HSE clamps down on Welding Fume Control in the UK Businesses that undertake any form of welding activity are being alerted to a tightening of health and safety  around Welding Fume Control law that may have escaped them, but which necessitates an immediate review of risk assessments and the introduction of suitable control measures. Gauntlet …

The role of parking tech in the future of transport Rob Brown is the co-founder of parking app Kerb and a keynote speaker and ‘future of parking’ commentator focused on the #futureoftransport and how technology can help improve urban mobility, and make our future cities smarter. Rob co-founded Kerb, a global parking app which allows …

Plantforce Rentals tackles safety with high spec Hyundai wheeled excavator Plantforce Rentals is a leading construction equipment rental company headquartered in Somerset, with additional depots across the West Country and the Midlands. The company owns a fleet of 93 Hyundai machines ranging from 6 tonnes up to 52 tonnes, which include loading shovels, crawler, and …

Siemens Mobility Plus+ trial introduces third-generation traffic control system Siemens Mobility Limited has announced that the first installation of its Plus+ traffic control solution will take place in Poole, ready for comprehensive on-street trials to begin in July. The system has been developed to deliver on-street resilience and reliability, as well as fast and cost-effective …

An introduction to SolarLite Active Road Studs Retro reflective studs have long been the favoured and trusted choice for roadside delineation, but now SolarLite Active Road Studs are an excellent alternative. A Shaw solution to delineation With a history and reputation spanning more than 80 years, ‘cats eyes’ have become a familiar feature on UK …

DOKA’s technical skills put to the test on the Doha Orbital Highway project Doka’s recent work on the new Doha Orbital Highway shows how a combination of slick logistics and technical supervision help to make even the most challenging projects possible. With both the national Vision 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar isn’t …

ULMA takes part in construction of the Toowoomba Viaduct in Australia Toowoomba is a bustling city in the Darling Downs region of southern Queensland, Australia. The Toowoomba viaduct project, which extends 41 km in length, will create a safer, faster, and more efficient route connecting the main mercantile and cargo ports in the region. The …

Washington State Bridge Crew saves more than just taxpayer dollars The Washington State Department of Transport’s routine inspection of the northbound Nisqually River Bridge on Saturday, May 4, became anything but normal when their crews noticed a new crack had appeared under the 82 year old bridge. Their keen eyes and quick response helped avoid …

World’s first Safety Helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System released The Swedish brain protection brand, MIPS, announces Guardio as its first partner in the industrial safety helmet industry. MIPS, the leading brain protection system company, today announces its partnership with Swedish industrial safety company, Guardio, and the development of the first MIPS equipped industrial safety …

Measuring runway friction before and after shotblasting at San Antonio Airport When planes land at airports, small amounts of rubber wear off the tires leaving a rubber residue behind on the runway. Rubber build-up on the pavement causes a loss of friction that, if allowed to go unchecked, will cause a reduction in aircraft braking …

D8239 ASTM Specification will help grade performance of Road Pavement Materials A new international standard announced by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) will help grade the performance of road pavement materials. The new specification D8239 will provide performance standards for liquid asphalt used in road construction using multiple stress creep and recovery …

All-wheel steering for Construction Machines enabled by EHLA PLUS Electro-hydraulic steering systems for rear axles have been standard in commercial vehicles and complex construction machinery for many years. In the case of commercial vehicles, the use of electro-hydraulic auxiliary steering is primarily to ensure compliance with the legal requirements. Without a steered rear axle the …

GSSI releases improved StructureScan Mini XT GPR GSSI, the world’s leading manufacturer of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, announces the release of a major software update for the StructureScan™ Mini XT – the newest generation of GSSI’s popular all-in-one concrete inspection GPR system. The update expands StructureScan™ Mini XT capabilities with an increased depth range, …

Wirtgen W 220 cuts milling time in half at the foot of Mont Blanc in Italy Somewhat surprisingly, the Wirtgen W 220 large milling machine’s first job in Italy did not take the high-performance machine to a highway but to a winding country road at the foot of Mont Blanc in the northwest of the …

PERI solution keeps cantilever bridge project on schedule in Northern Macedonia Upon completion, a new, almost 65 km long motorway will connect the cities of Kičevo and Ohrid in the south west of the North Macedonian Republic. On the first section between Kičevo and Podvis, it was necessary to build a 381 m long viaduct. …

