PRECISION PAVING BY LASER CONTROL

This article reports on the prospects for greater precision and substantial savings in road production, promised by linking lasers with computer software to guide conventional asphalt pavers. Much of the quality of paving finish is determined by the ability of the on-board paver operator to respond to wire and other surface guidance. John Kelly Lasers' Vertical Curve-Laser Machine Control software package uses datum level of a laser transmitter, set up on site, to provide a precisely flat beam over the site, against which all other levels are recorded and related. The paving machine, under computer and laser control, produces a surface which is within 3 mm of the design level provided. The combined use of laser and computer achieves transitions in smooth curve to the design requirements. The logical next step is automatic laser machine control of an asphalt or concrete paver, working on this nearly ideal surface; this theory is now being translated into practical operation. A whole new precision is introduced into road construction, with the promise of major benefits. This method was successfully applied to the surfacing of a car park at Gatwick Airport near London. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/3831968
• Corporate Authors:

  D.R. Publications Limited

  Faversham House, 111 St James Road
  Croydon, Surrey CR9 2TH,   England 
• Publication Date: 1990-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 11
• Serial:
  • Highways
  • Volume: 58
  • Issue Number: 1966
  • Publisher: Alad Limited
  • ISSN: 0142-6168
  • Serial URL: http://www.highways-mag.co.uk

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accuracy; Automation; Control systems; Cost effectiveness; Flexible pavements; Lasers; Pavers; Paving; Resurfacing; Software
• ITRD Terms: 3882: Automatic; 4963: Bitumen; 3874: Control; 8673: Digital computer; 2944: Flexible pavement; 6772: Laser; 3663: Paver; 2991: Resurfacing
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00609889
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 30 1991 12:00AM