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Telecommunications provider Vocus Group has announced the execution of a binding agreement with Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN), referred to as contract-in-force (CIF), for the construction of the Australia-Singapore Cable (ASC) system.
Wacker Neuson has introduced the ET16 mini tracked excavator, designed particularly for excavation work in confined spaces.
John Deere has launched its 470G LC excavator, featuring an EPA Final Tier 4/EU Stage IV diesel engine.
Collins Earthworks has taken delivery of the first 75t Volvo EC750E excavator to reach the UK market, after the machine was launched at Bauma 2016 earlier this year.
Grosvenor Britain & Ireland and Arup have installed a new type of ‘living wall’ in the UK for the first time, with the technology fitted to scaffolding in Mayfair, London.The 80sq m ‘Living Wall Lite’ comprises a mixture of grasses, flowers and strawberries. According to Arup, the structure has been installed on scaffolding at the St Mark’s building on North Audley Street. Grosvenor is transforming the property into retail and community space, due to be completed in 2017.Besides the potential to reduce air pollution, Arup’s ‘Cities Alive: Green Building Envelope’ report has also shown that ‘living walls’ can reduce noise pollution by up to 10 decibels. Grosvenor development director Mark Tredwell said: “This is a great initiative and is in line with our long-term ambition to improve the environmental sustainability of the buildings across our London estate, reducing emissions by 50% by 2030. As the estate continues to adapt and evolve we want to ensure that the impact on the community is positive. As well as reducing air pollution, we hope the ‘living wall’ will introduce a rich biodiversity to Mayfair and encourage people to linger in the area.” Alistair Law, Arup façade engineer and the ‘Living Wall Lite’ developer said: “Living Wall Lite has the potential to transform scaffolding and hoardings into much more than just a cover-up. By introducing plants and flowers, we can create a more attractive and healthier environment for local residents, businesses and workers on site.”The ‘living wall’, designed by Arup and manufactured by Swedish ‘living wall’ specialist Green Fortune, will be fitted with sensors to monitor its impact on noise, temperature and air pollution.Find more information on ‘living walls’ here.
German researchers are developing a virtual reality (VR) technology to help prevent accidents on construction sites.
Morocco’s mosques are set to receive a ‘green makeover’ in a government-led initiative to improve efficiency and promote renewable energy.
Crane manufacturer Comansa CM has introduced a new series of flat-top tower cranes, with load capacities of 10–12t.
The International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) has laid down the design principles to create earthquake-resistant cranes. The new ISO 11031 can be used to calculate seismic loads, and sets out the design principles for cranes destined to work in seismically-active regions and for cranes required to be seismically-resistant.Klaus Pokorny, secretary of the ISO subcommittee working on design principles and requirements for cranes, said: “To make sure that cranes are safe, we first need to calculate the seismic loads that show how a crane will respond in moderate to severe earthquakes. Then you can use design limit states provided in two forms: serviceability limit and ultimate limit. “The serviceability limit state (SLS) ensures that the crane can withstand the effects of moderate earthquake ground motions throughout its service lifetime and continue to operate as intended. The ultimate limit state (ULS) requires that the crane structure should not collapse during severe earthquake ground motions, and that the suspended load or any other part of the crane should not fall or harm the public, operators and workers.” Pokorny added: “Any evaluation should take into account the regional seismic conditions as well as the ground surface conditions at the crane location. It’s also important to consider how the crane will be used and any risks that could result from seismic damage.“Not only will ISO 11031 add a layer of confidence to the industry, it also provides a common technical language so that manufacturers, users and owners understand each other clearly, no matter where they are — a boost for global trade.” The need of a standard to ensure seismic-resistant cranes was first highlighted by Japan, after the 1995 earthquake in Kobe.
Contractor A-one+ is resurfacing over 1.6km of the A1 at Brownieside in Northumberland using cold paving technology — a first for the UK.The company is using a bespoke Wirtgen CR 3200 machine to recycle the underlying layers of the road. The old surface material is churning up with new material within the machine, before laying it down immediately on the road behind. With the new method, 500 to 1,000t of road surface can be laid per hour — a significant increase when compared with the 100t per hour of conventional techniques.Additionally, it reduces the quarried stone used by 75%, the waste taken to landfill by 66%, and requires 70% fewer lorry trips to and from site. Steve Bishop, Highways England’s project manager, said: “This new technology is brilliant news for the thousands of drivers that use motorways and major A roads in the North East, who will benefit from smoother and safer journeys.“The road surface is designed to last for at least 10 years, meaning that we shouldn’t need to go back to carry out further repairs any time soon meaning less disruption for drivers.“This is the first machine of its type in the UK but the process is already successfully used in the USA, France and China. We are always working with our partners to trial new technologies that will help us to minimise disruption to drivers while we carry out essential road maintenance.”Work started at the beginning of August and is now finished.* More on cold paving technology in the UK and beyond here.
