Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/699963
July 2016 | EquipmentWorld.com 52 W hen paired with stringless con- trols, slipform paving gets a boost in accuracy and smoothness, and contractors cut down production times. Instead of using a traditional string- line to guide the paver along a grade, the "stringless" process uses electronic guidance systems. By using stringless controls, contractors can eliminate the hubs, pins and sensors needed when using the stringline method. Stringless technologies are not all the same, but the components are similar, as are the options, which typi- cally include 3D modeling, GPS, laser surveying and robotic total stations. Stringless paving systems are sometimes referred to as 3D paving because they provide a 3D model of the pavement. The technology used in stringless paving was originally used for dirt work applications in the 1990s. It has been so successful there that it's still used in grading and com- paction, where tolerances aren't as tight as they are in paving. Then came the paving applica- tions. According to the American Concrete Pavement Association, the fi rst successful stringless curb and gutter (C&G) work was done in 1999 in Alabama; the fi rst stringless street followed shortly in early 2000 in Iowa. Progress came rapidly, road science | by Chris Hill | ChrisHill@randallreilly.com Effi cient stringless systems cut costs while improving pavement quality. GOING STRINGLESS PART WINNING BONUS the 7 WINNING BONUS the Part I: Smooth Pavements through Cold Milling Part 2: Smooth Pavements and Material Transfer Vehicles Part 3: Smooth Pavements and Asphalt Pavers Part 4: Smooth Pavements and Asphalt Screeds Part 5: Compaction for Super Smooth Asphalt Pavements Part 6: Super-Smooth PCC Pavements with Slipform Pavers Part 7: Super-Smooth PCC Pavements with Stringless Controls This month, Equipment World rounds out its seven-part series on how to optimize pavement construction to win bonuses with a look at the benefi ts of stringless control systems in PCC Pavement construction. Image: Guntert & Zimmerman Stringless systems remove safety hazards, including the obvious trip hazard of stringlines and stakes.