At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, Trimble announced that its Roadworks paving control platform for asphalt compactors will now integrate with Geophysical Survey Systems Inc.’s (GSSI) ground penetrating radar sensor, PaveScan RS, providing asphalt compaction metrics with every pass.
The integration of high-speed ground penetrating radar with Trimble Roadworks gives asphalt paving contractors the ability to map the dielectric profile — or percentage of air voids — throughout the asphalt compaction process rather than by testing core samples after the completion of a project.
“Giving asphalt compactor operators the ability to monitor compaction quality as they go can significantly improve compaction workflows,” said Kevin Garcia, General Manager of Civil Specialty Solutions at Trimble. “Now, an operator can ensure that the asphalt density is correct before they leave the area, rather than waiting until the job is done and then drilling holes in the asphalt to test the density.”
The ability to monitor quality throughout the project in real time takes the guesswork out of roller patterns and can significantly reduce the likelihood of rework or fines for work that doesn’t meet compaction specifications.
“Until now, the only reliable way to determine the compaction quality of asphalt paving is by cutting cores next to live traffic the following day,” said Curt Turgeon, Paving Engineer at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which has been piloting the Trimble/GSSI integration. “Contractors Quality Control typically requires gauge readings amongst the truck and roller traffic. Reducing or even eliminating these kinds of exposures is essential to creating the safest workplace possible. The immediately accurate, full-width quality control feedback to the operator and foreman make this integration compelling, but the safety benefits alone are enough to make this a game changer for anyone involved with asphalt paving.”
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
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| Brandeis Machinery |
GSSI’s ground penetrating radar technology provides subsurface inspection data non-destructively. Trimble and its SITECH dealer network will now serve as a key global aftermarket reseller of GSSI’s density profiling sensors.
Trimble also announced two updates to its Earthworks grade control platform: new availability for more machine types and added functionality for excavators equipped with dynamic swing booms.
“Offering more machine types and new functionality continues to extend the capabilities of Trimble Earthworks to better meet the needs of civil contractors so that, regardless of your machine type or the size of your job site, you can take advantage of Earthworks to increase productivity, safety, and precision,” said Elwyn McLachlan, Trimble’s Vice President, Product and Strategy, Civil Construction.
Trimble Earthworks for excavators equipped with swing boom attachments will be available via Trimble’s dealer network in May 2026.
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
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| Brandeis Machinery |
“All types of mini excavators are commonly configured with dynamic swing booms, which further increases the versatility of an excavator on projects like underground utilities, sidewalks, curb and gutter, and on work near existing permanent infrastructure,” said Cameron Clark, Senior Director, Earthmoving Technology at Trimble. “Customers around the world have requested a machine control solution that provides the precise location of the bucket edge when using a swing boom.”
Trimble Earthworks is also expanding support for towed and wheeled tractor scrapers, enabling operators to use machine control technology to optimize cutting and loading performance. Additionally, to better accommodate mixed fleets, Trimble Earthworks is now available across several new machine makes and models, including automated excavators, motor graders, and dozers.