John Deere has entered into a partnership with HCSS to enhance its construction machinery data communication and analysis system WorkSight.The partnership will also focus on the incorporation of Deere’s JDLink machine monitoring system into HCSS’s software.The partnership was one of the results of the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) working with major machine manufacturers to standardise the telematics data available for integration into other applications, known as the Application Programming Interface (API).Liz Quinn, John Deere WorkSight product marketing manager, said: “Our partnership with HCSS empowers customers to leverage the existing telematics connection on their John Deere equipment and see their JDLink machine data in the powerful HCSS tool suite in conjunction with other telematic brands. “In addition, customers will be able to easily link from the HCSS application to the MyJohnDeere.com environment when they need to order parts, manuals, or have a closer look at a John Deere machine in the JDLink Dashboard. Seeing all brands of telematics data in one application optimizes a customer’s fleet management decisions and eliminates manual data entry and jumping from one manufacturer’s portal to the next.”Matthew DiTarando, John Deere customer and IT manager at Comanco Environmental Corporation, said: “We look forward to utilizing the open JDLink Machine Data API and integrating that vital telematics data into our HCSS products. Combining these two into one cohesive system will enable us to thrust our fleet department forward into a future of advanced planning of scheduled maintenance utilizing real-time telematics.”HCSS has been testing the JDLink Machine Data API, which is scheduled to launch later this year.WorkSight incorporates five technologies: the JDLink Telematics, Machine Health Prognostics, Remote Diagnostics and ProgrammingPayload Weighing and Grade Control.
Kobelco Construction Machinery Europe (KCME) has introduced its new SK45SRX-6 mini excavator in Europe.The 4.5t mini excavator has been jointly launched with the latest version of the SK55SRX-6.Both machines feature the Yanmar engine, which reduces fuel consumption by 23% when used in S-mode, for normal work. Further fuel savings can be achieved through the integrated hydraulic circuitry of the three on-board hydraulic pumps, which reduces the overall engine/hydraulic workload.A decelerator button can also now be found on the operation lever as well as the dashboard. Additionally, the excavators’ on-site noise is reduced with the dust cooling system together with a front-facing air inlet and an under-slung exhausting system. Bluetooth and ports for USB can also be found in the machines.In the SK45SRX-6, the operator’s chair now reclines and features mechanical suspension, and both models feature improved operator visibility from the cab.Kobelco’s KCME product marketing manager Marcel van der Winden said: “The introduction of SK45SRX-6 fulfils KCME’s ideal of providing specialist earth moving machines within all popular classes. “As with all Kobelco Short Radius excavators, SK45SRX-6 delivers exceptional working performance while maintaining reduced operating costs. Minor updates to the SK55SRX-6 underline just how effective and efficient this machine has and always will be.”
Australia-based company Fastbrick Robotics has developed a giant truck-mounted robot that can construct an entire house in two days. Hadrian X can lay up 1,000 bricks an hour using a 28ft arm. The robot uses 3D scans to work out where to lay down the bricks, which are fed to the machine’s conveyor, then passed along the arm into a laser-guided claw. The claw grabs and lays them down using construction glue instead of cement.The smart machine cuts bricks to size and leaves spaces between them for wiring and plumbing.Fastbrick Robotics’ founder Mark Pivac told Perth Now: "People have been laying bricks for about 6,000 years and ever since the industrial revolution, they have tried to automate the bricklaying process."We're at a technological nexus where a few different technologies have got to the level where it's now possible to do it, and that's what we've done."It is estimated that the robot can build between 100-300 houses a year — without needing tea breaks, holidays or weekends off.Hadrian X took ten years to be developed and $4.5M in research and development. According to Fastbrick Robotics, it will take about a year before the machine will be launched onto the market.
Liebherr has sold its 90,000th truck mixer, to Transbeton, based in Laupheim.Transbeton’s managing director Reinhold Brehm personally collected the HTM 1004 ZA semitrailer, which has a nominal capacity of 10cb m. The company has been a loyal Liebherr customer for almost 50 years and has around 20 truck mixers and concrete mixing plants from the manufacturer.“I always have two semitrailers in my fleet because it increases our transportation capacity for large concrete plants,” said Brehm. “If the workload is not quite as heavy, we use tractor units to transport gravel or cement. This flexibility makes my fleet more profitable.”According to the manufacturer, the semitrailers benefit their customers through reliability, long service life and safety. Liebherr has been manufacturing truck mixers worldwide since 1967.