Germany’s largest lifting bridge pushes formwork technology forward The Hamburg Port Authority (HAP), the agency responsible for the infrastructure of the Port of Hamburg, wants to improve the flow of traffic across the Süderelbe River by building the New Kattwyk Railway Bridge. For the construction of the bridge piers, Max Bögl and Doka are relying …

Topcon technology is integral to modern concrete paving Millimeter GPS raises the bar Beauty to behold for the concrete contractor is the smooth, uniform surface of freshly-paved concrete. For them, Concrete Gray is the color of choice in the 64 pack of crayons and nothing feels better than leaving a durable, quality finished concrete paved …

GSSI highlights PaveScan RDM Asphalt Density Assessment Tool at World of Asphalt 2019 GSSI, the world’s leading manufacturer of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, announces that it will feature its industry-leading PaveScan® RDM asphalt density assessment tool at the World of Asphalt 2019 Show and Conference, to be held Feb 12-14, 2019 at the Indiana …

Diamond based Micro-trenching Nextec System AB is a provider of diamond micro trenching equipment company specializing on fibre deployment solutions with machines, equipment, materials, tools and knowledge for fibre optic network construction. Nextec developed one of the most advanced machines in the industry for laying ducts for fibre in hard surfaces. Their machine uses a unique …

A complete system for Ground Penetrating Radar surveys of utilities Challenge To bring their latest industry-leading Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems to market, Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI) needed a capable, flexible controller platform for use with their highly specialized devices. After years of operating with a custom controller that couldn’t always keep up with …

Buckinghamshire’s online workshop provides winter driving refresher A new online workshop has been launched in Buckinghamshire to help all drivers prepare for driving in winter conditions. The free course covers the challenges to road conditions, driver, and car that winter weather can cause, and was developed by road safety officers at Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB), …

Survey proves overwhelming success of scheme using Clearview SolarLite Active Road Studs Drivers have called for a road improvement scheme to be replicated across all UK highways, with 91% citing improved visibility and 77% feeling more confident driving at night. Last year, Highways England worked in a collaborative partnership with WJ Group and Clearview Intelligence to …

Actibump proves a success in Australia In January 2018 Curtin University installed four active speed bumps called Actibump at the University’s campus in Perth, Western Australia. The goal was to reduce the number of speeding drivers, particularly on semester week days when there are a lot of pedestrians and vehicles on campus. Mr Graham Arndt, …

The right data infrastructure is crucial for running of our roads Knowing who and what are using the UK’s roads has never been more important. As the world moves towards an autonomous future it’s important to note that we are not starting from scratch in being able to create a data infrastructure that guides us …

Maine DOT uses GPR Tech to ensure optimum pavement density throughout pavement layer The State of Maine Department of Transportation is at the forefront of research on how to improve road pavement quality and extend service life. They focus on improving both the material mixes used and how they are put down in the field. …

Boschung fixed automated ice spray technology upgraded on the A4 in France In 2002, the first BOSCHUNG fixed automated spray technology (FAST) system was installed on some sections of the A4 in France which were endangered by black ice. After more than 15 years of uninterrupted service, it was now time to replace this system …

GSSI showcases innovative PaveScan RDM Asphalt Density Assessment Tool GSSI, a world leading manufacturer of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, announces that it will feature its industry-leading PaveScan RDM asphalt density assessment tool at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) 98th Annual Meeting, which takes place January 13-17, 2019 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center …

Bauxite mining in Guinea with Surface Miners maximizes profitability West African Guinea is known for possessing the largest reserves of high-quality bauxite in the world. This potential has prompted the country to continually expand its bauxite mining sector in recent years, making substantial investments. Wirtgen surface miners are playing a decisive role in this development process, …

Boschung salt measuring device SOBO 3+ comes with new reporting app Besides showing the r-weather multi-sensor, Boschung exhibits at the Pollutec tradeshow in Lyon another new product: the SOBO 3+. The SOBO 3+ is a mobile measuring device that works without external energy and determines within a few seconds the residual salt content (in g/m2) …

Leveraging technology with Wirtgen SP 15i and SP 25i slipform pavers A Kentucky concrete slipform contractor has moved in a big way into curb, gutter and parapet construction by utilizing the advanced technology available to them. Fox Enterprises now constructs offset curb, gutter and parking lot “island” placements using an on-site guidance system. The system permits …

