Charles G. Macku

Bio: Charles G. Macku is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Screed. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 142 citations.

Paver with material supply and mat grade and slope quality control apparatus and method

Abstract: An asphalt paver includes a microprocessor controlled integrated control system to control both the operation of a tractor unit of the paver and the positioning of the screed during a paving operation. A paver operator may operate the paver and monitor the screed position with respect to a grade reference. The correction of grade or transverse slope errors is accomplished by monitoring the linear advance of the paver and then measuring a any deviation of the screed with respect to a grade reference. The amount of vertical deviation and the linear advance since a most recent correct reading allows a rate of deviation per unit advance of the paver to be determined. A correction is applied as a change in the angle of attack of the screed, the change being equal and opposite to the determined rate of deviation. A transverse slope change is also measured directly at the screed. A measured transverse angular deviation is translated into a vertical deviation which is then translated into a rate of deviation per unit advance of the paver with a corrective twist being applied to the screen to offset the deviation. Advantageously dual grade sensors and dual slope sensors are contemplated to provide an automated microprocessor controlled grade and slope control in accordance herewith.

Position referencing, measuring and paving method and apparatus for a profiler and paver

Abstract: A profiler 110 is used to collect data on a base surface 16. An asphalt paver 40 is provided with a like profiler 110 that measures smoothness of a fresh mat of asphalt laid by the paver. The profiler 110 measures surface elevation as a function of forward travel position. The profiler 110 and paver 40 position are determined by a fixed referencing system 30 such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Surface elevation is plotted against position of the profiler 110 and used to control a screed 46 levelling a mat 53 of paving material. A subsequent plot shows smoothness of the mat.

Paving system and method

Abstract: A method of operating a paving system includes establishing a plan for paving a work area which is based on a positional temperature model. The method further includes receiving temperature data for paving material and comparing the temperature data with data predicted by the positional temperature model. Operation of the paving system is adjusted where actual data differs from model predicted data. A paving system and control system are provided having an electronic control unit configured to compare electronic temperature data with a positional temperature model for paving material. The electronic control unit can control machines of the paving system based on comparing actual data with model predicted data, and can further update either or both of a plan for paving a work area and the positional temperature model itself based on differences between actual data and model predicted data. A complete temperature profile of a paving work area, including a comparison with the model may be recorded in computer readable memory for forensic and predictive analysis.

Apparatus and method for three-dimensional contouring

Abstract: A contouring (20) device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly (28) that is supported at opposite ends by a pair of fluid cylinders (52,54). The fluid cylinders are controlled to raise and lower the ends of the contouring assembly independently of each other, thereby allowing the contouring assembly to create a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of one of the fluid cylinders (52) is based on a comparison of the measured position of a first end of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. The measurement of the position of the first end of the contouring assembly is achieved by a tracking device (58) which tracks the position of a target (56) positioned on the first end of the contouring assembly and which determines the three dimensional position of the target. A proximity sensor (78) measures the position of the second end of the contouring assembly from a surface and outputs a control signal that adjusts the height of the second end of the contouring assembly to follow the surface. Alternatively, a second target positioned on the second contouring assembly end is tracked by a second tracking device to determine the three-dimensional position of the second end. The contouring assembly preferably has a plow (32), rotating auger (36), and a vibratory screed (34) positioned adjacent and parallel to one another in an orientation transverse to the direction of motion of the contouring assembly. The plow, rotating auger, and vibratory screed are all pivotable about an axis parallel to their longitudinal direction. A pivot or tilting controller controls the tilting of the plow, rotating auger, and vibratory screed to follow the slope of the profile stored in computer memory.

Temperature sensing for controlling paving and compaction operations

Abstract: A pavement temperature monitoring system (10) is used on paver vehicle (12) that is capable of forming a pavement material mat (11) upon a base surface (13), as paver vehicle (12) travels generally in a single direction. A temperature sensor (14) can be either a thermal imager, a thermal scanner, or a thermal imager operating in 'line scan' mode. The temperature sensor (14) is mounted on a rear end (12a) of the paver vehicle (12) in such a way that the entire width of the formed mat can be scanned or imaged. A display device (16) is capable of receiving a plurality of electrical signals from the thermal scanner and generating and displaying a graphical image (17) of the formed mat temperature profile.

Paving machine output monitoring system

Abstract: A paving machine may include a power source, a traction system, a hopper configured to contain paving material, and one or more conveyors configured to transfer the paving material from the hopper. The paving machine may also include a screed configured to lay a mat of the paving material. The paving machine may further include at least one front sensor mounted on a front portion of the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface to the front sensor and at least one rear sensor mounted on the paving machine and configured to measure height from a surface of the mat to the rear sensor. The paving machine may also include a controller configured to determine a thickness of the mat by determining a difference between one or more front height measurements taken by the at least one front sensor and one or more rear height measurements taken by the at least one rear sensor.