Pit & Quarry, February 2017

EVENT CONEXPO CON AGG 2017 CONE ConExpo Con Agg 2017 show layout which also comprises expansions to the Gold Hall and a new Bronze Lot located south of the South Hall With the new tech experience Con Expo Con Agg is advancing to a new level of thought leadership in our industry Were calling on AEM members to submit a proposal to be a part of it says Sara Truesdale Mooney show director and vice president of exhibitions and business development for AEM Were looking for our members bravest and most innovative ideas Proposals will be evaluated against a simple set of criteria by an outside panel of experts The tech experience will not only present a vision for the future of our industry but it will also raise awareness of technologies that enhance safety productivity and profitability Truesdale Mooney adds We feel a tremendous amount of pride as we take the exhibition to the next level of technological breakthroughs as we delve into the future of the construction industry In addition Truesdale Mooney points to ConExpo Con Agg and AEMs recently launched radio show ConExpo Con Agg Radio If Its New Its Here as another outlet for attendees to become clued into the ways in which technology is changing the landscape of the construction industry ConExpo Con Agg helps industry executives keep pace with the latest in new equipment and product innovations Goldsbury emphasizes Technology is critical to the future of the construction industry and ConExpo Con Agg Radio will help us to continuously connect our audience with the most cutting edge innovations in the industry on an ongoing basis NEW EDUCATION TRACK PREPARES FOR HI TECH FUTURE Complementing the Tech Experience Pavilion are the 10 education tracks meant to provide attendees with the latest industry knowledge and best practices to improve their professional skills and company productivity Education is a critical component of ConExpo Con Agg and we encourage attendees to take advantage of the convenience of so many learning opportunities available Goldsbury says Theyll be able to work smarter because of the knowledge they gain here Offered March 7 10 ConExpo Con Agg 2017 education tracks include Aggregate Asphalt Concrete Cranes rigging and aerial lifts Earthmoving and site development Equipment management and maintenance Management business best practices Management workforce development skills Safety and regulations ce The new technology track focuses on industry innovations and future growth opportunities in the technology field including drones autonomous machines smart apps gamification big data Internet of Things and 3 D imaging a technology of which attendees will also be able to view a demo as part of the aforementioned 3 D printed excavator display FUTURE GENERATIONS To be unveiled as the worlds first fully functional 3 D printed construction excavator and the first large scale use of steel in 3 D printing known as additive manufacturing the machine is meant to serve a tangible testament to the Con Expo Con Agg theme and bring to life how technology is transforming the construction industry It is made possible in joint collaboration with AEM National Fluid Power Association NFPA Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power CCEFP Oak Ridge National Laboratory ORNL and the National Science Foundation NSF The groups are working with research teams from Georgia Tech and the University of Minnesota to convert the current excavator design to one that is conducive to and takes full advantage of 3 D manufacturing Graduate students in engineering at Georgia Tech will be creating a boom and bucket featuring integrated hydraulics with the goal of decreasing the weight materials cost and maintenance while students at the University of Minnesota are designing a hydraulic oil reservoir heat exchanger and cooling system that reduces the size and weight re an o and increase the efficiency of the machine Technology and innovation will drive change for the future of the construction industry and were excited that students st are playing a vital role in bringing the newly designed machine to life says Eric Lanke CEO of NFPA In addition to the partnerships with Georgia Tech and the University of Minnesota AEM NFPA CCEFP ORNL and NSF are inviting undergraduate students in engineering from across the country to participate in a nationwide contest to design and print a futuristic cab and a human machine interface for the excavator that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally designed Students can submit their designs for the cab of the excavator at ccefp org Per judging by a panel of industry experts the winning team will receive a 2000 cash prize and the opportunity to visit ORNL in Tennessee to observe the printing of the selected design We know our members look forward to seeing the industrys most innovative technologies at ConExpo Con Agg and IFPE each show year and 2017 will not disappoint said John Rozum IFPE show director Were thrilled to bring such a significant technological and first of itskind achievement like the 3 D printed excavator to the show It will be a platform to demonstrate how the latest innovations and applied technologies are changing the future of the construction industry P Q 86 PIT QUARRY February 2017 pitandquarry com