Highways England warns drivers to give gritters space to work They have attention grabbing flashing amber beacons, are 2.5 metres wide and are painted bright orange, but last year 36 Highways England gritters were driven into. Gritters weigh up to 26 tonnes and when they’re spreading salt travel at 40mph. They often travel in the …

Cut through the PPE confusion of EN 388:2016 In November 2016, the standards for testing against mechanical risks were updated when the market saw a drastic need for improvement in the assessment of personal protective equipment. Since then, an abundance of information has circulated – long technical blogs and whitepapers that can be tedious to …

Network Rail partners with Thomas the Tank Engine to teach children railway safety Network Rail has teamed up with the world’s most famous blue engine and pre-schooler favourite, Thomas the Tank Engine, to help children learn how to be safe when using the railway. The Stay Safe with Thomas story book sees the mischievous Thomas …

The Future of Construction in America Exciting change will reward the aware contractor Hop in a car and drive anywhere and chances are the drive will be on roads and highways that need patching, resurfacing, or widening, and bridges often show signs of needed maintenance. Sadly, things are in bad shape. On the last two …

Testing soils in construction Soils form the structural foundation for almost all construction work, making soil testing very important as failure to test soils adequately and correctly would introduce high levels of financial and safety risks. Before a construction project commences, it is important to know which types of soil underlay the proposed structure. It …

JLG external bolt-on fall arrest system allows operators to work outside the platform JLG Industries, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, has helped operators move safer outside the platform of their aerial work equipment since 2004 with its Fall Arrest Platform. Now the company is offering a new system that …

CABE Conference hears call for tougher Health and Safety for UK Construction Dame Judith Hackitt, author of ‘Building a Safer Future: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’ has today spoken to CABE about the need for a joined up regulatory process that goes hand in hand with a tougher regulatory regime that has …

Siemens deploys 1,000th Traffic Enforcement Camera Siemens, a global leader in traffic management technology, has supplied and installed its 1,000th traffic enforcement camera in the UK this year to monitor traffic on the newly-constructed A612 Daleside Road bus lane, the first in the UK to allow exemptions to Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs). The milestone …

Soil stabilization has the edge Soil stabilization is proving to be the optimum solution whenever the properties of soil have to be altered to make it suitable for further roadworks. That was the case in Bloomington/ Indiana, USA, for instance, where a WIRTGEN WR 250 soil stabilizer laid a load-bearing base for the construction of …

Nortech launches colour LED VMS Variable Message Signs Nortech has just launched a new range of Variable Message Signs (VMS) to add to its range of counting products. The high intensity, full colour LED sign is fully compliant with the European VMS standard EN12966, and offers bright, clear messages indicating available spaces and status messages. …

Out of the loop with wireless vehicle detection Delivering an effective traffic management solution whilst minimising the risk to road workers can be a difficult balance to strike. However, Clearview Intelligence is proof of how to bring about successful and practical benefits which satisfy the needs of road users whilst prioritising the welfare of roadworkers …

NAPA publishes guide to preserving pavements with thinlays The best way to ensure long pavement life is to preserve pavements through maintenance and address distresses before they become pavement failures. A new publication, Thinlays for Pavement Preservation, provides guidance on the use of thin asphalt overlays as part of a successful pavement preservation program. Thinlays, …

Highrise construction takes on new dimensions with Doka Formwork Since the 1990s there has been an upsurge in high-rise construction. After the Empire State Building (1931) and Sears Tower (1974, now Willis Tower) builds, their height records stood for decades. Since 1998 the cycle has been shortened to a matter of years with systems like …

Road safety solutions could bring National Road Victim Month to an end With good weather enticing people out of their homes, into their cars and onto their bicycles, most of us associate August as the heart of summer. It’s a chance to enjoy the sunshine, head to the beach and enjoy days out with the kids. …

Structural Design Guide for Porous Asphalt is now available Porous asphalt pavements are a green infrastructure solution that provides the performance, ease of construction, and functionality of traditional asphalt pavements but with a permeable structure that helps manage stormwater. Commonly used for parking lots and other light-duty applications, full-depth porous asphalt pavements are increasingly being …