A platform for streamlining progress payments on construction jobs has been introduced to the UK this week at the Royal Institute of British Architects.The cloud-based platform, ProgressClaim.com, has been specifically designed for the construction industry, helping users — contractors, subcontractors, stakeholders and consultants — to work on and administer payments claims collaboratively.According to the company, the tool makes the currently difficult and out-dated process of submitting and approving progress claims easier, while reducing contract administration management costs by up to 50%, saving time and improving risk control with regards to the Security of Payments Act.First launched in Australia, ProgressClaim.com enables contractors and sub-contractors to provide details about how much work has been completed and how much is to be paid, allowing payments to be on time without potentially resulting in a dispute. Additionally, documents can be shared between organisations in real time so that users have a single view of the status of the project and are on the same page, reducing the need for spreadsheets, email trails and phone calls.Automated reminder emails can be sent to submit claims and approvals, with documentation produced and delivered instantly by email.Progressclaim.com CEO Lincoln Easton said: “Payment practices in the construction sector are problematic and time consuming. We believe our cloud-based platform helps to ease the pain. “The take-up of our easy-to-use software among tier one contractors and sub-contractors in our home market of Australia has exceeded our internal expectations since we launched a little over a year ago. Clients are increasingly being drawn to the speed, accuracy and transparency, which Progressclaim.com offers. “With the UK market exposed to a similar set of challenges, we are confident we can replicate the success we are enjoying in Australia over here, and in the process help bring the traditional payments model into the digital age.”To use the platform subcontractors pay a subscription of £30 a month, while main contractors will pay a licence fee based on the scale and complexity of the activities covered by the software.
Otis Elevator Company has introduced the new SkyBuild self-climbing construction elevator.According to the company, the SkyBuild elevator — part of the SkyRise family — enables builders to complete high-rise projects faster, while reducing costs. It is designed to be sustainable and to reduce space requirements and energy.Installed at the beginning of a building’s construction, the elevator’s hydraulic piston system enables it to climb a floor at a time as the construction work advances and the building rises, removing the need for a temporary and external lift subject to different weather conditions. This allows movement of crews and tools quickly and safely.Once construction is complete the elevator transitions for immediate service as a SkyRise lift within the building.Bora Gülan, vice president of Global Major Projects and Key Accounts at Otis said: “The Otis SkyRise product family combines a refined passenger experience with state-of-the-art elevator technologies and support our customers can count on. “Our SkyBuild option now offers customers even more value with an elevator system that rises with the building – quickly and easily jumping one floor at a time to meet the requirements and pace of any project.”
Hitachi displayed three new excavators and a wheel loader at Bauma in April. The new ZX19-5 mini excavator, to be used on construction projects, is designed to be user-friendly. According to the manufacturer, the Zaxis-5 model offers high levels of performance, stability and easy maintenance. The boom cylinder, in the new excavator, has been moved on top of the boom to protect from potential damage, making it more efficient when working on narrow spaces, as its front minimum turning radius is smaller. A new folding travel pedal can now be used instead of the hand lever, improving the operation speed. Other improvements include the placing of the hydraulic hose inside the boom and the addition of a new blade, capable of making digging more precisely.There is also more space between the operator and the front window and more legroom in the cab. The cab has a new design that features a large LCD monitor located on the right-hand side, displaying the vital technical data, including the machine’s status and settings and a drinks holder for easy access to refreshments. Security has been improved, with an optional theft deterrent system that requires a four-digit number to unlock before the engine can be switched on.Hitachi also showcased the ZX300LCN-6 super long front medium excavator. The excavator has a six-cylinder 186kw stage IV-compliant engine, with the highest output in its class, and offers 14% higher productivity in PWR mode. Delivering lower fuel costs, the machine was specially designed for earthmoving on dredging, bank maintenance and slope finishing projects. The excavator also features a reconfigured lower roller that ensures mud falls out easily, an expansion tank that cools the engine parts, and enlarged track guards.The tilting rotator and tilting bucket modes are also included within its attachment support system.The new ZX490LCH-6 large excavator was designed to meet the demands of large-scale construction projects, set to offer a high level of durability without compromising efficiency. It features a boom reinforced with thicker plates and an undercarriage consisting of robust components such as track link, master pin, idler pedestal and bracket and upper roller bracket. The large excavator also incorporates an in-cab console, made of weather-resistant AES-grade resin that prevents UV rays damage, and sealant to eliminate any heat deterioration. These ensure the machine’s long-term cooling and low-noise performance.This excavator is able to save up to 5% fuel in eco mode with the same productivity as previous models, due to the use of HIOS IIIB technology. The after-treatment device helps the machine produce fewer emissions and to have a quiet performance. Furthermore, attachments to carry on different tasks can be easily fitted to the versatile machine that uses the attachment replacement support system.Also launched in Munich was the ZW370-6 wheel loader. With enhanced performance and low fuel consumption, the machine employs a new EU Stage IV-compliant engine that does not require a diesel particulate filter, which reduces maintenance costs.The wheel-loader has a 360° panoramic view from the spacious cab and a rear-view camera, visible on the multifunctional LCD monitor. Less noise can be heard within the cab thanks to an improved sound isolation. A smooth operation is ensured by the optional Joystick Steering System, which enables operators to reach high levels of productivity with effortless steering, it is said.There are also two types of lift arm available that customers can choose, depending on the required application.
