3d Technology Simplifies Concrete Paving Operations 5 From 8

It started using Trimble systems for earthwork eight to 10 years ago.

The initial move to 3D paving was made approximately four years ago. The reason for making the switch was a project on1-90.

“There was zero room for the string line,” recalls Allege Jr.

“The 3D made life a lot easier.”

The company started out using 3D on its trimmers.

It now uses a Leica system on its Gunter & Zimmerman paver and Trimble on its trimmers and earthmoving equipment.

“The biggest challenges were just getting familiar with the equipment and how it works – where to set the guns,” says Allega Jr.

“We had a few minor issues with the system, but nothing too complicated.”

Four total stations are used.

“Two talk to the machine and two are set up for hop scotching,” says Allega Jr. “When we get up close to the first two sets of guns, we will hit a few buttons on the Leica box and switch right over to the next set of guns.

We typically try to keep the guns 300 or 400 ft. apart.

If we are a little farther apart, we lose a bit of smoothness.”

Overall, smoothness has proven very good.

“We are consistently in the mid-5Os as well as the 40s.

We are very rarely above 70,” says Allega Jr.

“The biggest problems we have had were in areas where there was not a lot of space to set the guns.”

Anthony Allega Cement Contractors Inc.

has seen the greatest ROI from trucking and labor, but there are other benefits, as well.

“It makes the trucking 100% easier not having to worry about the string line. You have plenty of room,” says Allega Jr.