Wirtgen KMA 220 mix-in-plant process recycling at Cologne Bonn Airport With the mobile KMA 220 mobile cold recycling mixing plant from Wirtgen, road construction materials can be recycled or upgraded in just about any location. This avoids countless transport trips and is also sustainable and environmentally friendly. And finally, it is extremely economical – as …

Costain sponsors RSSB launch initiative to combat fatigue in the rail industry Costain has sponsored a Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) project to launch new guidance on fatigue, which is cited as a factor in around a fifth of major rail incidents. Data from RSSB shows that 20% of high risk rail incidents can …

The Halo comes to Britain to protect construction workers The Illumagear Halo task light, a personal active safety system designed to illuminate people at risk in any environment or industry is now being launched in the UK by the Adjuvo Group, who commented: “As soon as we came across The Halo at CON EXPO last year, …

Estonian project measures the retroreflectivity their road markings In 2017, the Estonian Road Administration (ERA) carried out a pilot project measuring the retroreflectivity of road markings on all main state roads, altogether 3,721.6 kilometres, in Estonia. Retroreflectivity of a material is one technology used to enhance the readability and perception of information displayed in low-light …

Eurovia UK wins RoSPA Order of Distinction and Gold Fleet Safety Awards Eurovia UK has been handed a prestigious award in recognition of its practices and achievements in helping its staff get home safely at the end of the working day. Eurovia UK has achieved an Order of Distinction (16 consecutive Golds) and Fleet Safety …

Brieda Cabins launch PEMA Crane Operator Health and Safety paper Brieda Cabins, a specialist in ergonomic cabins, control stations and desks for manned and remotely-operated cranes, is pleased to announce the launch of a new information paper on Crane Operator Health & Safety by the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA). Brieda was lead author for …

Night Tech safety shoe lights light up the workplace Industrial Shoe Lights Provide a Halo of Protection to Prevent Workplace Falls and Accidents Night Tech Gear, creators of the world’s first industrial shoe lighting system, today announced the launch of Night Shift Shoe Lights. The Night Shift Shoe Lights are the latest addition to the …

A first in Pavement Striping Assessment for the USA Striping Service and Supply, Inc. (SSS) is the first USA striping contractor certified by TxDOT to operate the RetroTek-MU road striping Retro-reflectometer. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) stringent certification program provides a quantitative basis for evaluating the ability of a contractor to operate their retro-reflectometer …

Improving road worker health, safety and wellbeing One of Highways England’s three core aims is that no one should be harmed when travelling or working on the Strategic Road Network (SRN). Clearview Intelligence has put a lot of time and effort looking at keeping road users safe, but what about road workers? Earlier this month …

Network Rail appeals to young people across Britain to take their safety seriously New research from Network Rail reveals only 36% of 18 to 24 year olds believe going on the railway track is extremely dangerous, resulting in young adults risking their lives crossing the railway. Almost 22% of 18 to 24 year olds admit …

Virtual Reality Developers designing a new breed of cars at Volkswagen Virtual reality (VR) is not just game-playing. At Volkswagen, VR is contributing to faster and more efficient development of vehicle models. VR developers such as David Kuri program the powerful software for it. The 26-year-old previously worked for an international computer game company. He …

McCann leading the way on Highways England Health and Safety Passport scheme Nottingham-based civil and electrical engineering firm McCann is playing a crucial role in educating fellow highway professionals by achieving relevant accreditations in order to deliver the new industry-standard training for the Highways England Health and Safety Passport Scheme. McCann, an award-winning company responsible …

ELE launches new geotechnical testing software ELE International has launched a new version of its dedicated software for soils testing to BS, ASTM and AASTHO standards. Designed specifically for geotechnical laboratories, the new DS 7.3 software contains a range of advanced features including compatibility with Microsoft Windows 10, Office 2016 and 365. Providing the ability …

Skyjack supports Construction Safety Week Skyjack manufactures equipment that is seen on job sites and industrial projects across the globe. As a company with such a wide reach, it’s important to advocate for and join others in their efforts to promote on-site safety. Construction Safety Week took place last week and is one way that …

The advantages of professional soft strip demolition For a building that is scheduled for redevelopment and renovation it is crucial to detach the non-structural elements, so that you can protect the property and important elements from damage. Soft strip demolition experts can safely remove all the non-structural elements such as internal ceilings, fittings and fixtures, …

