GPS controlled graders deliver a smooth surface

Birse has used two machine control systems on the A14 project in the UK, one GPS-controlled to provide excavators with a +/-30mm accuracy and a second system which used a Trimble UTS as control on a grader to achieve +/- 5mm - well within the Highway Agency's sub-base tolerance of +10/-30mm. This meant that when it came to the asphalt surface, Birse agreed a thickness and Lafarge, the blacktop contractor, let the paving machine run instead of the operators constantly making manual adjustments. At the end of
July 12, 2012 Read time: 1 min
1486 Birse has used two machine control systems on the A14 project in the UK, one GPS-controlled to provide excavators with a +/-30mm accuracy and a second system which used a 2122 Trimble UTS as control on a grader to achieve +/- 5mm - well within the Highway Agency's sub-base tolerance of +10/-30mm. This meant that when it came to the asphalt surface, Birse agreed a thickness and 3180 Lafarge, the blacktop contractor, let the paving machine run instead of the operators constantly making manual adjustments. At the end of the job, one of Birse's engineers looked at a 1km section of type 1 sub-base in detail. The average surface deviation on this tested carriageway was zero and local users of the A14 have even been phoning and emailing their approval of the smooth finish.
Connected Construction

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • The Preston Western Distributor
    September 7, 2023
    Costain, as main contractor for the Preston Western Distributor project, was involved from the earliest stages, thanks to the UK’s Early Contractor Involvement approach. The project was delivered on time and on budget to the benefit of the local environment, local businesses and the region’s workforce. David Arminas reports*
    Read More
  • Intermat unveils key road construction technology
    March 5, 2012
    Several key highway construction innovations will be unveiled at the Intermat show
    Read More
  • Market development of low temperature asphalt in the UK
    November 20, 2014
    New developments in low temperature asphalt offer both cost and environmental benefits - Dr Nizar Ghazireh (Lafarge Tarmac) & Dennis Day (Nynas Bitumen) Low temperature asphalt (LTA) technology has considerable potential for reducing carbon emissions associated with road construction. The lower temperatures used to manufacture these materials mean that less energy is required and therefore lower emissions, which create better working conditions and result in lower impact on the environment.
    Read More
  • Austrian project focuses on paving quality
    April 1, 2014
    Work to improve a section of the busy A12 Inntal highway in Austrian Tyrol, Austria, has been carried out by contractor Strabag. The A12 is one of Austria’s busiest highways and carries heavy traffic volumes, particularly in summer when it is an important holiday route through to Southern Europe. The heavy traffic volumes mean that the road has to withstand high stresses. The Brixlegg branch of Strabag carried out a surface renovation contract on the 5.5km stretch between Kundl and Radfield and focussed on
    Read More

Highlighted Content