Features

The new noise-damped cab for Volvo‘s single drum soil compactors is said to make the machines more comfortable to operate for a full working shift. The comprehensively redesigned one-piece cab is now fitted on Volvo’s latest SD70, SD77, SD115, SD130 and SD160 single drum soil compactors. The noise damping is said to radically reduce the sound levels at the operator’s ear, which is said to cut fatigue levels over the full working shift.

The Wirtgen Group is developing its manufacturing facilities outside of Germany. The company has extensive operations in Brazil and China and has now opened a new plant in India, which has started production already. Joint president Stefan Wirtgen said, “The first machine we made was a Hamm compactor. It is specially developed for the Indian market.”

New machines are now coming to the international market, with Chinese firms producing a particularly strong showing. At the last BICES exhibition in Chinese capital Beijing, one of the most notable developments was how many of the country’s equipment manufacturers now offer ranges of soil compaction and/or asphalt compaction equipment.

The ongoing Highways Agency A66 Carkin Moor to Scotch Corner project involves upgrading the original single carriageway to address safety concerns, particularly at junctions and crossings. Where differential settlement is threatening a remodelled junction, Tensar International's new TriAx geogrid provides an additional dimension of stability, saving design and build contractors Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering Limited (BBRCEL) the heavy time and costs inherent in conventional remedial solutions and

Tensar is making some key moves internationally, as well as in terms of market segments. The company is now marketing the GlasGrid range in the US and expects to develop healthy sales, however it sees major growth potential with the Geogrid product range. Jim Penman, director for bi-axial products & applications said: "One area we're moving into is base reinforcement and in particular what we're looking at is mechanistic emirical (ME) technology." Tensar has worked with the University of Illinois on a new d

The latest IRF Bulletin is wholly devoted to issues of Environment & Climate Change as they impact on the road infrastructure sector. It features an authoritative but highly readable set of articles contributed by IRF members throughout the world.

*Susanna Zammataro introduces the range of issues addressed by IRF Geneva’s very active Environment Committee. Achieving sound environmental and sustainability outcomes has long been an integral part of IRF members’ policy and practice.

A special emulsion is being used at the largest gold mine in South America for slurry surfacing on its compacted, unpaved roads. The result is said to be greatly curtailed particulate emissions and enhanced visibility which makes roads safer and reduces regional haze.

VSS Macropaver reports a strong sales performance, with exports having been particularly profitable for the company, write Mike Woof. Vice president Doug Hogue said: "We're fortunate that we're dealing on a world basis to Latin America, China and Russia." Latin America, Chile, Mexico and Peru have been key markets for the firm, although the high import tariffs into Brazil have unfortunately meant that the company finds it hard to compete in this country's strong road sector against local rivals.