New positioning tools streamline survey operations
Trimble has launched a range of new tools which it says will deliver faster and more accurate data to surveyors.
The Trimble S6 Robotic Total Station with Trimble Vision Technology enables surveyors to remotely see and measure through a live video feed from the instrument on their data controller.
July/August 2011
Fuel is a precious commodity - image supplied by World Highways reader Yohannes Bayonakis
June 2011
Roadsigns are required to give clear directions.
Asphalt paving improves road safety
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.
May 2011
High performance cycling and mowing capabilities are claimed for this newly developed system designed in the UK.
Drain protection pads provide temporary seal
UltraTech International has produced a range of transparent covered drain protection pads, which the company says will end guesswork over drain seal effectiveness. The pads enable contractors to swiftly establish if spills are entering the drain through cracks in the surface, imperfections in the grating, or other irregularities that can break the seal.
April 2011
Many of India's pedestrian crossings have been criticised for not actually leading anywhere. this particular crossing ends against a landscaped and fenced-in traffic island. Photo courtesy of World Highways reader BK Roy.
March 2011
Signposts offer an invaluable source of information to road users and pedestrians alike.
Smart paver control solution provides optimum materials mix
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.
Lightweight composite manhole covers
Composite rather than metal manhole covers are better for the UK road network, according to a recent technical paper by distinguished chartered engineer John Newton. In his paper Mr Newton, inventor of the composite manhole cover, claims tests have proved a new generation of innovative composite covers, developed and manufactured by Barrow-in-Furness-based Structural Science Composites (SSC), outperform ductile iron manhole covers, while also offering better value for money.
January/February 2011
Wearing of seatbelts is to be encouraged in all vehicle users to help boost safety
Temporary acoustic barrier absorbs noise
The work of Echo Barrier was highlighted at a prestigious Institute of Acoustics (IOA) sponsored awards ceremony held at the House of Commons. The company, which develops and supplies temporary acoustic barriers for use on major construction projects to reduce noise pollution, was highly commended for its Echo H1 barrier and range of products during the 2011 John Connell Awards.
China's economic growth fuelling vehicle increase
China is at a turning point in many ways. The country's continuing economic growth is fuelling a massive increase in vehicle numbers, with no signs of slackening. This is most acute and most visible in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, where traffic jams are now a frequent occurrence. One recent Beijing tailback stretched nearly 100km along a major highway and was caused by roadworks at a particularly busy stretch of the road.
Infrastructure spending aids economic growth
AT THE TIME of year it is worth considering how strong the construction market will be towards the end of 2010 and on into 2011.
Hydrocarbon resin bitumen modifier enhances adhesion
In Estonia, Novotrade Invest, which produces hydrocarbon resin HCR-105, has carried out research work on the material that can be used as a bitumen modifier. Hydrocarbon resin HCR-105 is obtained by thermal polymerisation of hydrocarbon fraction C9 [industrially it is isolated from the C9 aromatic hydrocarbon fraction during petroleum distillation].
November/December 2010
A Caterpillar 730 ADT recently took to the air at a project in Switzerland and the 23tonne truck was carried to a site with restricted access in the Alps, using a specially adapted lifting assembly attached to the cable normally used for a cable car. However whether this big Cat lost one of its nine lives in the process remains to be seen.
November/December 2010
A Caterpillar 730 ADT recently took to the air at a project in Switzerland and the 23tonne truck was carried to a site with restricted access in the alps, using a specially adapted lifting assembly attached to the cable normally used for a cable car. However whether this big Cat lost one of its nine lives in the process remains to be seen!
Congestion improves with high occupancy toll lanes
The potential for high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in congested US cities offers further room for development, according to US-based transport expert Bob Poole of the Reason Foundation.
Priorotising road safety worldwide
Road safety is a crucial issue worldwide and on the busy roads of the 27 EU nations, action is being taken to reduce the annual death toll.
Asphalt paving developments
US and European asphalt paving needs are different, but some firms are bridging that gap, reports Mike Woof. With a clear differentiation between the US and European asphalt paving markets, manufacturers from the latter are now developing machines aimed at the former. The US and European markets for paving machines have developed along very different lines. North American pavers are designed for high throughputs and high paving rates, having been designed to meet a need to build roads over long distances wi