Features

The IRF is a member of the Advisory Group of the EDGAR project aiming at delivering greener asphalt roads This is an important project as reducing energy consumption is a major challenge and responsibility for the construction industry. This is not just because of the rising prices of fossil fuels, but also because of the ecological impact of the associated emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG).

A series of innovations in engine technology will cut emissions and deliver fuel savings for customers - Mike Woof writes The start of 2014 saw the commencement of the final phase of the current set of engine emissions requirements for Europe and North America. With the introduction of the first set of Tier 4 Final/ Stage IIV emissions regulations, new generation diesel engines used in construction will deliver cleaner operating performance than ever before. These highly efficient engines have been devel

Italian formwork specialist Pilosio held its fourth annual Building Peace Award in the historic setting of Venice’s Scuola Grande on Friday 12 September. This year’s winner was politician Samia Yaba Nkrumah, the daughter of Ghana’s first democratically elected president, highlighting her planned project to build a new library and learning space in Akosombo, near Lake Volta, dedicated to her father. Over 300 guests from around the world, including 150 Pilosio clients, attended the event and heard keynote sp

Key developments are being seen in the markets for compact compaction and loading machines - Mike Woof writes Various new utility machines are now coming to market aimed at the rental segment, with advances in small compaction and loading tools proving particularly popular. These will benefit from the latest low emission engines while delivering increased power and performance, as well as being easier and more comfortable to use.

Nepal’s road traffic policing is improving to help tackle safety – information provided by World Highways correspondent Ram Krishna Wagle The police in Nepal recently held a road safety exhibition, aimed at reducing the casualty rate on the country’s road network.

Super-fine milling is a technique that has been used in Brazil to rehabilitate roads for the World Cup The rehabilitation work had to be carried out speedily and economically, while minimising traffic disruption. To meet these requirements, contractor Fremix Engenharia e Comércio has been using a Wirtgen W200 cold milling machine that is fitted with a super-fine milling drum.

A number of tower cranes have helped complete the Chishi Grand Bridge project in China Six Potain tower cranes were used to build two 280m tall bridge pylons, high in the clouds above the mountains of southern China. The cranes spent 30 months building the pylons at the Chishi Grand Bridge, which will span 1.47km and carry its road deck 180m above the ground. The bridge will open at the end of 2014.

Fast, efficient and long-lasting repairs are claimed for the heating system developed by the Nu-Phalt Group Developed in the UK, the innovative Nu-Phalt pothole patching system equipment is now being widely used by various local authorities for road repairs. But this technology is also being employed internationally, with key sales in parts of Eastern Europe and India.

Thimarafushi forms part of the Thaa Atoll lying in the Indian Ocean but access has been limited in the past. However the construction of a new airport planned by the Maldives Government will help develop the tourist trade, boosting the local economy. Most visitors previously used the country’s two international airports, using these as hubs for flights to the country’s six domestic airports. This has limited travel to only a few of the country’s 1,192 islands, of which around 200 are inhabited. As a result,