P R O D U C T GA L L E RY
Paving Technologies Impact Industry in 2022 BY EMILY NEWTON
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he last two years have been challenging for members of the construction industry. While this might seem frustrating, the environment has provided a platform for invention and innovation. Here’s an overview of six paving technologies that are sure to continue their impact on the industry in 2022 and beyond.
3D PAVING CONTROL
While the goal of any paving project is to provide an even and smooth surface, that isn’t always easy when the underlying surface is rough and uneven. Instead of placing an initial leveling course, then assessing the surface and seeing where problems are occurring, 3D paving control systems give the operator the tools to easily match the planned design and make adjustments in real-time as necessary through variable depth paving. In addition to these real-time controls, there is the option to download additional apps or install other third-party programs to give the 3D paving controls more flexibility and usability. Using these control programs can reduce the amount of asphalt used during the first layer, which can reduce waste and make it easier for companies to finish their projects faster and more efficiently than ever before. One of these programs, a product created by Trimble Roadworks, is proving its effectiveness in the paving industry and will likely continue to do so in 2022 and beyond.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Traditionally, most paving projects were planned out in spreadsheets. While this is functional, it isn’t always efficient—especially for larger projects. Instead of trying to do everything manually, opting for project management software can make an enormous difference in project efficiency. Project management software has already found a home in the construction industry, but it’s also beginning to make an impact in the paving industry as well. Project management software takes multiple planning tools and consolidates them into a single, easy-to-access location. In addition, these programs make it easier to keep track of all the complex details that accompany these projects, making it easy to fix problems or make adjustments on the fly. Many cloud-based programs also give project managers the option and ability to access their data from a mobile app or website, so it’s easier to keep things running smoothly while on the go. These programs are beginning to emerge as an invaluable tool for every construction-adjacent industry, and will likely be a valuable asset for paving contractors moving forward.
SMART PAVEMENT AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
It’s easy to think big when it comes to new technologies, but in some cases, it’s important to think small—and in this case, the innovations are too small to be seen with the naked eye. 56 | JANUARY 2022
The mill operator can input and monitor his project parameters such as cut depth, slope and speed from this panel. Such systems at the operator’s platform typically have matching stations at the groundman’s station. These technologies allow milling crews to achieve perfect surfaces for the paving train to follow, maximizing paving efficiency from the first lift. Photo courtesy of John Ball of Top Quality Paving & Training, Manchester, New Hampshire
Nanotechnology is beginning to make its mark on the paving industry in a variety of applications, including the adhesive damping technology discussed in the 2018 article from Newtonoid Technologies. Smart pavement is now being explored as a tool to continuously monitor infrastructure health, by equipping the pavement with “weigh in motion” capabilities. Infusing this technology into the pavement when it’s put down allows the piezoelectric sensors to collect data about the cars and trucks traversing a stretch of highway, as well as the overall health of the pavement. Smart pavement that can remotely charge electric vehicles is also in the prototyping phase. These wireless chargers—similar to the chargers that might power a phone—may be able to top off EV batteries as the car drives over them. The Indiana Department of Transportation is working on a quarter-mile-long testing track with concrete, but you can see the world’s first smart road built in Sweden at the Green Car Reports website.
PAVER-MOUNTED THERMAL PROFILING
A road may look perfectly paved to the naked eye, but that smooth surface could be hiding problems that may manifest once the road is in use. Quality control technicians can use thermal cameras, infrared sensors, or a combination of the two to ensure the temperature of the asphalt mix being placed is within acceptable margins. While it is possible to monitor surface temperatures using a handheld IR thermometer, it isn’t possible to measure more than one spot at a time with the industry’s preferred accuracy.
