ForConstructionPros.com

The Gomaco Smoothness Indicator (GSI) provides smoothness readings for both asphalt slabs and wet or cured concrete. Gomaco has now developed a new software application, GSITools, which uses the data gathered with the GSI before paving takes place to provide the contractor with even more valuable information. The GSI can be used ahead of the paving operation to provide a grade accuracy analysis of the subgrade and/or stringline setup before the paving even takes place.

GSITools can provide an estimated material yield for the paving project, as well as pinpointing high and low spots in the subgrade. The information gathered by the GSI is imported into the GSITools software, which then creates reports and graphs detailing the information.

All of the information can be output as a Grade Analysis Report which shows the selected profiles, trace details, slab volume, project parameters, a grade cut/fill summary and personalized graphs chosen by the contractor. The report and graphs pinpoint locations on the grade that translate into thin cores or thick cores in the proposed slab. This allows adjustments to be made in the grade or stringline before paving. GSITools also gives an indication of the total concrete yield for the subgrade that was profiled.

The GSI non-contact surface smoothness instrument also provides multi-application usage. Its user-friendly system is simple to understand and operate. It's designed for anyone who needs to measure the smoothness of a surface and the data gathered can be used to reference all commercially known profilograph indexes.

Any irregularities in the slab are identified and their location is recorded through the use of a distance tracking encoder. Contractors can then repair the surface while it's still in the plastic state.