as well as the latest G+ control package.
  • New Volvo CE asphalt screeds available
    April 24, 2023
    Volvo CE is now offering new electric screed models aimed at use in large-scale paving operations. The electrically-heated, fixed screeds are designed to make large-scale paving more cost-effective and to boost productivity and efficiency for major road projects.