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 MarketingāGOMACO, explains that there is aĀ significant learning curve to use 3-D technology. ā[But,] more contractors are seeing the benefits of a string-free jobsite,ā says Godbersen. ā3-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 congestionāeliminating setting and re-setting stringline.ā
Wade Bowman, National Sales Manager, Concrete Slipform ProductsāISCP Organizational MemberāWirtgen America, Inc.Ā said,Ā āIt probably wonāt be much longer until we reach critical mass with stringless machine control, and it will become more mainstream. But there is a learning curveātransitioning 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 āIt is pretty standard now to buy a paving machine that is ready to āplug 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. āIt 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 donāt have to worry about other things affecting the stringlineātightness, somebody missing a number. It takes the human error out of it.ā
To read the original article by Curt Bennink on āConstructionPros.comā and to view photos, pleaseĀ click here.