MILLING & PAVING: HOW DATA MAKES ROADWORK REVOLUTIONARY
When was the last time you changed or even thought about changing your milling and paving processes? Milling machine manufacturers have developed technology that has enabled significant process improvements since the invention of the Roto-Mill in the mid-1970s. The amount of asphalt that a milling machine could cut during, let's say, two hours back in the 1980s compared to today is night and day. If you're still handling your paving jobs without the advanced machine technology, it's time to take your process to the next level, which will save you time and money!
THE TRANSFORMATION IN ROADWORK
Investing in machine technology improves Bids
The process of removing some or all of a paved surface area is no easy task. Whether you're building/repairing highways, parking lots, or bridges, it's a complicated job. Over the last fifty years, the machinery and labor-intensive process has improved drastically and will continue to evolve further. A large contributing factor to this is the growing use of automatic grade and slope systems (AGS). Modern milling machines are more versatile than ever before and come equipped with variable widths. In some models, you can use one machine for multiple applications. Today, you can read out dual grade, grade-in-slope, string line sensing, averaging, laser-reference, and GPS coordinates much more easily than before. What used to require three people on the ground has in many cases been reduced down to one due to the advancements in technology and more sophisticated equipment.
TODAY'S MILLING & PAVING TECHNOLOGIES
Technology streamlines the milling & paving process
In addition to the developments made to milling and paving machines, some exceptional add-on products from well-known manufacturers have significantly streamlined the processes. Some of these tools allow data to be collected and then used in the technology equipped machinery that result in a more accurate and speedy process. Without naming names, we will share some high-level overviews of various cutting-edge products currently in the marketplace that you should consider. Some of these tools allow you to quickly scan miles of road in a very short amount of time without disturbing the flow of traffic. The data collection delivers precise surface conditions. This lets you improve your bid and more easily determine the right amount of material that will need to be removed or placed.
Another milling product on the market dictates milling depth using GPS technology as well as a 3D design. They use a digital terrain model as the specified parameter for the milling depth and work independently of references on the ground. This tool produces accuracy levels down to the millimeter. When it comes to smooth elevation results and slope control, there is yet another milling tool that tracks any existing surface, poured curbs, or string lines and is pushed into the control system through the use of a sonic average system. Also available is a paving system that can be mounted onto any paver, designed to improve accuracy and speed. The company has made it extremely user-friendly to be used by operators of any skill level. The system is smart enough to pave to a fixed thickness and is commonly used for large projects such as airports and highways. Some innovations allow troubleshooting in the field to be remotely controlled, and further advancements in this area are sure to come sooner than later.
By embracing and investing in advanced machine technology, you will be more competitive from your bidding stage through to your project closeout. Milling and paving projects will be executed more precisely, faster, and with fewer manual operators. Whether you require a 2D control system or a 3D control system, the loaded data will maximize quality and make the project run more smoothly. ECI is always available to help you understand these tools and how you can implement them and start reaping the benefits today.