3 steps to better construction safety Modern machines have more safety features than ever before – so why do accidents still happen? Brian O’Sullivan considers the relationship between work site traffic, people and machines. It has been estimated that 60% of all fatalities on sites can be attributed to choices made before work begins. When …

UK HSE urges employers to avoid off-the-shelf manual handling training Off-the-shelf manual handling training should become a thing of the past, according to new advice released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). New musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) advice has been issued by HSE to help employers to decide what type of help they need to …

Clearview Intelligence wins Newcastle City traffic signal tender As leaders in the provision of alternatives to traditional vehicle detection loop technology, Clearview Intelligence has announced that their wireless vehicle detection tender has been successful for the Newcastle City Council’s ITT. The tender covers the provision of wireless vehicle detection kit, using Clearview’s M100 product range …

The 5 biggest health and safety risks in 2018 OSHCR, the occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register has been looking at the 5 biggest risks that could damage your workforce and business in 2018. #1 AI Phobia The introduction of artificial intelligence and automation in workplaces and jobsites may cause an increase in anxiety at …

A to Z of Friction Testing for Highways and Runways The summer months are upon us now and as the weather warms up, rain subsides and resurfacing is in full swing survey vehicles all across the country are out collect data on Skid Resistance on local authority and trunk roads. With ever decreasing budgets and …

BAM celebrates great safety performance at Museum of the Future in Dubai BAM employees are celebrating two million hours worked lost time injury free at the building site for the Museum of the Future in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This achievement is thanks to the professionalism and continuous commitment from those on the project, who …

ELE release rugged penetrometers for field-testing concrete and soils Pocket penetrometers have been manufactured by ELE International for decades, but as part of the company’s continuous product development programme, two new rugged versions are now available. “The most important feature of the new penetrometers is that they are made from ground and polished stainless steel …

Highways England announces new people centric road design principles Highways England today renewed its focus on design with the launch of a set of design principles which will inform future road schemes – to ensure its roads better serve the people who use them and the environments through which they pass. The company, responsible for …

MIT Professor releases a manifesto for designing cities “The city is a people’s art, a shared experience,” a Philadelphia architect and planner named Edmund Bacon once wrote, adding that any urban designer’s job was to “conceive an idea, implant it, and nurture its growth in the collective minds of the community.” It sounds like a …

Is the construction industry ripe for a new operating model? A white paper by FTI Consulting – written by: Simon Granger – Head of Corporate Finance & Restructuring EMEA, FTI Consulting John Maloney – Senior Managing Director, Business Transformation, FTI Consulting Alastair Farr – Managing Director, Construction Solutions – Disputes & Claims Management, FTI Consulting Haradri Vyas – …

Stripe your airport! Looking for a silent, fume-free electric airless line striper? Or what about a striper that sprays two colors simultaneously? Graco has just what you need for your airport striping applications Go green with the first electric airless line striper LineLazer ES 1000 is the industry’s first professional battery-powered airless line striper that …

Siemens unveils all-new passively safe traffic signal poles Siemens, a global leader in traffic management technology, has unveiled a new range of passively safe traffic signal poles. Performance-rated against BS EN 12767, the new range offers customers longer life passively safe poles in a wide variety of forms, finish and lengths from 2m to 6m. …

American Concrete Institute expands mission to focus on Global Concrete Standards The American Concrete Institute announces that its mission has been expanded to reflect its proactive approach to advocating the global adoption of ACI standards. ACI – a leading authority and resource worldwide for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials – …

First glimpse of updated Highways England Road Design Manual set for 2018 Highways England is set to release an updated set of road design standards in 2018 which will be used across the United Kingdom. Renowned experts at the company responsible for the Britain’s motorways and major A roads are updating the “Design Manual for …

GSSI showcases their latest GPR Technology at World of Concrete 2018 GSSI, the world’s leading manufacturer of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, will be highlighting its latest GPR technology at the 2018 World of Concrete conference, to be held January 23-26, 2018, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, Booth #C3719. On …

ODI welcomes new Geospatial Commission and measures to open up land data in UK The Open Data Institute has called for open land data for a long time, both in the UK and abroad. By opening up mapping data – previously only accessible to large companies who could afford it – the UK government will enable …

