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

  • New solutions for 3D concrete paving controls
    February 20, 2012
    In concrete paving, Leica Geosystems has long held the dominant position in the market for stringless 3D controls. The company's products are well-accepted by contractors and have been used on an array of machines from different manufacturers with a high degree of success in recent years. GOMACO has been working with Leica Geosystems for some time and the two companies set up a partnership recently. This combination technology and business relationship has seen the placement of personnel from Leica Geosyste
    Read More
  • New Holland 'space savers'
    February 15, 2012
    Zero tailswing excavators from New Holland are part of a plant deal won by civil engineering contractor K Rouse with Balfour Beatty. The machines, 11 E135BSRs and two smaller models, the E80 and E50, are being used on a section of the M621 motorway near the city of Leeds, northern England, to remove existing metal crash barriers and install improved drainage prior to the erection of a new concrete central reservation.
    Read More
  • Trimble GCS900 makes dozers more responsive – and faster
    January 6, 2017
    Improved Trimble technology will enable contractors to reduce dozer time as much as 40%. The Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System has improved responsiveness, which provides a substantial benefit on jobsites. “It corrects faster,” said Dwayne Rosie, Software Sales Engineer in the Heavy Civil Construction Division.
    Read More
  • Trimble GCS900 makes dozers more responsive – and faster
    April 21, 2015
    Improved Trimble technology will enable contractors to reduce dozer time as much as 40%. The Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System has improved responsiveness, which provides a substantial benefit on jobsites. “It corrects faster,” said Dwayne Rosie, Software Sales Engineer in the Heavy Civil Construction Division.
    Read More

Highlighted Content