The majority of all paved roads has an asphalt covering. Yet asphalting is a complex process in which the parameters of temperature, thickness of the layer, compacting and evenness each play an important role, decisive for the final quality. The smallest flaws in construction soon lead to cracks, unevenness and chuckholes. The consequence: the roads must be reworked or renewed ahead of the original time plan. The objective of the „ASPHALT“ project is to improve the quality of road coverings and to optimize process sequences. As a result, maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.

„ASPHALT“ makes use of localization technologies in road construction, to support and control asphalt machines. An important constituent part of the project is the Galileo/GPS/EGNOS receiver developed by the Fraunhofer IIS. The multi-frequency receiver has several advantages: the use of two frequencies reduces disturbances from the ionosphere; as a result, the position is determined with improved precision. Combining GPS and Galileo also improves the availability of satellite signals; special algorithms calculate the position. By means of the exact control of the machines, an even thickness of the layer and thus an even road covering are guaranteed.

In addition, process sequences and supply chains were analyzed and optimized. Providing the material, actually laying it, and the compacting process: these are partial steps within the system as a whole. With the help of data logging from start to finish, and the networking of all components, the sequence of tasks in road construction can be improved and simultaneously documented. The most important parameters – e.g. temperature, layer thickness, and compacting – are exchanged between the machines, like in a network. Partial steps can thus be ideally coordinated with each other. In the future, the complete monitoring and protocolling of process sequences are important and useful, particularly for public authorities and also road-construction companies.

„ASPHALT“ project partners:
MOBA Mobile Automation AG, DKE Aerospace, Dynapac, TeleConsult Austria, inPosition, Fraunhofer IIS

Project coordination:
MOBA Mobile Automation AG, Marcus Watermann
Phone +49 6431 9577-208, MWatermann@moba.de