New highway for Nepal
Construction is underway on Nepal's new Kaligandaki highway, which will provide a key route running North-South through the country.
Mascus celebrates 10th year on-line
The on-line marketplace for construction machinery, Mascus, is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Develop the Silk Roads, boost economic growth
Tony Pearce, honorary life member and former director-general of IRF Geneva, recalls the history of the Silk Roads, highlights their continued economic relevance and introduces IRF's active long-term commitment to their rehabilitation. The Silk Roads had their origins in a Chinese military mission in 138BC to purchase horses in Central Asia's Fergana Valley that were reputed to run so fast that they sweated blood. When General Chang Ch'ien reached Fergana, now in Uzbekistan, he found that the fabled horses
Intermat bullish
The organisers of the upcoming Intermat 2012 exhibition are bullish for the success of the event.
Changing face of global construction industry
David CA Phillips reports on the changing structure of the global construction equipment industry. In 2007, the year of peak historical demand and before the onset of the international financial crisis, estimated total sales of key equipment types stood at just over 1,000,000 units, valued at approximately US$100 billion. By 2009 sales had fallen to around 600,000 units valued at around $65 billion. The consequences of the global financial recession were dramatic and immediate, and remain with us today, and
Liebherr sees strong performance
Liebherr reports steady growth in 2010, with turnover increasing 9%, a growth in its workforce and company investments of €544.1 million.
Advanced technologies will increase the wear life of bitumen further
Bitumen has been used for thousands of years, but now a wide variety of products are available that can be added to it to produce blends with improved properties. According to the Refined Bitumen Association (RBA) bitumen is the oldest known engineering material. Indeed, the organisation says that its versatility as a construction material is unparalleled, and having been used as an adhesive, sealant and waterproofing agent for over 8,000 years, its uses include the construction and maintenance of roads, ai
Searching questions on emissions legislation
Searching questions are being asked within the construction industry of the need for the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions legislation now coming into force. A senior figure within the European construction equipment sector with an executive role at a major manufacturer said, "Who are we doing this for?" He said that there is a need to reduce engine emissions so as to minimise pollution.
High fuel prices impact on global trade
Official statistics can often reveal the blindingly obvious to anyone with the remotest level of common sense. A report from the UK's Office for National Statistics presents a fine example, stating that fewer journeys were made during the recession.
Importance of continued transportation investment
The US infrastructure network requires urgent attention - * T Peter Ruane. America's transportation infrastructure was once the "shining light on top of the hill." Major investments in a national highway, bridge, transit, airport, port and waterway system during the 20th century paid great dividends. The free and efficient flow of goods and people across the 50 states led to unparalleled economic expansion. The mobility and prosperity resulting from an interconnected infrastructure was a model for the world
Key Indian links
In India a total of eight road projects worth US$1.43 billion have been given approval by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
India's road challenge
India is pushing hard with its highway expansion programme, according to Brijeshwar Singh, chairman of the National Highway Authority India (NHAI).
India's road safety management innovations
Rohit Baluja is a man with a mission, and that is to help reduce the grim accident toll on India's roads, the worst in the world. Baluja, a shoemaker by trade, has been studying for a PhD in civil engineering, and this has involved regular trips to Birmingham, UK, to complete his doctorate.
All this seems far removed from 18 years ago when in December 1991, using much of his own money, he founded the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE), the only organisation in India that conducts accident investiga
Beijing's BICES reflects China's economic growth
The busy BICES show reflects China’s booming infrastructure investment and growing economy – Mike Woof reports. The recent BICES trade show in capital Beijing was extremely busy, with high visitor attendance levels and crowded aisles. The interest in the event strongly reflects the country’s massive infrastructure growth, which continues to develop. The construction equipment business has been identified as a key economic priority by the Chinese Government, with manufacturers being offered numerous incentiv
Indian exhibition in planning
New dates have been set for the bC India event, which will now be held on 5th to 8th February 2013.
India pushes ahead with highway upgrades
Two major highway projects are now going ahead in India. A contract worth some US$383 million is now being carried out by Era Infra Engineering Limited (EIEL) through its partnership with OJSC-SIBMOST in Uttar Pradesh.
Weigh-in-motion key to maximising road life
The market and technology for weigh-in-motion systems continues to evolve – Mike Woof writes. for both mature and developing highway infrastructure networks, traffic densities play an important role in determining road wear and life. Monitoring traffic volumes and individual vehicle weight is crucial for ensuring roads can cope in the long term and that maintenance can be planned, while the problem of overloading can be eliminated.
China helps Nepal plan capital ring road upgrade
China is providing technical assistance for the upgrading of the 27km ring road project for Nepalese capital Kathmandu.
High precision concrete production
Innovative plants are coming to the market to produce various types of concrete including new mixes as Patrick Smith reports
Four lane highways for India
A new four lane highway is being built under a design, build, finance and operate (DBFO) basis in India's Jammu & Kashmir state.