Traditional road mapping is a long process that includes manual labor over an extended amount of time with lane closures and thus traffic delays.
Topcon has created the SmoothRide Modern Road Resurfacing System who’s purpose built for road resurfacing applications, where precise point data is collected with RD-M1 (Realistic Dimension – Mapping One) Road Resurfacing Scanner. The data is then managed through Mobile Master Office software for point cloud creation which is used to create a surface design.
The points are then used in MAGNET Office Site with Resurfacing software module to create a tailored design that meets specific criteria set for smoothness and material thickness requirements. From the office to the field the design comes to life with RD-MC Control where paving and milling machines are guided with GNSS and Sonic tracker sensors for full 3D automation – delivering variable thickness paving and variable depth paving results.
“In most cases, it’s inconvenient or impossible to shut down big roads like the N1, N2 or N14 and map its surface using traditional survey methods,” says Sjoerd Stoove, team manager 3D paving for professional services at Topcon positioning group. “Now with Topcon SmoothRide, it’s possible to eliminate the need for lane closures and map road conditions at highway speeds.”
By scanning roads instead of surveying them, you’re eliminating the need for crash trucks, escorts or any other typical road survey collection obstacles.
“With the new RD-M1 scanning unit, the system maps the existing surface elevations — with many more points captured versus what can be expected with traditional tools — which provides more accurate data needed to confidently estimate materials, as well as form the basis of the final design surface,” Mennink says.
“Using the SmoothRide solution, the contractor has tighter control over the material used at each location. Also on resurfacing jobs, material management is very important because contractors generally must stay within yield limitations,” he says. “In effect, SmoothRide provides the best of both worlds as it offers the ability to use the same amount of material and end up with a smoother road.
“The time saved from start to finish, without the need for lane closures, could be enough reason alone — but the accuracy of the system also produces a much smoother end-result than with traditional methods.”
Features & Benefits
• Fully automated system with GNSS and Sonic Tracker control
• Delivers accurate thickness boundaries while maintaining projected yield
• Eliminates the need for strings, skis, and lasers
• Easy surface data management and design
• Safely collect at speed without lane closures
