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In the UK, TRL is introducing a sophisticated driving simulator that will help with developing transport infrastructure as well as research into driving. This advanced system is intended to assist in driving future transport policy, customer safety and road network performance The new simulator can be used for behavioural research into driving and can be used as a validation tool. The complete simulator package features three main systems as it consists of the new full-size DigiCar, a portable version (M

The European Union Road Federation is organising, in cooperation with the International Road Federation (IRF), the Croatian Roads Company (Hrvatske Ceste), the Croatian Road Association (Via Vita) and the University of Zagreb, the European Road Conference under the theme Corridors for Shared Prosperity in the iconic city of Dubrovnik, from 22 to 24 October 2018 Due to its privileged geographical position, Croatia represents a key crossroads in the connectivity of the South East Europe region, securing a

The HEART is a reusable, restorable, non-gating and re-directive crash cushion manufactured by Trinity Highway Products, based in Dallas in the US state of Texas. The HEART - Hybrid Energy-absorbing Reusable Terminal - uses high molecular weight/high density polyethylene (HMW/HDPE) side panels and a rounded frontal nose piece. These are connected to steel diaphragms mounted on tubular steel tracks. The company said that HEART’s HMW/HDPE panels and nose reduce life cycle costs and minimise maintenance. Anc

Dr Cristian Gonzalez, director IRF World Road Statistics, was in Athens to share IRF’s expertise in data collection at a three-day regional workshop organised by the EuroMed Transport Support Project. The event offered a novel opportunity to share national, European and international experiences and best practices with road safety data and allow a regional exchange on setting up a road map for the follow-up actions. The Workshop hosted 40 experts, of which 25 from EuroMed Partner countries. The “EuroMed T

The use of controlled frequency vibration (CFV) technology and its applications in construction continue to grow - *Paul Jaworski Controlled frequency vibration (CFV) technology has been around since the mid-1990s for concrete pavement applications. The technology has seen a gradual increase in acceptance, particularly in certain applications. For the 0-37mm (1.5”) slump pavement mix designs, many contractors were experiencing material separation due to speeds over 8,000vibrations/minute (VPM). With the wi

Sidewinder UK has been using its novel road widener machines on a series of paving jobs, including smart motorway projects. Sidewinder UK has carried out work on the M6 smart motorway contract between junction 16 and junction 19. The company used one of its road wideners to place and grade the final layer of sub-base to the balanced central reservation in readiness for Tarmac Contracting to pave the base and binder courses. An estimated 5,000tonnes of sub-base was used in the initial 6.4km x 4.7m wide st

An innovative resurfacing method has been used for a bridge in China, with a sophisticated mix being used to boost wear characteristics The landmark Nanning Bridge in China’s Nanning City has benefited from a complete surface overhaul. The work was carried out recently after the bridge had been in use for around 10 years. The project is of note as it is thought to be the first comprehensive commercial application of graphene- compound rubber modified asphalt technology in a high-class road/bridge surface

The highly sophisticated BPO ASPHALT software system is at the heart of a major boost to productivity and efficiency from contractor Tarmac. The company is the first contractor in the UK to employ the package, developed by Volz Consulting in Germany. Tarmac says that the software allows its contracting team to plan highways schemes and inner-city projects in detail, ahead of work starting on site. Using GPS data, the software utilises surface area values to produce fully optimised planning documents and w

Volvo CE is upgrading its key asphalt paver models with the addition of its latest generation technology. The company is now fitting the sophisticated EPMIII electronic pavement management system to its new generation P6820D. This machine is also equipped with the new PaveAssist package, which allows real-time monitoring of machine parameters. The P6820D replaces the earlier C series machine, with power from the latest generation Volvo D6 engine rated at 140KW, and which meets the Stage IV/Tier 4 Final em

