Digital Construction - Digital Construction

Topcon Unveils Next-Generation Road Construction Technology

March 2024

Digital Construction - Digital Construction

Topcon Unveils Next-Generation Road Construction Technology

March 2024

Topcon Positioning Systems has unveiled its latest advancements in road construction and resurfacing technology, introducing the MC-Max Asphalt Paving and MC-Max Milling solutions. These cutting-edge systems offer modularity, simplified configurations, and advanced features aimed at boosting productivity in asphalt paving and cold milling applications across construction projects of varying scales.

Murray Lodge, Executive Vice President at Topcon, emphasized the growing pressures on municipalities to maintain existing infrastructure amidst rising costs and tighter specifications. He highlighted the industry's need for innovative approaches to resurfacing roads efficiently while meeting sustainability targets. Topcon's dedication to designing new technologies for the paving industry positions them to deliver smooth and long-lasting results through their expanding intelligent paving portfolio.

The MC-Max Asphalt Paving and MC-Max Milling systems, comprising GNSS receivers, total stations, displays, and high-precision sensors, are built on the new MC-X machine control platform. This architecture offers highly customizable systems and upgrade paths to cater to contractors' evolving needs.

Users can opt for entry-level 2D systems or advanced automated solutions that track a paver or miller in 3D, significantly improving road smoothness in less time and at lower costs. These solutions enable contractors to pave and mill at variable depths, enhancing the driving experience and meeting DOT-mandated smoothness standards. Moreover, MC-X licensing options provide customers with flexibility to align with their project and budget requirements.

A standout feature of these solutions is the Virtual Ski intelligent software, which simplifies workflows for specific resurfacing applications, such as rural roads with fewer fixed points or intersections. This software, an extension of Topcon's SmoothRide road resurfacing solution, streamlines the process by creating a 3D model of the existing road surface using a mobile road scanner. This model is then sent to the machine via the Sitelink3D cloud solution, eliminating the need for extensive data transfer to the office for design work. The result is a smoother surface produced quickly and effortlessly, enhancing overall quality and lifespan.

Topcon also introduced its newest RD-MC road construction machine control solution, which now offers precise positioning even in areas with challenging GNSS coverage by leveraging an LPS solution. This advancement expands contractors' capabilities by providing accurate positioning in environments where satellite reception is limited.

These groundbreaking solutions were unveiled at World of Asphalt 2024 in Nashville, marking a significant step forward in road construction and resurfacing technology. With their focus on modularity, simplified configurations, and advanced features, the MC-Max Asphalt Paving and MC-Max Milling systems promise to revolutionize the industry, offering enhanced productivity and quality across construction projects of all sizes.

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