News

Academic research by two UK universities shows that patch repairs on potholes could be far more durable if a few simple techniques were consistently used. An initial study - undertaken by Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham in central England– found that the application of a coat of bitumen emulsion between two layers of asphalt in a clean, dry repair, greatly improved its resistance to further cracks. It was also confirmed that a hot mix repair – in which asphalt is heated to 140°C

Tanzania’s Ministry of Works has opened a key road project to bidding for expressions of interest. The 100km route from capital Dar es Salaam to Chalinze is to be upgraded to a tolled expressway. The upgraded road will feature three lanes in either direction and the project includes the construction of a number of overpasses and intersections along the route, as well as cuttings and toll plazas. The work is expected to take three years to complete and is being handled by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (

The RADOR association, the leading organisation for advocating, planning, financing, building and maintaining roads in Russia’s regions, estimates the country’s North-Western Federal District needs US$5.367 billion (RUB 161.8bn) for road network repair and maintenance every year. RADOR says that around 19.7% of required funding was provided for regional road maintenance in 2012, along with 41.4% of funding for road repairs, and 6.3% of funding for road overhaul. The Leningrad region received 25% (RUB 5.1bn)

AA Insurance in the UK says the number of insurance claims from motorists who have damaged cars as a result of potholes has more than doubled over the last year. An estimated 1,000 cars have been seriously damaged by potholes over the past four weeks, according to the leading broker. Tyre damage was reported by all motorists who made a claim, while one in five of those making a claim also suffered damage to wheels. Motorists also reported damage to bodywork, steering and suspension.

Sleipner will explain the principle behind its “revolutionary method to improve the overall productivity in open-pit mines, quarries and construction sites.” The improvement is based on moving excavators around the site much faster than before, and additionally the Sleipner method saves time and money and considerably increases the excavators’ life, says the company.

The new generation of compact horizontal impact crushers (HSI) from Sandvik Construction is said to provide a low capital cost solution, optimum performance and good cubical shape. The all-new patented and highly modularised Sandvik CI5 Prisec crusher range combines the ability to configure one base crusher into either a primary or a secondary configuration, making it adaptable to ever-changing requirements. The company says the crushers have been developed in response to customer demands, and they are spea

In addition to its new paving range, Vögele is offering improved screed technology for both European and US paving concepts. Designed for European customers, the new AB500 and AB600 extending screeds are designed to pave widths from 2-9.5m, while the VR500 and VR600 screeds have been developed for the North American market and for use with the firm’s VISION pavers. The VF500 features extending units in front of the basic screed while the VR600 has extending units behind the basic screed.

Sandvik Construction Mobile Crushers and Screens is officially launching two new additions to its product offering, a new heavy-duty scalper and a new Impactor model. The latest incarnation of the original E7 mobile scalper is said to demonstrate the value of customer feedback and experience, as the new model contains a “wish list of features and benefits that far exceed traditional expectations of durability and technical excellence.” Customer requirements, said to have been met with the new model, include

Sandvik DC125R is a new member to the proven Sandvik DC family of compact, rubber-tyred top hammer drill rigs. The fully remote-controlled, hydraulic and self-propelled mini-sized drilling unit on a four-wheel drive carrier, is for drilling 22–45mm holes, and replaces the former Sandvik DC122R, one in the series of rigs originally launched in 1988 under the product name of Tamrock Commando. “A range of job site tests show that the new model offers better manoeuvrability than ever before. This is thanks to t

New features for Hamm’s GRW280 rubber tyred rollers will help increase performance for contractors. The new GRW 280i is now available with engines that meet the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission requirements, while also offering better fuel consumption.

Hamm is widening its range of HD+ asphalt compactors to no less than 24 machines in all. Nine new models competing in the 7tonne and 8tonne classes are being added to the line-up, and which share the large, high visibility and ergonomic cabs with the existing machines in the HD+ range. Customers now have an array of choices from Hamm for the 7-14tonne asphalt compactor market, to suit particular applications or duties. Marketing director Gottfried Beer said, “For us it is important to offer the complete lin