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

  • Skid steer loader - more versatile than a jack of all trades
    February 17, 2012
    The skid steer loader has for many years been known as a jack-of-all-trades. Indeed the term loader can be a bit misleading, as a skid steer is far more than simply a digging or lifting machine. Skid steers, and their more recent compact tracked loader stablemates, are the original powered tool carriers. They are designed to work with a host of attachments, not just a bucket or pallet forks. However while this concept of one base machine and a multitude of attachments has been a big success in North America
    Read More
  • Asphalt compaction seeing major technical advances
    August 24, 2016
    Key innovations in asphalt compaction will help improve overall paving quality - Mike Woof writes
    Read More
  • Multiple roles for compact construction machines
    February 24, 2012
    Versatility remains the key for the utility equipment sector. The range of duties that compact machines can be used for continues to grow.
    Read More
  • Degaroute skipline markings
    May 6, 2016
    Of the 8,050km of tollway roads in the United States, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority manages 460km of them As part of the maintenance programme for this network of five highways, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has partnered with Applied Research Associates to manage and monitor the performance of all their pavement marking programmes, providing recommendations for striping projects.
    Read More

Highlighted Content