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 Mersey Gateway bridge project continues on schedule
    October 18, 2016
    Work continues on the 2.3km Mersey Gateway signature bridge project close to Liverpool in the UK. David Arminas reports on some of the construction highlights. Under construction is a cable-stayed structure with three towers that will span the Mersey River’s expansive mud flats between the towns of Runcorn and Widnes near Liverpool. Including the approach viaducts on each side, it will be 2.3km long with a river span of 1km. The main bridge deck will be reinforced concrete. The 80m-high central tower will b
    Read More
  • Total Styrelf tests start in England
    April 15, 2021
    Resurfacing has started with Total Styrelf eXtreme 100 and Total Styrelf Long Life binders.
    Read More
  • CONTROLS reaches 50th anniversary and launches new technology
    August 10, 2018
    Testing equipment specialist CONTROLS Group is celebrating its 50 years of supplying testing technology for the civil engineering industry. Controls was founded in October 1968 by Umberto Granelli who is still operative today. What started as a business pioneering the development of compression machines has developed into a leader in testing equipment for the Construction Industry. Pasquale Di Iorio, CONTROLS Group’s president and shareholder and CEO from 1996 to 2017 said, “We want to mark this 50th Anni
    Read More
  • Trimble’s new solutions boost road building
    January 29, 2014
    Trimble is now offering a sophisticated package of solutions comprising hardware, software and mobility technologies. This streamlines communication and collaboration throughout the construction lifecycle, from planning, design and site preparation through to the finished project. Connecting sites delivers value across the entire project lifecycle, as real-time data gives contractors and stakeholders better information about material, people and asset utilisation for improved productivity.
    Read More

Highlighted Content