Connected Construction

The latest GPS systems will improve the accuracy of many construction operations. Mike Woof reports. The pace of technological advancement is fast in the GPS market. Despite a market downturn, the GPS solution providers continue to invest in research and development. And there is evidence to suggest that the contracting sector is more keen than ever to employ the latest technology because of the cost benefits this can bring.

Leica Geosystems has opened its Hexagon 2011 technology event, which is running from 7-9 June.

Klaruw says that its advanced laser scanner system can accurately evaluate the macro-texture of road pavement surfaces. This sophisticated system allows highway agencies to monitor road surface condition more accurately and assess whether the skid resistance meets safety requirements. The innovative Laser Texture Tester (LTT) device uses uses a rotating, high resolution laser to scan circular sections of road pavement.

Rugged and durable, the new Rugby 260SG, 270SG and 280DG lasers from Leica Geosystems are said to suit a wide range of construction duties. These multipurpose horizontal/vertical grade lasers can be used for flat and grade applications and are equipped with a large LCD display and a five button key pad.

Integrated construction software offers an effective planning solution - *Mark Nichols writes. In a world where resources are limited, 20 year designing and building in a sustainable way is more critical than ever. By employing today's software tools it is possible to reduce the total cost of construction of a new highway, while reducing operating costs and environmental impacts. The path to achieving the greatest gains is to take a holistic approach to the plan, design, construct and operate process from t

According to Leica Geosystems, its new HDS6100 unit is an improved, ultra-high speed laser scanner for survey applications. The Leica HDS6100 features several upgrades over the earlier HDS6000 scanner being replaced. These include a 37% increase in the temperature range (now -10ºC to +45ºC), a battery life of 2.5 hours, an integrated wireless LAN (WLAN) scanner control option and reduced noise at ranges of 25-50m.

The mezzo level transport simulation program from Canadian firm Inro has been finding larger and wider uses recently the firm reports, and it says Dynameq licences for up to 20,000 links have been taken.

Innovative GIS and software solutions are coming to market from the three key market players - Mike Woof reports Competition is strong in the field for GIS and surveying systems as well as the associated software. The three major players in the sector, Leica Geosystems, Topcon and Trimble, all invest heavily in research and development and continue to roll out new solutions for construction customers that will boost the efficiency of surveying as well as overall project implementation.

Topcon says that its advanced SiteLink technology provides a comprehensive information technology solution for equipment on construction sites. The SiteLink product is a wireless communications mapping, data logging, reporting and asset management package that can be used on off-highway equipment. According to Topcon the system can be used with any make, model or type of job site machine, regardless of manufacturer and age. The system can also pinpoint via GPS any make of equipment on a job site, serving as

Modern software is stretching traditional design boundaries on a motorway widening in the Netherlands, reports Adrian Greeman There was a time when civil engineering and aesthetics did not mix too well, especially on roads. The artistic ideas of an architect did not blend with the stringent requirements of structure. But modern three-dimensional modelling software is helping this change. Design notions that might have been overly complicated in the past are now attainable with hi-tech analysis tools.