Features

Brazilian consultant SOTEPA has been closely involved with infrastructure improvements in a series of projects in the southern state of Santa Catarina. One of the most important of these has been design work for the SC-477 state highway, which connects the east of the state to Brazil’s Littoral zone and the BR-101 federal highway. The SC-477 has had to be upgraded as part of it has been unsurfaced, without an asphalt surface between Itaiópolis and Doutor Pedrinho. The road provides an important link for the

New smart dozers provide faster working and greater efficiency - Mike Woof reports Both Caterpillar and Komatsu are making key moves in offering intelligent bulldozing capabilities on their latest machines. In the medium-sized bulldozer market, both companies have sophisticated new models that will increase both productivity and finish quality, while lowering running costs for the user.

Caterpillar’s hybrid excavator represents evolutionary rather than revolutionary technology - Mike Woof reports One of the key things to understand about Caterpillar’s hybrid excavator is that its fuel savings come not from a single technology, but from a range of features that have been integrated together. The sophisticated engine works hand in hand with the advanced hydraulics, with electronics governing the whole operation and optimising efficiency. And while none of these technologies is new in it

New diesel developments from JCB and Volvo Innovative diesel technologies are being developed by all the major engine manufacturers at present. New emission requirements have pushed the boundaries in terms of technology, with all the firms working on new systems to ensure their products meet requirements. And companies are also developing new engine sizes to broaden their range of offerings to the market.

Recycling waste gully materials can save costs and also meet tough European sustainability requirements, with one firm offering a novel solution The effects of the Landfill Directive together with the annual increase in Landfill Tax have significantly increased the cost of disposal of gully waste. This is currently around £50/tonne but is expected to rise to £80/tonne in 2014 in the UK, although other parts of Europe may differ. As a consequence, this has increased the operating costs for companies pro

The world’s leading tolling solution providers have achieved significant deals in recent months emphasising the importance of their latest and proven technology. Guy Woodford reports Kapsch TrafficCom North America (Kapsch), part of Kapsch TrafficCom Group, has been awarded a five-year US$30 million contract by Canadian Tolling Company International (Cantoll). The contract will see the leading tolling technology manufacturer supply its next generation TDMA V6 Interior Transponder, also known as an onboar

Aximum, part of the Colas Group, is a French firm with a major global presence in traffic management, road safety equipment, road markings and vertical signs markets, has been highly active across its core business areas. The company says it has significantly expanded its presence in traffic management in the Middle East in recent years thanks to innovative solutions and quality products. Aximum has a lot of references in Oman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Abu Dhabi, the largest state in the United Arab Emira