Features

The use of new machine control tools has made a significant boost in earthmoving efficiency. Automated grade control using GNSS signals has transformed how earthmoving contractors get work done. Through the engineering efforts of its innovators and developers, machine control technology has been improved and refined over the years. A development in the ongoing evolution of machine control technology is Topcon Positioning Systems’ introduction of its 3D-MCMAX integrated 3D dozer system. Most notably, the

Berghaus’ ProTec-Tor 50 and ProTec-Tor 120 mobile crash barriers are tool-free solutions to open a quick access point for emergency services. They are part of the German manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to development of mobile crash barriers. In an emergency, it takes only a couple of fast actions to release the force-fit connection of the ProTec-Tor 50 and ProTec-Tor 120 mobile crash barriers and open the ProTec-Tor elements. Fire brigades, emergency services and police then have easy access through the

The WRM programme has taken shape with details to be completed by early September, with the receipt of full papers from the authors, due by 31st July 2017. There is considerable progress with regard to the Global Transport Ministers’ Meeting, with confirmations of participation received from various European and African nations. The ministers will be accompanied by small delegations. The IRF Geneva office is looking forward to sharing more detailed information regarding the programme in the next couple of

IRF Geneva was one of the key supporting organisations of the World Transport Convention (WTC 2017) held on 4th-6th June 2017 in Beijing, China. Hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and organised by China Highway and Transportation Society (CHTS) the convention had as its theme “Green and Integrated Development through Innovations” and attracted 1,820 papers from all over the world and 5,000 delegates. Kiran Kapila, IRF chairman, delivered a keynote address in the opening

The IRF Middle East & North Africa Regional Congress & Exhibition will offer exceptional insights and networking opportunities with more than 150 industry and scientific thought leaders. Dubai is the perfect host city for this event, especially in light of the Road & Transport Authority’s (RTA) ambitions to offer advanced transport sector services technologies to support Dubai’s growth plans through policies and legislations, innovative approaches, and world-class practices and standards. Thanks to the

In the coming age of the autonomous vehicle, fast and accurate LiDAR surveying will be increasingly important, explains Valdis Vanags. The game-changing introduction of autonomous vehicles relies not only on intelligent traffic systems but well maintained roads to help computer-guided systems navigate using road markings. Laser scanning technology, too, is a game changer when it comes to planning and executing many civil engineering projects, including transport network upgrades and smart city initiatives.

The market for piling machines is seeing new technology come to market – Mike Woof writes UK firm BSP is now offering an improved range of piling systems, with its SL30 model and compact BH120. The SL30 can be used to drive Z piles in pairs and its hammer has a drop weight of 2.5tonnes, delivering an impact energy of 30kNm at up 84blows/minute. The SL piling hammer is designed for driving sheet piles and small bearing piles and is available with legs and inserts for use when freely suspended or with back

A new Wirtgen SP 94i slipform paver has helped deliver the successful reconstruction of a runway in the US state of Missouri. With more than 30,000 take-offs and landings a year, Jefferson City Memorial Airport (JEF) is one of the most heavily frequented airports in Missouri. Thousands of visitors travel through it every day on their way to the government and congress offices in the state capital on the Missouri River. At the end of April 2016, work commenced on the reconstruction of a runway approximately

Accurate technology has been utilised to measure the loads carried by dump trucks on a project in Russia. Specialist supplier LASE commissioned the LaseTVM tool on a road construction site for contractor EuroTransStroy at a construction site in St Petersburg, Russia. The laser-based measurement system is able to determine the volume of bulk materials such as sand and crushed stones with high accuracy. This can be used to prevent differences in loads from one truck to another, so as to ensure consistency.

Demand in Latin America for heavy construction equipment is expected to continue growing - Allied Market Research reports. Latin America is set to see strong growth in demand for construction machines. This is according to a new report published by Allied Market Research, called Latin America Heavy Construction Equipment Market by Equipment, Application, and End User: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022. The report shows that the market size for Latin America’s off-highway equipment sector

The use of a material feeder in a road paving job in South Africa has helped increase productivity and quality on the project. The contractor employed a Vögele MT 3000-2 Offset PowerFeeder to help optimise pavement quality, with the positive paving results having been confirmed by the University of Twente, Netherlands. This body monitored the project from a scientific perspective and its equipment included RoadScan, the innovative temperature-measurement system from Vögele. Using a material feeder can

The US State of Pennsylvania is saving itself $220 million over 10 years on a programme to replace 558 bridges with an unusual public private partnership approach - Kristina Smith writes It is called the Rapid Bridge Replacement Programme with good reason. Pennsylvania’s Department of Transport, PennDOT, wants to see no less than 558 structurally deficient bridges replaced with newly designed and constructed ones, all within four years. Using traditional forms of procurement this programme would be like

A new funding scheme for England’s proposed Major Road Network was greeted with enthusiasm by local authorities which partly pay for road upkeep. But this enthusiasm may be premature, explains Alan Pauling*

Technology and innovations are evolving at a pace never seen before in the history of the road and transport sector. From innovations in materials, such as self-healing concrete and rubberised asphalt, to advances in construction equipment automation, and of course, the dawn of the connected and automated vehicle, we are on the verge of a new era.

The fleet used comprised two Wirtgen W 210s and one W 200i, as well as two Wirtgen WR 2000 soil stabilisers. Located roughly 8 km north-west of the city of Alghero, Alghero-Fertilia Airport is one of three commercial airports on the Italian island, along with Cagliari Elmas and Olbia. Built as a military airport in the late 1930s, Alghero-Fertilia still occasionally handles military aircraft. However commercial flights represent its main traffic and as it serves the provinces of Sassari and Oristano, it is