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Home » Asphalt Contractor » March 2008
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Updated: July 8th, 2008 05:26 PM EDT

GPS makes quick work of runway paving

Barnhill Contracting Company use Topcon Millimeter GPS to expedite Albert J. Ellis Airport paving project in Jacksonville, NC during 60-hour shutdown.

The paving operation used two Topcon PZL-1 lasers on one side and two pavers on the other side, staggered about 20 feet apart so they could receive the correction signals from the lasers.
The paving operation used two Topcon PZL-1 lasers on one side and two pavers on the other side, staggered about 20 feet apart so they could receive the correction signals from the lasers.
This project was all about teamwork. Crews worked 14- and 18-hour shifts to finish in a timely manner.
This project was all about teamwork. Crews worked 14- and 18-hour shifts to finish in a timely manner.
GPS Systems help take the guess work out of a paving job. Another advantage is no string lines. Most systems are interchangeable and can be used with graders and dozers as well.
GPS Systems help take the guess work out of a paving job. Another advantage is no string lines. Most systems are interchangeable and can be used with graders and dozers as well.

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“All of this equipment is interchangeable and can be used with graders and dozers. We are fortunate to have all this technology and it has made a big impact on our productivity,” Eakes says.

One obstacle that has to be overcome with any new technology is our tendency to resist change.

“You take an operator who has been grading and paving for 20 or 30 years,” Eakes says. “They don’t want to see this stuff. They have been doing it their way for all these years and they don’t need GPS to tell them what to do.

“But if you can get an experienced operator like that to try it, it’s like pulling teeth to get it back once they get on it,” he continues. “They see the benefits, the advantages of having it. It takes all the guess work out of the job and makes their job easier and faster. They don’t have to chase a string line around. It speeds up the progress when it is set up correctly.”

Information provided by Topcon.

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