Germany’s capital Berlin is now benefiting from a newly widened ring road, which will help reduce peak time congestion Much of the work has been carried out by local contractor Johann Bunte Bauunternehmung, which has helped to widen the Berlin ring road from six to eight lanes. The firm has made extensive use of sophisticated paving controls also on its Vögele machines, the AutoSet Plus automatic functions. And the firm claims that these tools have made the work easier for the paving team to move between t

Vögele is extending its range of service and training options for users with the introduction of a new app and web facility. This is said to allow paving crews to get to grips with the ErgoPlus 3 operating concept quickly and easily with the aid of numerous animations. The tool allows users to learn how to position and adjust the screed, as well as retrieve paving programmes. Using the system allows operators to achieve optimum paving results and efficient job site processes, according to the firm. The sy

CONTROLS Group company IPC Global has updated both its controls system and testing software. IMACS2 is its third-generation Integrated Multi-Axis Control and data-acquisition System (IMACS). UTS Neutron is the second-generation dynamic materials testing and analysis software. IMACS2’s attributes include 24bit data resolution, up-to 200kHz data sampling, 5 to 25kHz loop closure and an in-built colour display. “You can be assured that your tests are performed with minimum variability, precisely to specific

The road sector faces challenges with regard to bitumen - Gülay Malkoç reports

Leica Geosystems is now using the rugged ZX70 Android tablet from Getac as the hardware for its new Leica Zeno GG04 plus Tablet Solution. The new partnership allows Leica Geosystems to bring geospatial data collection capabilities to customers in all terrains and weather conditions such as utilities, public services, transportation and construction. Leica Geosystems has developed a range of new software and hardware including its Zeno Mobile data collection app and Zeno GG04 plus smart antenna to capture a

Hyundai’s HX130 LCR is said to offer high performance for the compact-radius excavator market. The 13tonne machine is also available with a dozer blade as the HX130 LCRD variant. The HX130 LCR excavator is powered by a 55kW, Perkins 854F diesel that is Tier 4 final compliant and is said to offer both performance and productivity. The engine has a DPF without the need for SCR technology. The LCR model weighs 12.93tonnes as standard, while the LCRD variant weighs 13.56tonnes. The machine offers a maximum

Topcon Positioning is introducing the latest version of its MAGNET 5 software. This new version includes upgrades to the MAGNET Field, Office and Enterprise applications designed for advanced performance, third-party integration, and construction planning and oversight capability. The package offers new flexible display options and additional customisable data labels. Additionally, operators can view GNSS status when the controller is connected to a total station in Hybrid mode, and show offsets as a visua

Tomorrow is your last chance to save 35% when you register for World of Asphalt 2019! Register now to attend the asphalt industry’s largest trade show and educational conference on February 12-14, 2019. Find solutions from 450 Exhibitors who will display their newest products and innovations. There’s no better place to train your team than World of Asphalt. With over 120 sessions to choose from, your whole team will leave with the right tools to grow.

Automated testing is improving safety during paving and saving on testing costs. But it could also help reduce long-term maintenance costs too - Kristina Smith writes Testing pavements as they are laid can be a hazardous activity. The technician may be on their hands and knees, far behind the main gang, or reaching inside the hopper to measure the temperature of the hot mix or dodging rollers to take density readings.

How asphalt plant control add-ons make operation easier while reducing costly downtime - *Carlos Cardenas The word downtime might as well be a curse word in the asphalt production industry. As any operator will say, unplanned plant shutdowns can end up costing a producer heavily in lost production, not to mention a line of unhappy truck drivers and asphalt customers. The key is to get ahead of the problem and spot issues before they skyrocket in severity. Fortunately, some asphalt plant manufacturers offe

A highly advanced prototype system Trimble is working on is based on the Earthworks package and is intended to reduce the risk of contractors hitting buried utilities when carrying out digging operations. Scott Crozier is general manager of Trimble’s general construction division. He said that this mixed reality solution is an emerging technology that will be available in the near future. The package is integrated into the machine display and provides a visual reference for the operator where buried utiliti