Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/946503
February 2018 | EquipmentWorld.com 40 ing over," Laubhan says. With 3D machine con- trol, a 3D design guides the machine to place asphalt at a certain grade and slope at a known position. "We call it a design that is built within Trimble's Business Center – Heavy Civil Edition software, and when we pave to a design, we have a final elevation at which we want our material to be placed," Laubhan says. 3D controls provide a "vir- tual stringline," so contrac- tors can stop using actual stringline, he says. "Stringline can be expen- sive to put down," ranging from $1.50 to $5 a linear foot, he says. "It can be time- consuming to put down, and it can impede truck logistics if trucks have to go around the stringline." There also can be competi- tive reasons to invest in the higher-price 3D technology. For example, a contractor might be awarded an inter- state resurfacing job requir- ing 3D technology or 3D machine control. "I would say within the last five years we have seen an increasing amount of specifi- cations being written, either from federal, state or local agencies, requiring the use of 3D technology on road rehabilitation jobs," he says. "It's a highly competitive business in bid-letting, and having 3D machine control technology gives contractors that competitive edge that may push them over in the bid process." Seeking help Contractors starting to use AGS should account for extra time to set up jobsites road technology | continued Caterpillar's new Cat Grade and Slope system offers ease of use with its 2D system, and factory installa- tion optimizes performance, the company says.