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The signs are that this year's Bauma exhibition in Munich, Germany will be a record-breaking event. Work is well underway on-site for what promises to be the largest Bauma event ever. With over 3000 exhibitors planned to cover a record breaking 550,000m², Bauma is the biggest construction equipment exhibition and for the matter, the biggest exhibition of any kind in the world.

Sophisticated technology is now being used to make the testing of a wide variety of materials quicker and easier as Patrick Smith reports. Ever since the CE mark became mandatory for asphalt mixes, it also became necessary and important to update the testing equipment and systems used for testing such materials.

A range of key software innovations are now available for road construction applications from various suppliers - Adrian Greeman writes. Two significant and highly economic alternatives are now available to the major CAD providers both from Belgium and both offering interesting features. First is Pythagoras, which describes itself as a modern CAD program specially designed for topographical applications which include land surveying, road design and city planning.

The collection and handling of data are key technology drivers in the software sector. New methods of data collection and manipulation are driving significant developments in software at present. The latest technology allows designers and engineers to collect, store and manipulate ever larger amounts of data. Growing use of mobile field equipment for both data collection and field management is driving interactive systems. And in an interview this month Autodesk senior vice-president for the construction an

An advanced approach to maintenance is helping ensure that the UK county of Kent keeps on top of road drainage. Kent Highway Services (KHS) has a network of some 8,400km of roads and drains, which requires a fleet of vehicles to maintain and support. In order to keep traffic moving and avoid flooding hazards for motorists, road drainage systems have to be consistently monitored and maintained. Previously this was carried out on a reactive basis, but this has proved to be neither cost effective nor efficient

One thing is clear in the concrete slipforming sector. This comparatively niche market for equipment is rapidly becoming a good deal more competitive as key manufacturers jostle for position.

Concrete is a versatile construction product, but it must be tested to make sure that it is fit for purpose

Progressive paving improvements are offering better surface quality

A need for road repairs is fuelling demand for new milling machines, Mike Woof reports. With many roads in Europe and North America needing repairs, manufacturers continue to meet demand by offering improved compact milling machines, as well as full-sized planers. The versatile and manoeuvrable compact machines can play a useful role in on-site recycling jobs for urban road improvements while the larger mills can be vital for in-situ recycling work.