ForConstructionPros.com

"When we made the first pass down the crown of the project, we made that run with a stringline," notes Loyd Merryman, paving superintendent, "but after that run we used the control system to maintain the correct slope of each subsequent run."

"The combination of the SPS930 Universal Total Station (MultiTrack technology locks on and tracks passive prisms) and PCS400 Paving Control System made it possible for us to constantly monitor what we were doing," Sowa states. And when you're constructing such an expansive paving project that measures approximately 550-feet wide by ½-mile long, collecting data and making any required adjustments is crucial to the final outcome.

As a 17-year paving veteran, Merryman has had the opportunity to use a variety of different paving control systems, and as good as they are he says you still have to check the slope (manually) every 25 to 50 feet with a level.

"This Trimble system was really simple to train our guys on how to use it and within a week they were really proficient in operating it," Merryman says. "They also liked the fact that the sensors are tough, not affected by rain, and deliver accurate information. Whenever you do a check with a level, the sensors were right on with the information they were providing.

"What I also like about the fact that we didn't have to waste time re-benching the system every time we turned the paver around," Merryman adds. "We were able to increase our production by about 300 tons a day as a result of that, and that enabled us to put down 1,200 to 1,300 tons a day, and even 1,600 to 2,000 tons on some days when we didn't have to perform a lot of hand work around structures (like the electrical hookup pedestals). I'll be anxious to get this system out on a road project. The port project was a good place to test it, but I think it's going to perform really well on road projects."