Construction Lab Technician admits faking test results on mega bridge project The 55km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge and tunnel project started in 2011 and will link the three major cities of Zhuhai in mainland China, with Hong Kong and Macau. The project has been plagued by 270 accidents, 10 deaths, 600 injuries, extensive delays and a …

GSSI showcases their latest GPR technology at World of Concrete 2018 GSSI, the world’s leading manufacturer of ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment, will be highlighting its latest GPR technology at the 2018 World of Concrete conference, to be held January 23-26, 2018, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, Booth #C3719. On …

How incorrectly marking your Car Park could cost you Car Parks are a very important part of the UK’s road network – and are often forgotten about when it comes to marking to high specifications. With around 20,000 public car parks in the United Kingdom to date – it is vital to ensure these are correctly and …

Highways England launches Health and Safety Passport scheme for over 50,000 workers With an ambition to set a common safety standard for more than 50 thousand workers across its whole supply chain, Highways England has today (8 November 2017) announced a new Health and Safety Passport scheme. Safety is at the centre of this new …

ELE introduce new technology for concrete and cement testing ELE International has launched a new automatic control unit for concrete and cement testing. The ADR Touch Control Pro system brings the latest technology into the materials testing laboratory, whilst also combining a wide range of new features that have been developed specifically in response to …

Tips for winterizing Sealcoating equipment As winter approaches, you want to make sure you are prepared. More than picking up ice melt and making sure your car heater works well, you’ll want to winterize your sealcoating equipment. Failing to do so correctly will be a problem when warmer spring temperatures roll around. To avoid damage, …

Los Angeles DoT selects INRIX for Urban Mobility Intelligence Los Angeles drivers spent an average of 104 hours last year in traffic jams during peak congestion hours – more than any other city in the world – as identified by the 2016 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. To improve Urban Mobility Intelligence, the Los Angeles Department …

Traffic jams and congestion cost the UK £30 billion a year The UK is the third most congested country in Europe and we spend an average of 32 hours each year stuck in peak hour traffic. According to the latest report from Inrix the combined cost of congestion on the UK’s roads added up to …

Colourful road markings are becoming more popular on British roads Recently, the presence of bright and colourful surface markings has become more and more prominent on British roads. This is a major contrast to the usual white demarcations with occasional yellow lines that we often see on the surfaces we travel on. These vibrant markings …

Cold Recycling with Foamed Bitumen: A pioneering formula Resource-saving technologies are more in demand than ever before. The Wirtgen cold recycling process has been proving its credentials for many years – and already meets the demands of tomorrow and utilising foamed bitumen takes that even further. Roads that are subjected to continuous and heavy traffic …

Amey tests wearable safety tech for highways workers Wearable technology which could reduce risks to drivers and lone workers has been trialled by highways engineers working for leading service provider Amey. Biometric and location devices which detect when the body is under stress and help workers raise instant alarms at the touch of a button …

RetroTek-MU is the first dynamic mobile retro-reflectometer to be certified to ASTM E 1710 The RetroTek-MU is the first dynamic mobile retro-reflectometer to be certified to ASTM E 1710 capable of measuring road markings / striping across the full width of a traffic lane simultaneously in one pass at traffic speeds up to 75 mph …

Atkins and Moovit partner to help shape future transit systems and smart cities Design, engineering and project management consultancy, Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, and Moovit, the world’s largest transit data and analytics company, have signed a global agreement that will help cities improve their transit systems and become more efficient smart cities. …

Three ways that universities can improve their parking acumen with intelligence Across the Higher Education sector, universities are having to become increasingly streamlined, find new ways to exploit their estates to maximise income, and secure alternative funding streams outside of the traditional routes. Driving efficiency, reducing costs, maintaining and improving the estate, and increasing the …

Pre-construction planning software helps build Winery Visitor Centre In the world of fine wine there was a time long ago when those with sophisticated palettes would harrumph and turn up their nose at the thought of sipping an American-produced wine. It was harshly referred to as drinking swill. It was thought that the climate, growing …

Siemens upgrades their hosted traffic management platform Siemens, a global leader in traffic management technology, has announced major upgrades to the latest hosted application modules for Stratos, the company’s cloudbased strategic traffic management solution. According to David Pregon, Senior Product Manager (Systems), with the latest updates to Strategy Manager, Traffic Signals and Journey Time modules, …

