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Soil quality indicator
 TransTech
Systems developed an electrical impedance-based Soil Quality
Indicator for use as a quality control tool during the soil compaction
process. Using advanced electrical impedance spectroscopy, the SQI is
able to make fast, non-invasive, in-situ measurements of soil density
and moisture content. It permits separation of the effects of soil type,
density, moisture content, and salinity on the response of the soil to
electromagnetic probing. Soil density measurements can be taken quickly
and non-destructively, allowing necessary changes to the compaction
process to be made immediately.
The embedded computer allows the SQI to perform
sophisticated calibration and measurement functions and enables the
device to store a number of readings for later retrieval and analysis.
The device is lightweight, easy to use, and requires no special
licensing, so almost any member of the construction crew can operate it
successfully.
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Moisture/density indicator
 DGSI,
Durham Geo Slope Indicator, released a new Moisture & Density Indicator.
This non-nuclear instrument measures moisture and density simultaneously
on the same soil in engineered earthworks. Typical applications include
acceptance testing for compacted fill-in cut-and-cover operations, road
and track beds, embankments and dams, airport runways, trenches, utility
works, and more. Unlike nuclear gauges, the M+DI is not subject to
regulatory controls and works with cohesive and cohensionless soils,
lime- and cement-based soils, and micaceous soils. The proprietary data
collection and analysis software runs on PDAs.
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Asphalt rubber blending plant
 Ecopath’s
state-of-the-art asphalt rubber blending equipment produces
high-quality, modified asphalt binder. The computer-controlled blending
systems are custom-designed, highly versatile, and feature simplified
operating controls. The systems deliver accurate, proportional blending
of rubber and asphalt cement for high-quality homogeneous asphalt rubber
binder. Ecopath is a member of the
Stratco
Global family of companies.
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Multi-purpose bucket
 The
Helac
PowerGrip 4-in-1 Multi-Purpose Bucket gives backhoes and excavators the
ability to perform a variety of tasks with a single attachment. It can
be used as a trenching, grading, and clamshell bucket, as a grapple, and
as a hydraulic thumb.
The bucket has a full-trenching bucket profile
with no obstructing crossbars to restrict the handling and unloading of
material. The jaw opens to 120 degrees, giving it the ability to
manipulate large objects. The serrated edges on the bucket and jaw help
hold material in place. The bucket is available in a variety of sizes
and widths for backhoes and excavators to 45,000-pound operating weight.
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More reflective sign sheeting
 New
technology from
3M is
creating material based on 100% efficient optics, resulting in signing
material that returns nearly twice as much reflected light as the
brightest material currently available.
3M Diamond Grade DG3 reflective sheeting is a
thin, reflective sheeting adhered to the surface of traffic signs. Each
square inch contains thousands of identical microscopic cube corners.
The unique design means that the entire cube surface is reflective.
DG3 performs better where drivers need it most —
at short- and medium-sight distances, and where signs are positioned in
disadvantaged locations such as overhead or in extreme roadside
positions like the left shoulder. Signs get brighter with the same level
of headlight illumination.
 Signs
with this reflective sheeting return more light to motorists whose
vehicles are equipped with common visually/optically aimable headlights
that abruptly cut off illumination at a certain level above the road.
VOA headlights, which have become standard on many new vehicles, send
even less initial light toward traffic sign faces.
The sheeting is designed as a replacement for
nearly all types of reflective sign sheetings in use today. As a
proposed ASTM Type XI sheeting, it meets or exceeds ASTM standards for
the most common types of sheetings — Type III, IV, and IX.
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Welding generators
Miller Electric has several new welding
generators. The PRO 300 CC/CV engine-driven welding generator weighs
nearly 300 pounds less and measures 35% smaller than a comparable DC
generator. It provides a stronger welding output, offers 9,000 watts
more generator power, uses 0.4 gallons/hour less fuel, and runs about
twice as quietly.
The new Bobcat 250 engine-driven welding
generator features a fully-enclosed case, super-tough XENOY protective
armor on the front panel, Accu-rated 10,000 watts of useable peak
generator power, and a 12-gallon fuel tank. Under a continuous load of
4,000 watts of generator power, it can run for about 14 hours. The
Bobcat 225 features a revolutionary rotor design that optimizes
generator performance for smoother power which helps when running items
that are sensitive to power fluctuations.
