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

  • Powerful reclaimer/stabiliser aids road upgrade
    March 15, 2012
    A US contractor is upgrading rural Pennsylvania roads with the aid of a powerful new reclaimer/stabiliser Much of the United States highway infrastructure continues to deteriorate due to lack of a comprehensive road bill and eroding investment in the nation’s roads. However, some of the country’s secondary and rural roads are being upgraded, and funding is coming from unlikely private sources. Energy companies with stakes in the Marcellus and Utica deep shale gas reserve development are working with local
    Read More
  • Smart asphalt paving technology in Morocco
    May 16, 2016
    SEFIANI Enterprises is staying competitive against rivals firms in the asphalt and paving construction market in Morocco. Construction Company SEFIANI Enterprises fitted one of its pavers with the Leica PaveSmart 3D machine control system at the end of October 2015. The aim of this was to improve project quality and to reduce operating costs for the 224km project for the LGV Ligne à Grande Vitesse Tanger–Kénitra. “It is the first system we sold for an asphalt paving application in Morocco,” explained
    Read More
  • Growing niche market for roller compacted concrete
    February 20, 2012
    A growing niche market for roller compacted concrete has prompted manufacturers to offer solutions. Mike Woof reports. Increased demand for roller compacted concrete (RCC) machines in certain applications mean that this is now a growing market, with manufacturers having developed new machines for this sector. RCC comprises uncrushed and/or crushed aggregate, hydraulic binders and may also contain concrete additives. It is mixed in a concrete mixing plant on or near the job site and one of its main benefits
    Read More
  • A new runway surface for a major airport in Indonesia
    August 12, 2020
    Major rebuilding work has been carried out at Minangkabau International Airport (PDG), while the New Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) has been built in Indonesia.
    Read More

Highlighted Content