Testing highway materials for best performance
Big increases in traffic mean that today highways are under greater pressure than ever, and materials have to perform to increasingly higher standards. Modern highways, particularly in and around major cities, are tested like never before, and it is essential that surfaces are built to withstand increasing traffic.
Cash crash cashed out
A British man was given a 40 month sentence for his role in a conspiracy to defraud insurance firms through a long string of staged vehicle accidents. The man caused at least 93 car crashes, which cost the insurance sector some €1.8 million. The unemployed man charged his ‘customers’ a fee of around €555 for each crash that he staged, netting himself at least €51,000 in the three years that he carried out his crimes. The money was spent on holidays and other luxuries for himself and his girlfriend. His favo
Tears of a clown
A Canadian man now realises that wearing a clown suit and driving in a somewhat irregular fashion can attract the attention of the police. He has also come to realise that when a police car turns on its emergency lights, it is better to use the brakes to stop rather than to come to a halt by crashing into the police car.
Tough on two wheels
Motorcyclists in Scotland have faced a tough time in recent months. One biker had the misfortune to collide with a sheep that had wandered into the road and in the resulting impact, broke his hip socket, pelvis and collarbone as well as cracking seven ribs and suffering a collapsed lung. His Honda motorcycle burst into flames and melted the surface of the road, leaving a bubbly texture. After five weeks in hospital the man returned home to find a letter from Aberdeenshire council containing an invoice for t
Belgian bullets
Truck drivers delivering new vehicles in Belgium have a new worry, with reports of windows being shot out in the cars being transported. This is said to be a growing phenomenon in Belgium with numerous vehicles having had their windows shot out as they are transported on the back of trucks.
Racing restrictions
Each car racing fan attending Australia's popular Bathurst 1000 event will be restricted to drinking a mere 24 375ml cans of beer/day. The measures have come about as police want to reduce alcohol-related crime. However, racing fans will be allowed up to 36 cans/day of low-mid strength alcohol beers. Meanwhile wine drinkers at the event will only be allowed 4litre wine/day each. The police are also urging people travelling to Bathurst to drive safely. Presumably, police will also be monitoring speed and alc
Innovative traffic information technology used in Vancouver
As the world descended on Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics, visitors were able to travel around the city with confidence and intelligence thanks to a landmark project by IRF Member, Delcan
Poor weather causes traffic chaos
The recent spate of bad weather conditions across the northern hemisphere has paralysed transport in many countries. In the US, much of northern Europe and parts of China, traffic has ground to a halt as a cold winter has resulted in heavy snowfalls in many areas. Minor roads remained blocked for some time and even major highways were badly affected, with vehicles having to be abandoned until roads could be reopened.
Infrastructure investment will help construction jobs
The construction equipment manufacturing industry has been hit hard by the recession worldwide. Profits for 2009 reveal the sharp drop in business that began escalating around the globe during the third quarter of 2008. The problems have been most acute in the market for compact utility equipment
Several key highway construction innovations will be unveiled at the Intermat show
Several key highway construction innovations will be unveiled at the Intermat show. Road construction technology will form a major part of the Intermat exhibition, with major manufacturers such as Ammann, Bernardi Impianti, Caterpillar, the Fayat Group, GOMACO, Roadtec, Volvo and the Wirtgen Group all unveiling new technologies. Improved roadway performance is vital to ensuring longer life highways, minimised maintenance needs, reduced congestion and improved safety and several new systems will help boost q
Key link upgrade for Washington State
The US state of Washington's Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has awarded a major contract to rebuild and upgrade State Route 520 in King County.
California delays emissions regulations
In the US state of California, legislators have now decided to delay tough regulations on emissions from construction equipment fleets. In California construction firms with large machine fleets were preparing themselves for having to re-engine older machines, buy new equipment or risk losing contracts.
INTERMAT launch for Komatsu’s latest D65 dozer
The D65-17 dozer gets an 8.9litre stage IIIB certified Komatsu engine, and with 152kW at 1,950rpm, brings a net power increase while reducing fuel consumption by over 5% when compared to the model it replaces.
Accurate and compact laser speed measurement
Laser Technology now offers an accurate and compact speed measurement tool in the shape of its TruSpeed S package. Rugged and durable, the unit is also said to be affordable and weighs less than 450grammes. The unit features a binocular style design and is said to be robust enough to handle extreme conditions that police officers face.
Improving road safety a priority beyond politics
Figures have long since become an important part of our daily lives. Data on all the humdrum events around us is regularly used to shape political policy that is in most instances, designed to improve our well-being.
Innovative bridge in Abu Dhabi
The new Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi is now carrying traffic.
Shantui showcase latest forklift
The SF30 forklift is described by manufacturers Shantui as a three-tonne workhorse used mainly in interior environments.
Nepal's bridge issues
Structural problems have caused a recently constructed bridge in Nepal to deflect, even before it has been officially opened.
Shantui’s “Big Daddy” bulldozer
Affectionately dubbed by Shantui as its Intermat “Big Daddy”, the SD32 bulldozer is said to be a “monster” performer on heavy duty earth-moving jobs, while showcasing the Chinese company’s prowess with high efficiency push factors.
Shantui’s “Big Daddy” bulldozer
Affectionately dubbed by Shantui as its Intermat “Big Daddy”, the SD32 bulldozer is said to be a “monster” performer on heavy duty earth-moving jobs, while showcasing the Chinese company’s prowess with high efficiency push factors.