Skip to main content

Asphalt paving technology advance

Vögele is expanding its offering for digital road construction solutions with the introduction of new functions in its WITOS Paving Docu and WITOS Paving Plus packages
October 26, 2021 Read time: 3 mins
Data can also be provided to the compactor operators using the system

The firm claims that these improve simplicity and accuracy for asphalt paving jobsite documentation and process optimisation.

Paving temperatures can be monitored in real time on a smartphone, while the system automatically generates paving and logistics information.

Vögele has been offering a three-tier, modular digital road construction system, with different functional scopes. The three practical tools are designed for different construction projects and users and some of these tools can be combined or expanded. The RoadScan non-contacting measuring system allows users to monitor paving temperature across the whole paved area. The WITOS Paving Docu documentation tool records and analyses machine and process data, whilst the WITOS Paving Plus high-end solution allows all paving processes to be planned and optimised in real time. Vögele is expanding these three solutions by adding features that increase ease of use.

An important component is the new Jobsite Temp app. Users of WITOS Paving Docu and WITOS Paving Plus who also use the RoadScan temperature measuring system can connect to the paver using a QR code and activate the application. The Jobsite Temp app provides real time data access to relevant information for worksite personnel, such as paving supervisors and roller operators.

The foreman can use the system to view paving temperatures in real time as well as current pave speed, screed width and paver position. The system can show positions of trucks, including delivery note information and this makes it easier to work out where each should unload. Meanwhile, roller operators can view their own position and distance from the paver and define exclusion zones.

“The Jobsite Temp app gives paving crews a comprehensive real-time overview of all temperature data,” said Dr Stephan Weller, Software Products Manager at Vögele. The app and the paver are networked via WiFi, allowing information to be exchanged between the RoadScan temperature measuring system and the smartphone even where there is no mobile phone connection. The paver establishes a WiFi network with a radius of around 50-80m and acts as a server.

Users of the WITOS technology can view all relevant paving information on a smartphone
Users of the WITOS technology can view all relevant paving information on a smartphone

Vögele has also continued improving the temperature measuring system. RoadScan’s infrared camera measures paving temperatures up to 10m-wide across the mat, behind the screed. To avoid faults in the thermal image from moving objects, Vögele has developed automatic correction. The RoadScan system compares up to four images for a position and can detect moving obstacles such as compactors. These are removed from the thermal image, giving construction managers and paving supervisors an accurate overview of paving temperatures.

Vögele has also optimised odometer calibration as RoadScan’s GPS receiver and the odometer are calibrated automatically every 2m. “This prevents errors and saves additional effort,” said Dr Weller.

The WITOS Paving Docu documentation tool has new features that users can use to monitor paving data and progress more efficiently: paving crews have the option of entering target project values such as target tonnages, paving sections or areas directly in the Jobsite app and of tracking progress. They can also have displayed in the relevant truck history delivery notes from trucks which have already unloaded.

Vögele has expanded the WITOS Paving Plus process optimisation solution and made it easier for planners and construction managers to issue calls to tender. Once the relevant planning data has been entered in the control module, they can generate a template for a paving and logistics concept and produce a document that can be edited. This saves time and effort and gives the individual responsible the option of adding information or comments. “All the new features and developments linked to our digital road construction solutions ultimately have the same objective. We want to make life easier for planners, construction managers and paving crews and to give them the best possible support by providing reliable, straightforward and transparent information,” said Dr Weller.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • In control - with machine control technology
    June 21, 2016
    Advances with machine control technologies are providing major benefits right across the construction sector - Mike Woof writes With the massive bauma 2016 exhibition now having run its course, the construction sector look set to benefit from a range of new machine control technologies. These systems are being offered across a range of different segments in the equipment sector. Bulldozing was one of the first portions of the earthmoving segment to benefit from machine control systems, but a vast array o
  • Improved pavers from Volvo CE
    March 24, 2020
    Volvo CE says that its latest P8820D ABG and P6870D ABG paver models combines size and versatility. The improved D-series variants benefit from a new design and smart features that are said to boost reliability and productivity.
  • Two steps ahead: the Vögele Dash 5 road pavers
    April 1, 2023
    Road construction companies are equipped for the future with Vögele’s latest-generation SUPER 1900-5(i) and SUPER 2100-5(i) Road Pavers and AB 500 and AB 600 Extending Screeds. Highway Class pavers are perfectly at home whether on highways or handling other demanding large-scale projects. The SUPER 1900-5(i) manages pave widths between 2.55 m and 11.5 m, the SUPER 2100-5(i) up to 14 m. Both Dash 5 pavers are convincing products featuring a flexible, modular system which takes particular account of economy and sustainability as well as of ease of use and process automation.
  • Smarter paving option from Vögele
    December 12, 2018
    Vögele is extending its range of service and training options for users with the introduction of a new app and web facility. This is said to allow paving crews to get to grips with the ErgoPlus 3 operating concept quickly and easily with the aid of numerous animations. The tool allows users to learn how to position and adjust the screed, as well as retrieve paving programmes. Using the system allows operators to achieve optimum paving results and efficient job site processes, according to the firm. The sy