Volvo keeps their staff on their toes – helping construction with exercise Working in the construction industry can be tough, strenuous and at times, stressful. It’s a manual industry where injury and ill health are not uncommon, which is why Volvo CE promotes exercise at work, good health and well-being among all its employees. Last …

Sun cream STIGMA a real burning issue for tradespeople Sunburn on the up with tradespeople most at risk in the UK One in ten don’t wear sun cream for fear of workmates mocking them Wickes trials nationwide roll out of free sun cream in stores Melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by an alarming …

Atkins and INRIX sign BIG DATA global partnership for transportation infrastructure projects Atkins, one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, has signed a global partnership agreement with INRIX, the world leader in connected car services and transportation analytics, which will enable traffic information from millions of miles of road to …

Look No Wires – Using wireless vehicle detection to reduce congestion Traffic flows better and congestion is reduced when signalised junctions use adaptive traffic control (ATC) systems such as SCOOT (Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique) and MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation). As a traffic engineer you will be well aware of the benefits of adaptive …

Cheshire’s new smart motorway safety barrier nears completion Last 4-tonne concrete blocks lifted into place on M6 A new 20-mile-long concrete safety barrier on the M6 in Cheshire is nearing completion as part of a £274 million project to upgrade the route to a smart motorway. The Highways England scheme between junction 16 at Crewe …

Special PPE required during hydro-demolition at Birmingham’s Spaghetti Junction Flying debris that travels faster than a bullet is just one of the hazards facing Highways England repair teams working on Birmingham’s Spaghetti Junction. As part of the £4.7m vital repairs to damaged concrete and waterproofing, Highways England is using high-performance jet washers that break up parts …

Doka’s Concremote concrete sensor technology crowned “Commercial Innovation of the year” Doka UK was awarded for the innovative concrete- sensor technology Concremote with this year’s Construction News Award. Concremote allows construction firms to digitally monitor their concrete mix by providing live data on the temperature and hydration of in-situ concrete. The award-winning concrete sensor technology …

4 important safety tips for Concrete Dowel Drilling Employers pay nearly US$1 billion per week in direct workers’ compensation costs in the USA, according to some estimates, reports OSHA. Indirect costs add up further. Road construction, public works and related outdoor jobs that require large tools and machines and operate near traffic pose greater risks …

Providing local parking can be a juggling act There is a juggling act that Local Authorities face when providing parking facilities. They are having to face up to a no-win situation. If they please their residents by reserving parking spaces they will risk upsetting visitors. If they provide visitors with plenty of parking to their …

Summer’s coming! Keep the holiday traffic flowing smoothly with Clearview The summer holiday season is almost upon us and with it the inevitable increase in traffic on the roads. Clearview Intelligence has the solutions to keep the traffic moving, minimise congestion, and driver frustration. Have the right data at your fingertips to make informed decisions …

INRIX and APCOA partner to provide the most comprehensive parking data in Europe INRIX the world leader in connected car services and movement analytics, and APCOA Parking Group, the largest European parking operator, today announced a major new partnership to exchange parking information. This new deal strengthens INRIX’s parking offering and means its customers, who …

INRIX powers the first on-street parking service in a connected car INRIX, the world leader in connected car services and transportation analytics has announced the availability of its On-Street Parking service for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. INRIX delivers the industry’s first real-time on-street parking service in a connected car, which uses historical and …

BAM Nuttall helps to shape the future of women’s construction clothing Leading construction and engineering company BAM Nuttall is rolling out a range of work clothing nationwide, specifically designed for women, following trials on a number of its sites in London, Leeds, Newcastle and Scotland. Working with manufacturer Arco, the UK’s premier supplier of safety …

Scotland’s M8 closure journey times monitored by Clearview Intelligence As part of a significant upgrade to the Scottish motorway network Transport Scotland put in place a 10-week diversion on all M8/A8 approaches to the Baillieston interchange while they connected the newly built M8 motorway section with the existing network. Throughout the period of the necessary …

Site dumper safety tackled as JCB reveals new production plans JCB is set to bring new levels of innovation and safety to the site dumper market with the unveiling of a new concept seven tonne Hi-Viz model as the company announces plans to manufacture its own range of the popular product. The new Hi-Viz concept …

