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

  • Increased traction, load and productivity for Volvo compact pavers
    December 1, 2023
    Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has made improvements to its compact P2820D and P2870D pavers – boosting their performance to become even more competitive and productive for customers.
  • GPS technology developments
    June 13, 2012
    The use of GPS-inclusive technology is proving invaluable to contractors responsible for major transport-related construction projects across the globe. Guy Woodford looked at some of the latest and imminent site solutions featuring GPS Staff at Trimble Heavy Construction based in Sunnyvale, California recently finished developing three new solutions for connecting the construction site. The Trimble Connected Office, the Trimble Connected Controller and the Trimble Connected Machine, are all now available t
  • App upgrades and power choices
    November 13, 2024
    The use of apps for more productive screening operations and the dual use of diesel and electric power have helped boost quarry efficiencies, according to Kleeman, Major and Screenscore.
  • New concrete testing technologies improve speed, safety and quality
    July 8, 2016
    Developments in data processing and management are revolutionising the way concrete strengths can be measured and used to improve efficiencies - Kristina Smith reports on two new technologies A new system that uses thermal imaging to measure the strength of sprayed concrete tunnel linings is being trialled for the first time in London. The brainchild of Dr Benoit Jones, managing director of Inbye Engineering, the technique could lead to improvements in safety, quality and – in the longer run – productivi