World of Concrete show launches

The World of Concrete show has launched as part of Intermat in Paris, unveiling a number of new and upgraded products.

This well-established US event, held annually in Las Vegas, has made its debut in Europe, featuring equipment releases from industry sectors including materials processing, quarrying, scaffolding and formwork companies.

Italian manufacturer Cifa has used the event to launch its latest series of pumps. This includes its UB504/307 truck-mounted model, which operates with a two-axle Isuzu chassis, featuring an S6 open circuit pumping unit. It has 200x1000mm cylinders and a 250 litre hopper. Cifa said the new model, known as the city pump, was ideal for use in urban areas where space is limited. According to Cifa, the pump has been developed with ease of maintenance and low-noise operation as key features.

Within the larger pump segment, Cifa has released its carbotech series of truck-mounted concrete boom pumps, which include the K45H, K53H and K60H models. The K45H has a 5-section 45m placing boom which features its carbotech composite material, which the company said assisted in reducing the weight of the equipment.

Among the series’ key features are load-sensing boom operation, concrete flow regulator and fully hydraulic outrigger controls. It has 230x2100mm cylinders and a hopper capacity of 550. The middle model of the range, the K53H has a 52m placing boom, 260x2100mm cylinders, while the top of the range, the K60H has a six-section 59ma placing boom, 260x2100mm concrete cyclinders and an enlarged 600 litre hopper.

Meanwhile, Tekla has unveiled its updated version of its Field3D system, using computer-based Building Information Modelling (BIM) software developed to help improve construction site processes.

The Field3D system has been enhanced to work with Android mobile devices as well as its original iOS-based version, which the company said has now allowed greater flexibility for those using the company’s applications.

According to Tekla, Field3D and its linked software, Tekla Field3D server, can support a wider range of file formats detailing 3D models of construction sites. The company said the system has been improved to encourage greater collaborative working, with the ability to add digital notes and discussion threads between those working on a particular construction project.

The company said that industry feedback so far had been positive, with contractors highlighting the Field3D system’s capability of generating precise 3D models of materials used within building designs as one of the software’s most useful functions.