Features

Highway technology and services company Yotta DCL has announced new features for Horizons. The web-based platform integrates GIS, pavement and asset management for highways authorities and agencies to use in a visualised asset management system. The new version 2.3 adds features and functionality across three modules: Explorer, Analysis and Management. Explorer allows users to view, load and visualise a range of datasets, including base network data, their condition in fine detail, plus relevant asset or co

German traffic analysis consultant and software maker PTV, which produces the well-known Visum and Vissim strategic traffic analysis and micro-simulation tools, has launched a new assessment tool aimed at studying traffic impact of new developments. PTV Vistro is claimed to be the first all-in­ one-solution for transport analysis and signal optimisation, an easy-to-use software that can be used to conduct traffic studies which are often a mandatory part of development applications and planning approvals.

A quick look at various software development in highways – Adrian Greeman. Software for BIM processes, internet cloud based computing to link site and office, and the use of laser scan point-cloud data continue to be the central themes for major software suppliers in the road design area. Developments go hand in hand with the recent strategic agreements that firms like Autodesk and Bentley Systems have made with major survey companies, Topcon and Trimble respectively. The tie-ups, along with acquisitions, m

Advances in transmission technology will help to optimise machine performance – writes Mike Woof. As construction machines have become more sophisticated, so have the transmission systems used in items of equipment. Advances in electronics and software in particular have allowed the development of integrated transmissions. These operate more efficiently and help optimise power delivery from an engine, boosting torque response and cutting fuel consumption and emissions at the same time. The smart electronics

Innovative new engine emissions control technology is coming to market - Mike Woof reports. The diesel engine sector has been one of the most active and innovative areas for technological development in the past 10 years. Engine firms have invested enormous sums in developing new, low emissions technologies that reduce the quantities of nitrous oxide and particulates from the tailpipe. All the firms have taken a different approach in this regard, using various combinations of the technologies available such

When World Highways decided to ask some of the industry’s leading suppliers what the future holds for bitumen, we found out - not surprisingly in the current economic climate - that it’s all about saving money. Kristina Smith reports. How quickly the tide turns. Just two years ago, saving carbon and the planet was moving up many countries’ political agendas. Now politicians in Europe and beyond have been forced to park commitments in the face of economic austerity. “The big issue with local government is th

Taking a road and rail link across one of the biggest rivers in South America, together with its swamps and flood plain, calls for a new crossing of superlative dimensions. Two 135.5m pylons for the third bridge across the Orinoco River in Venezuela are taking shape with the Venezuelan government investing in the showcase project at Caicara del Orinoco. The bridge will have an overall length of 11.125km on completion, which is scheduled for 2015. The main bridge is 2.28km long, and the roadway is 55m above

A wave of vandalism has hit a new superhighway from Nairobi as Shem Oirere reports. The newly opened 45km superhighway in Kenya’s capital Nairobi is facing a new challenge that threatens to erode its international standards and compromise the benefits it is meant to generate. A wave of vandalism targeting road fittings has hit the US$360 million highway linking Nairobi to Thika Town, posing a new challenge in the maintenance of the new road infrastructure in Kenya. The destruction delayed the completion of

Road construction has evolved considerably in recent years and today more options are available, offering greater longevity and durability, lowered costs, faster application and reduced impact on the environment. The fact that more options are available, however, means that more critical decisions must be made in order to ensure that the optimal solution is selected for the specific needs of each project. In this article we will look at some of the variables that should be considered, while examining the va

Market conditions are tough, according to Jean-Claude Fayat, executive managing director of the Fayat Group. He said, “From my point of view this crisis is not over. We have a slow recovery but this is a structural crisis and a new balance has to be found.” Despite the difficult conditions, the company is performing well and Fayat said, “Our group turnover is around €3.7 billion/year. We are a family group and we have never wanted to be on the stock exchange.” The European market has become less important

Ray O’Connor, president and CEO of Topcon Positioning Systems, has been a busy man at bauma. As well announcing the release of the new DC61 PXi Komatsu bulldozer, the Topcon boss also found time to comment on world markets and talk up a number of the products on the company’s stand.

A group of senior executives from Caterpillar spoke to journalists in a round table discussion, providing insight into the company’s future direction. Giving key talking points were: Rob Charter, vice president Excavation Division; Paulo Fellin, vice president, Global Construction and Infrastructure; Mary H Bell, vice president of Building and Construction Products; and Karl Weiss, vice president Earthmoving Division.

Roz Buick, vice president Heavy Civil Construction at Trimble, has highlighted some key technology introductions from the firm. The GCS Flex system is an important introduction for Trimble and Buick explained, “The idea is to install a less complex system. We want to attract customers from the smaller contractors.” Comparatively low cost for a machine-control system, the basic GCS Flex package offers entry-level 2D technology and it can be upgraded to what Buick calls a ‘2½D’ system.