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Workzone vests get wired for sound, thanks to Virginia Tech university
December 11, 2015
Researchers at Virginia Tech university in the United States have put small radio sensors on or inside vests to allows cars to “talk” to one another, roadside infrastructure, and personal electronics such as mobile phones. If a collision is about to occur between a vehicle and a worker, the vest can warn the worker in a matter of seconds about the impending crash. Likewise, the motorist will receive a dashboard notification.The instantaneous alert is possible by short-range communication, according to a sta
Improving tunneling method selection
December 11, 2015
The tunnelling sector remains one of the most active segments of the construction industry worldwide, fuelling demand for equipment However, there have been issues with the efficiency of the selection process for the most suitable tunnelling method for a project in the past. With this in mind, the Italian hydraulic breaker manufacturer Indeco has been working on a new algorithm that allows a contractor to optimise the tunnelling method selection. The firm said that this system has been developed becau
Using breakers to demolish redundant overpass
December 11, 2015
A demolition job in California was carried out successfully using a hydraulic breaker fitted to an excavator. An overpass on Highway 91 in Southern California had to be removed, with the contractor opting to use a hydraulic breaker for the job. The work was carried out within the 22-hour possession period set by the local authorities, allowing the route to reopen to traffic on time and minimising transport delays. The work was carried out safely and precisely, due to the use of suitable equipment. The re
Caterpillar launches monitoring service for both man and machine
December 10, 2015
Caterpillar has launched a 24/7 monitoring service to oversee the human factor in machinery operations. Through in-cab and wearable safety technologies, analysts at Caterpillar’s 24/7 Monitoring Centre correlate data about the health and productivity of operators and equipment. The information can reveal the magnitude of conditions such as fatigue and distraction and their impact on operations. “Our customers want better visibility of how behaviour impacts safety and productivity,” said Tim Crane,
Novel concrete surfacing option used in Colorado
December 10, 2015
Proven polyester bridge deck surfacing technology is now being used more widely – Mike Woof writes. The benefits of using polymer concrete bridge deck overlays are well known and this technology is becoming widely used in the US. The system can improve protection for bridge surfaces and help extend the life of a bridge deck, as well as increasing skid resistance. In the last 25 years the use of these overlays has increased significantly in the US. These perform best when installed on bridge decks that are i
Myanmar order for Terex Trucks
December 10, 2015
The machines were ordered in two separate consignments, for nine units and with a further order for 10 more trucks made shortly afterwards. The 19 trucks are to meet anticipated demand in Myanmar, where LHM has been the official Terex Trucks dealer since 2013. LHM’s affiliated company, Aung Hein Min (AHM), based in Yangon, provides sales, marketing and service solutions for Terex Trucks customers. The 19 TR100 rigid dump trucks will be used for jade extraction in Myanmar, transporting earth, rock and jade.
Ethiopia’s rapid road building
December 10, 2015
Ethiopia is undergoing a rapid economic growth and infrastructure construction programme. This is helping drive the country’s economy, with new roads, railways and dams amongst the major civils works currently under construction. The road expansion programme is one of the key targets for the infrastructure work and it is estimated that road network of the country will be expanded to 136,000km in all.
Improved Lanzhou airport road link in China
December 10, 2015
An upgraded road link will reduce travel time to and from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport in China Work on the expressway connecting Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport to Lanzhou city centre is now underway. An important role in the resurfacing work is being played by the use of materials supplied by Shell Bitumen. The facility is the main airport for Gansu Province and it is of major economic importance to the region. The expressway runs some 70km from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport to the centre of Lanzhou. Work on the
LiuGong has major plans for future corporate development
December 10, 2015
LiuGong unveiled new machines as well as its plans for the future at the BICES 2015 construction equipment show in Beijing recently. Trading conditions are tough in China at the moment, but LiuGong is performing better financially than many of its local rivals according to the firm. LiuGong’s vice-president, Dave Beatenbough said that the firm is particularly well known for its wheeled loaders, a product line for which the firm is a market leader in China. However, he explained that the company is actively
Increased use of RAP in asphalt production
December 8, 2015
In the US asphalt pavement mix producers are improving the sustainability pro_ le of roads through the incorporation of recycled materials and the use of energy-saving warm-mix asphalt technologies. According to the latest survey of asphalt mix producers conducted by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more than 67.65 million tonnes of recycled materials was put to use in new asphalt pavement mixtures during the 2014 construction