Designed for improved arc performance, the new
Trailblazer 302 CC/CV, AC/DC, and Trailblazer 275 DC CC/CV engine-driven
welding generators feature four preset DIG settings, Adaptive Hot Start,
Lift-Arc/Scratch Start TIG with Auto-Stop, and enhanced MIG/FCAW arc
starts.
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Decorative/high-performance crosswalk
 StreetPrint
DuraTherm is a decorative crosswalk material designed for
high-traffic installations. The inlaid thermoplastic lasts at least
three times longer than normal thermoplastic and can be installed and
open to traffic in only 90 minutes per lane.
A specialized pavement reheater gently softens
the existing asphalt; templates are pressed into the surface; pre-cut
sections of DuraTherm are set into the impressions; and the pavement
reheater is used again to fuse it to the asphalt surface. The result is
a surface that is integral and completely flush with the asphalt.
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Blade savers
Kennametal’s
new Blade Savers incorporate the exclusive Isolated Carbide Edge
tungsten carbide insert technology to increase wear life. The I.C.E.
design uses bullet-shaped inserts in individual pockets, separated by
tough steel, enabling you to penetrate hard-packed ice and snow quickly.
These blades are more resistant to breakage than traditional carbide
blades and can better handle modern road surfaces with obstacles like
rumble strips and raised pavement/lane markers. They mount over standard
blades using the same bolt holes and can be positioned at high-wear
areas of the moldboard.
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Environmentally friendly snowmelting process
Snow Removal Systems has designed and patented
an environmentally friendly snow melting process. The newly developed
method, Heat Transfer System, combined with extreme high-pressure water
jetting, is a closed system. This eliminates the escape of any exhaust
particulates into the byproduct melt water as it exits the melt tank.
The process ensures that the end user is not adding pollutants to the
melt water and into the existing storm drain system.
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Asphalt crossings
 HiRAIL
RS is a non-conductive, 100% rubber rail seal made specifically for
asphalt crossings. By sealing out moisture and debris at the rail, it
reduces crossing deterioration and signaling problems and keeps asphalt
crossings looking and performing better, longer. The seal fits snugly
against the rail on both gauge and field sides to eliminate harmful gaps
found in typical asphalt crossings. It features a lightweight design
which snaps easily into place before asphalt is laid, without special
equipment.
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Handheld retroreflectometer
Gamma Scientific’s new Model 922 handheld
retroreflectometer field unit is capable of simultaneous 0.2- and
0.5-degree retroreflection measurement of road signs and other
materials. Simple, straightforward operation at the push of a button
allows the operator to know exactly how bright a sign will appear to
most drivers. The model also features an internal global positioning
system, a barcode reader, internal memory that stores approximately
5,400 measurements, and a USB interface for downloading stored data.
Remote IrDA control is also included for measuring hard-to-reach
signage.
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Smoother grade crossings
 HiRAIL
Full-Depth Rubber Grade Crossing Systems are 100% rubber pads made from
scrap tires. They flex with temperature extremes and repel road
chemicals for maintenance-free, year-round performance, lasting two to
three times longer than conventional materials; they won’t splinter like
timber, crumble like asphalt, or spall like concrete. The interlocking
tongue-and-groove modular design seals out moisture and debris without
using lag screws, keeping track beds dry and waste-free and decreasing
the likelihood of signaling and electrical problems. The exclusive
diamond-grid surface pattern provides an attractive, finished appearance
and added traction for increased safety and a smoother, quieter ride
over the crossing.
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Legible road signs
SignCAD Systems now offers the ClearviewHwy Font
with significant 29% improvement in legibility distance over standard
highway alphabets. The new font improves road sign legibility and
recognition at night, especially for older drivers, while reducing
halation and overglow when used with highly reflective sign materials.
It has received interim approval by the FHWA for guide signs and other
positive contrast applications and has been adopted by state DOTs
including Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Louisiana.
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Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
July 2005 |
