3-D Technology Promises Many Benefits for Stringless Concrete Paving

WirtgenInterfaceBox
Wirgen has the stringless systems send inputs to an interface box where stingline sensor inputs are anlyzed by onboard algorithms to control the paver. (ConstructionPros.com)

Three dimensional (3-D) technology could eliminate the need for string lines on concrete paving projects, but Kent Godbersen, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketingā€”GOMACO, explains that there is aĀ significant learning curve to use 3-D technology. ā€œ[But,] more contractors are seeing the benefits of a string-free jobsite,ā€ says Godbersen. ā€œ3-D guidance is quickly moving beyond road paving, and contractors have successfully completed tunnel paving, slope paving, curb and gutter, sidewalk, and barrier and grade preparation projects without stringline. 3-D paving technologies promise easier access to the paver with fewer haul routes to maintain and less congestionā€”eliminating setting and re-setting stringline.ā€

Wade Bowman, National Sales Manager, Concrete Slipform Productsā€”ISCP Organizational Memberā€”Wirtgen America, Inc.Ā said,Ā ā€œIt probably wonā€™t be much longer until we reach critical mass with stringless machine control, and it will become more mainstream. But there is a learning curveā€”transitioning to 3-D takes a lot of effort. It is a new way to work and learning how it all works takes some time. We have seen the largest learning curves with personnel who have been using stringline for a long time. Those who are newer to slipforming and are more comfortable with computers typically pick it up more quickly. It is actually easier than setting up aĀ machine with stringline.ā€

Benefits of 3-D stringless:

  • Contractors Benefits
  • Improved Technology
  • SavingsĀ Labor Cost
  • Improve Smoothness
  • Yield is better – Concrete not wasted
  • Fastrack Jobsite Reopening
  • Trucking Easier without stringline
  • Less room for error
  • Paving Machines Adapt to 3-D:Ā ā€œIt is pretty standard now to buy a paving machine that is ready to ā€˜plug and playā€™ with theseĀ stringless systems,ā€ says Chuck Niederriter, COO-Golden Triangle Construction, Pennsylvania, USA.
  • 3-D Expands Into Curb and Gutter

 

Joe Allega Jr., Anthony Allega Cement Contractors Inc.-Ohio, USA, said that their company has seen the greatest return on investment from trucking and labor, but there are other benefits, as well. ā€œIt makes the trucking 100% easier not having to worry about the stringline. You have plenty of room. Now that we have gotten the hang of it, I feel that our ride quality has improved,” he said. “There is much less room for error. You are notĀ constantly checking pins. You donā€™t have to worry about other things affecting the stringlineā€”tightness, somebody missing a number. It takes the human error out of it.ā€

To read the original article by Curt Bennink on ā€œConstructionPros.comā€ and to view photos, pleaseĀ click here.

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