Man showcased the D38 engine in the TGX series and the new light hypoid tandem axle at Bauma.The combination of the D38 engine with the TGX series is used for heavy-duty traction operation and for the transportation of heavy loads while going at high speeds, with engine power over 500HP.In a construction site, for example, a low loader trailer with heavy construction machines that need to be pulled can be moved up to a gross train weight (GTW) of 120t easily by the TCX D38. The two-stage turbochargers make the six-cylinder in-line engine with 15,256ccm displacement reach a nominal torque of 2700Nm at 930rpm.Also launched in Munich, the new light hypoid tandem axle for payload-sensitive transport tasks has a weight advantage of 180kg, according to the company, when compared with the hypoid axles currently used, meaning that it is possible to transport 180kg more concrete or water. It has a gross combination weight of 60t.With the tandem axle, the fuel used is slightly lower, offering additional ground clearance of about four centimeters, achieving the N3G approval.In addition, the Germany-based mechanical engineering company announced at the trade show an extension to its range of drive configuration in the TGS and TGX series, with the D20 and D26 engines and presented the updates made to its entire TGS and TGX series engine portfolio for IAA 2014.
German-based Wirtgen Group unveiled a great number of brand-new machines at Bauma in April.Wirtgen Group is comprised of Wirtgen, Vögele, Hamm, Kleemann and Benninghoven, five traditional brands operating in the construction machinery sector.Wirtgen exhibited two new machines for road rehabilitation, a mobile rear loader on wheels, the W120 Ri, and a front loader, the most powerful model in the new compact class, the W150 CFi. The SP 64i and the TCM 180i, used for concrete paving, were also world firsts at the show. Innovations by Vögele included two new models from its Super series, the tracked paver Super 1600-3i and the wheeled paver super 1603-3i; the Super 1800-3i with SprayJet module—the ErgoPlus operating concept for the paving of thin courses— and the new InLine Pave train with innovative “Dash 3” features for the construction of compact asphalt pavements in the special class. The 10ft pavers for the American market were also a first at Bauma.Hamm, specialized in road roller, has presented its new pivot-steered DV+ series of tandem rollers, featuring the Easy Drive operating concept that permits a simple and intuitive operation, along with the new rubber-wheeled roller GRW 180i.As a newly member of Wirtgen Group, Benninghoven, has showcased its new MBA 2000 mobile asphalt mixing plant with five-fold screening as a standard in the trade show. Another of the company’s premiere included the GKL Silent with new technology that allows work to continue at night or beyond regular working hours without generating unwanted noise.
The Bauma trade show in Munich was the chosen venue for the European debut of Iveco’s Eurocargo 4x4. Having won the title of ‘International Truck of the Year 2016’, the 4x4 truck was designed for demanding off-road conditions, set to be a good acquisition on a construction site. The truck’s weight can vary from 11.5 to 15t, with different HP variants. As the only Euro VI medium range vehicle, says Iveco, it meets the emissions standards with a single anti-emission system — the hi-SCR system with passive diesel particulate filter.The Eurocargo is protected for off-road driving, as it features steel bumpers, retractable access step, specific radiator guard and a front towing jaw. For easy gear it has six-speed manual gearboxes featuring a servoshift system. A day or sleeper cab with standard roof is also available.The New Daily 4x4 was also launched in Munich. The vehicle can be used for off-road works, for all tracks and all conditions. One of its key strengths, according to Iveco, is the C-section ladder frame chassis, enabling an easy body customization and guaranteeing robust performance in every work.It runs a four-cylinder, three-litre F1C Euro VI heavy-duty common rail engine that develops a maximum power of 170HP (125 kW) with a maximum torque of 400Nm. The New Daily is available in two versions, a single cab with two wheelbases and a crew cab with a 3,400 mm wheelbase, which can transport a crew of seven people.
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