Successful pilot project: software expansion optimizes asphalting process

Road builders build on solutions for speed, accuracy and efficiency in all processes. So does Mourik Infra BV, a large independent family business and service provider in the field of infrastructure, among other things. Mourik is an all-round user of Topcon solutions, such as 3D machine control on excavators, wheel loaders, graders and bulldozers. The company also uses measuring instruments for dimensioning. For asphalting processes, Mourik deploys the software application Pavelink, and they are the first company in the Netherlands to be allowed to work with the Thermal Mapper in a pilot project.

Logistics workflow

"There is a lot involved in the logistics workflow in road construction," knows Conan Wilhelmus, account manager at Topcon. "Achieving a good result requires optimal cooperation between various organizations, people and machines. For example, the asphalt plant must deliver the right amount of material at the right time and its transport must be planned very accurately so that the asphalt spreader can process the asphalt at the right speed. Finally, the material must be compacted at the right temperature with the rollers. In short: accurate planning and control is crucial for a proper logistics workflow. Pavelink helps with that. With planning and real-time monitoring of the process, key people can make the right decisions and adjust where necessary. As a result, the process will run more efficiently and smoothly without having to change the way it works."

Pilot Project

Youri Kouvelt, asphalt coordinator at Mourik Infra is enthusiastic: "For years we have been using Pavelink to our full satisfaction. Since 2019, we have been engaged in the pilot project Thermal Mapper with Topcon." Jan Mennink, involved in developing new systems within Topcon adds: "Much of what we develop new, Mourik gets to use first in a test environment. We greatly value their feedback from the field, which is why they are closely involved in the development of new products by our engineers. The new Thermal Mapper is a welcome addition to the current product range. It is a complete system in which an infrared camera maps temperature variations for better quality control. You cannot mimic the temperature image of asphalt that has just been laid. In the case of asphalt temperatures, it is important to test with real data because realistic temperatures are essential for good product development. With the Thermal Mapper, you get this data very accurately. Because thousands of points are mapped, it is much more accurate than measuring at a single point with a traditional infrared thermometer. Because Mourik does various types of work, from highways to provincial roads to streets in small villages, you plug into the pilot as broadly as possible. That variation is valuable to us, and that way we can refine and improve the software for all variations of work."  

Consistent quality of asphalt

"Temperature is related to compaction. By applying the Thermal Mapper, you get an accurate temperature picture over the road traveled. That gives you the opportunity to act proactively. This creates a consistent quality of asphalt that limits future damage to the road surface," Kouvelt said. "Another advantage according to Mennink is that all data are easily recorded in reports. "Ideal for the increasingly applied BIM working method and the Quality Assurance Act, which is coming up."

Optimize asphalting process

"Precisely the combination of Pavelink with Thermal Mapper offers enormous added value for us," says Kouvelt. "Pavelink really manages the logistics workflow of the asphalting process: you have perfect insight into how many tons you are going to process, thanks to GPS you know exactly where your cars are driving and what the predicted arrival time is. That determines whether you need to pull faster or slower with your asphalt spreader to avoid standing still, because continuity is also an important factor for the quality of the asphalt. And with Thermal Mapper you guarantee the quality and you can make proactive adjustments where necessary." Wilhelmus: "It also offers a great advantage for performers. They no longer necessarily have to be on site to manage the asphalting process. With the Thermal Mapper, the overall picture thus becomes more and more complete and interesting." Mennink: "Thermal Mapper can be used to complement Pavelink. It is a modular system into which other modules can be integrated." He concludes, "Such a successful pilot project is very valuable for us. Topcon also really does something with the feedback from its customers. In that, we are progressive. So we always say, 'The customer doesn't have to adapt his working method to our product, but we make sure the product fits the customer's working method.'