Connected Construction

The machine control sector has been lively in recent months with a major acquisition, the unveiling of new software innovation and landmark testing of new technology to monitor paving temperature. Guy Woodford reports The state road construction authority in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt (LSBB Saxony-Anhalt) has become the first nationally to test MOBA’s new PAVE-IR Scan temperature measurement system at a works site.

Concrete paving is being carried out on a key section of Interstate 20, close to the US city of Colombia in South Carolina Contractor Zachry Construction has had success using its Guntert & Zimmerman concrete slipformer for an Interstate paving project in South Carolina. The firm has been using the machine on the US$64 million project to resurface a section of Interstate 20, close to the city of Columbia.

Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) is adding to its portfolio with the acquisition of Finnish firm DynaRoad, a specialist construction software provider. TPS first bought a major stake in DynaRoad in 2011 and is now completing its ownership to make the business 100% owned. DynaRoad is a specialist in the field of construction software and develops project management packages for use in large-scale projects such as highways, tunnels, airports and ports. Ray O’Connor, TPS president and CEO, said that by acquiri

An innovative tool aims to help users explore the options for designing and building a surface-water ‘Treatment Train’ as part of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). The new, free-to-use Treatment Selection Tool, available at www.hydro-int.com/stormtrain/tool, has been developed by Hydro International in response to tougher environmental and planning requirements for SuDS that remove silts, sediments, oils and pollutants from surface water runoff.

Software specialist Bentley Systems awarded key road and bridge construction projects for excellence in the use of its software. The awards were presented at the firm’s annual event, this year held at the Metropole Hotel in UK capital London.

Research and Markets has added the ‘Local Routes - Applications Used by Local UK Government to Deliver Transport’ report to its offering. The report summarises the status of the UK public sector ICT transport software market. It’s aimed at those currently working with public sector clients, and those considering this market for the first time.

The global in-vehicle systems market could triple to US$20 billion by 2020, according to leading business strategy consultants Roland Berger. In the U.S., General Motors is equipping its vehicles with GSM cards in order to offer full connectivity, allowing the driver to manage all vehicle data from a smartphone.