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

  • Hitex launches BBA certified Puma road surfacing and marking range
    February 27, 2017
    Hitex International, a global provider of road safety and surfacing solutions, has introduced the Puma range of modified MMA (methyl methacrylate) high-friction surfacing and road marking materials. Hitex says that they are quicker and easier to apply and allow contractors to control the curing process to suit available workforce. This has the potential to speed up highway works and reduce traffic congestion.
    Read More
  • Compact paver from Ammann
    April 13, 2022
    Ammann says that its AFW 150-2 mini paver comes in handy for small jobs, such as reinstating surfaces above trenches that have been excavated for utility works. The machine is also said to suit working on bike paths, walking trails, tramlines and other narrow applications.
    Read More
  • Permanent repairs at lower costs thanks to JCB’s revolutionary PotholePro machine
    December 15, 2021
    Shock figures from the AA reveal more than £11bn-worth of potholes need repairing across the UK and British digger maker JCB is on a mission to fix them.
    Read More
  • New machinery helps boost quarry production
    July 28, 2015
    A quarry in the US has managed to boost production by around 30%, thanks to the acquisition of new equipment. Replacing the old crusher at the Lafarge Pitt River Quarry has made a massive increase in production capacity, helped by improvements to the existing crushing circuit. ELRUS Aggregate Systems provided advice on optimizing throughput, with the facility further improved with the addition of a new CH660 cone crusher from Sandvik Construction.
    Read More

Highlighted Content