A smart steering control system a paving or texturing machine receives path elements corresponding to current and future positions of the machine. By comparing the current and future elements, an expected completion time is derived for exiting the current position and entering the future position; the smart steering control system synchronizes adjustments of the machine's steerable tracks from the current path to the future path. The smart steering control system functions as a virtual tie rod, preventing damage, enhancing the traction control and pulling power of the machine, and preserving the operating life of its components.

A method of slip forming a concrete structure can include using a first slip form mold that travels along a path to form a portion of a concrete structure by delivering a first flow of concrete into the first mold through a first hopper. The first hopper can be configured to receive the first flow of concrete. The portion of the concrete structure can be modified using a second slip form mold different from the first mold by advancing the second mold along the concrete structure and, while advancing the second mold, delivering a second flow of concrete into the second mold through a second hopper that is configured to receive the second flow of concrete.

Systems and methods for the continuous slip form construction of concrete barriers over support cages. A tube feeder of a slip form construction system can include angled tubes that can direct reinforcing bars into a concrete barrier and also provide space between the tubes for insertion of a support cage through the system and into the concrete barrier.

The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine which has a drive means 5 having a left and a right crawler track 3A, 3B, in particular a slipform paver, and to a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a slipform paver. The construction machine comprises a machine frame 1, a working means arranged on the machine frame, a crawler track 3A on the left in the working direction A and a crawler track 3B on the right in the working direction, and a drive means 5 for driving the left crawler track at a predetermined chain speed and the right crawler track at a predetermined chain speed. In addition, the construction machine has a control unit 7 which is configured such that, on the basis of the distance a between a front reference point 9 with respect to the machine frame 1 in the working direction A and a predetermined path 8, the chain speed of the left crawler track 3A and/or the chain speed of the right crawler track 3B is predetermined such that the front reference point 9 moves on the predetermined path 8. The control unit 7 is further configured such that, during cornering, the control is corrected on the basis of the distance b between a rear reference point 10 with respect to the machine frame in the working direction and the predetermined path 8 such that the distance between the rear reference point with respect to the machine frame in the working direction and the predetermined path reduces.

A smart steering control system a paving or texturing machine receives path elements corresponding to current and future positions of the machine. By comparing the current and future elements, an expected completion time is derived for exiting the current position and entering the future position; the smart steering control system synchronizes adjustments of the machine's steerable tracks from the current path to the future path. The smart steering control system functions as a virtual tie rod, preventing damage, enhancing the traction control and pulling power of the machine, and preserving the operating life of its components.

A slipform paver comprises a machine frame carried by rolling assemblies, at least two of which being drivable and at least one being steerable, as well as comprising a support arranged on the machine frame for a slipform mould and a controller for controlling the rolling assemblies to adjust the velocities of the drivable rolling assemblies and the steering angles of the one or more steerable rolling assemblies. The controller is configured such that, when the steering angles of the one or more steerable rolling assemblies change, the velocities of the drivable rolling assemblies are adjusted so as to reduce the change in the velocity at which a reference point referring to the support for the slipform mould will move along a predefined trajectory, said change in velocity being caused by changing the steering angle. The quality of the concrete profile produced by the slipform paver is thereby improved.

A slipform paving machine includes an offset mold, and a mold frame actuator which allows the height of the offset mold relative to the paving machine to be controlled. Internal actuators within the mold allow corresponding control of side form assemblies to control both height and profile of a resulting slipformed concrete structure.

Systems and methods for the continuous slip form construction of concrete barriers over support cages. A tube feeder of a slip form construction system can include angled tubes that can direct reinforcing bars into a concrete barrier and also provide space between the tubes for insertion of a support cage through the system and into the concrete barrier.

Solar trackers and methods for assembling same are described herein. A pair of ballast blocks, simultaneously using a slip-form paver having a cut-off blade, by positioning the paver at a start point of the pair of ballast blocks. The cut-off blade is oriented in a closed position, halting flow of concrete. The slip-form paver is advanced to an end point of the pair of ballast blocks. While advancing the slip-form paver, the cut-off blade is simultaneously moved to an open position. The open position permits flow of the concrete through the mold depositing onto a solar tracker location. After reaching the end point, the cut-off blade is moved to the closed position. Grooves oriented lengthwise are formed in each ballast block. A leg structure of the solar tracker is secured into the grooves.

An inset slip form paving apparatus includes a frame having a front and a rear defining a paving direction. At least one left ground engaging support and at least one right ground engaging support support the frame from a ground surface. An inset mold assembly is located below the frame and between the left and right ground engaging supports. An adjustable support assembly supports the mold assembly from the frame so that the mold assembly is adjustable in position in the paving direction relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position.