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

  • Building a car dealership with machine control
    May 21, 2018
    Canadian contractor MB Ford Construction recently built a massive car sales facility in Canada. Meanwhile the highly specialised site preparation job was sub-contracted to another local firm, Rabb Construction. The new Dilawri Auto Mall was a sizeable, heavy civil project on a 6ha site. Rabb needed to level and grade the site for the four car dealer elevated building pads and their surrounding inventory lots and customer parking. The contract included excavating three storm water runoff retention ponds, wh
    Read More
  • Developments in asphalt compaction machines
    July 4, 2012
    Mike Woof reviews the latest compaction market developments In the run-up to the upcoming World of Asphalt event in Orlando, Florida in March, the leading compaction equipment firms are rolling out upgraded and improved machines. With market conditions tough worldwide, customers are also likely to be encouraged with competitive deals on purchasing new machines and replacing ageing fleets.
    Read More
  • Rubber tyred rollers see key developments
    June 23, 2015
    A series of new rubber tyred asphalt compactors are now coming to market from several key manufacturers - Mike Woof writes Several of the major European compactor manufacturers are introducing new rubber tyred machines to meet demand. Pneumatic tyred rollers are often used for finishing work in road construction, due to the high quality surface they can deliver.
    Read More
  • A road challenge for Zimbabwe
    November 8, 2023
    Construction work is finally underway for a major new highway link in Zimbabwe after many years of false starts.
    Read More

Highlighted Content