Wirtgen introduces compact laboratory-scale foamed bitumen plant Whether users of cold recycling equipment, a specialist laboratory for road construction or research institute: the WLB 10 S from Wirtgen is the ideal assistant to contractors or consulting experts for cold recycling applications with foamed bitumen. Precise test series for determining the ideal foamed bitumen properties are …

Iowa State engineers test heated pavement technology at Des Moines International Airport Iowa State University’s Halil Ceylan picked up his smartphone, opened up an app and called up the remote controls for the first full-scale test slabs of electrically conductive concrete installed at an American airport. When a winter storm approaches, Ceylan can use that …

Equipment operator killed in machinery accident, best practices offered The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) issued a “Fatalgram” following the death of an equipment operator at a sand and gravel pit in USA. On 9th October 2016, a 61 year old plant operator with three years’ experience was fatally injured while attempting to …

3DRepo develop safety virtual reality app for Balfour Beatty and Highways England 3DRepo is working with Balfour Beatty, Vinci and Highways England to deploy a Virtual Reality (VR) simulation for Zero Harm Health and Safety Training. Part of the Smart Motorway programme, the fully immersive simulation is designed to prevent on-site accidents by making highways …

The California Energy Commission is investing in a US$2 million study to see whether piezoelectric crystals can be used to produce electricity from the mechanical energy created by vehicles driving on roads. Thousands of piezoelectric crystals could be embedded in the road to convert mechanical energy from the weight of passing vehicles into electricity. It is estimated that piezoelectric …

Roadbounce App measures road roughness and driving comfort – on the go! Road roughness and unevenness play an important role in the quality of driving experience, vehicle fuel consumption, and is a major indicator of problems in the roadway that have developed or are about to develop. To provide an effective system to measure road …

Technologies from Kleemann and Benninghoven optimize recycling process. At present, 12 million tonnes of RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) are produced and used in Germany alone every single year — out of a total 40 million tonnes of paved material. It is a huge figure that highlights just how great the potential of recycling technologies is. …

New Radio Wave Technology Assesses Asphalt Integrity Real time information on asphalt density and uniformity is a boon to construction quality efforts Properly compacted asphalt is a major factor in the lifespan of roads, since inadequately compacted asphalt deteriorates at a more rapid rate than properly compacted material.  With the billions spent on road construction …

Volvo Group UK fined £900,000 after employee was seriously injured falling from a step ladder The Volvo Group UK Limited has pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They were fined £900,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,820 plus a £150 victim surcharge. Westminster Magistrates Court …

Stirling Lloyd’s Eliminator waterproofing system protects Turkey’s bridges Stirling Lloyd’s Eliminator advanced bridge deck waterproofing system was specified for the waterproofing of two new high profile bridges in Turkey and has been applied in record time. The Eliminator system was used a to cover a total of 76,000m2 for the Osman Gazi Bridge and 37,435m2 for the …

Solar Roads – A great idea in principal The latest excitement being generated by the alternative energy industry is Solar Roads. Colas, a subsidiary of the French engineering firm Bouygues, has developed its Wattway solar road technology and has plans for about 100 trials worldwide including three trial sites in the United Kingdom. More than …

Hanson spreads the benefits of warm asphalt Use of warm asphalts promises environmental benefits of energy saving, lower emissions and enhanced durability and to this list can now be added technical advantages, including extended compactability in cold weather and quicker reopening of roads to traffic. Hanson is one contractor which has taken these technical advantages …

This week, bewildered residents in Littleton, Colorado, USA where left wondering why local highways crews were leaving toilet paper strewn all over the roads behind them. Using toilet paper in road construction is one of those ideas that seems preposterous until you realise the genius behind it. The city’s street and traffic operations division were …

Runway Rehabilitation Works Here’s a brilliant video showing the stages and techniques of runway rehabilitation, including earthworks, paving, striping, testing and all the ancillary works that go alongside a major project such as this.

Volvo’s Lifepaint makes you shine Volvo Cars UK has introduces LifePaint a unique water based reflective safety spray paint. Invisible by daylight, it glows brightly in the direct glare of car headlights. Making the invisible, visible. LifePaint lasts for more than a week of normal use and washes off without damaging the colour or the surface of …