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.

The invention relates to a slipform paver and a method for operating a slipform paver. The slipform paver 1 according to the invention comprises a machine frame 3 carried by rolling assemblies 7, 8, 10, 11, at least two of said rolling assemblies being drivable and at least one rolling assembly being steerable, as well as comprising a support 17 arranged on the machine frame 3 for a slipform mould 18 and a control unit 21 for controlling the rolling assemblies so as to adjust the velocities of the drivable rolling assemblies and the steering angle of the one steerable rolling assembly, or the steering angles of the steerable rolling assemblies. The control unit 21 is configured such that, when the steering angle of the one steerable rolling assembly changes or the steering angles of the steerable rolling assemblies change, the velocities (v.sub.LVO, v.sub.LHI, v.sub.RVO, v.sub.RHI ) of the drivable rolling assemblies (7, 8, 10, 11) are adjusted so as to reduce the change in the velocity (v.sub.G) at which a reference point (G) referring to the support (17) for the slipform mould (18) will move along a predefined trajectory (T), said change in velocity being caused by changing the steering angle. The quality of the concrete profile produced by the slipform paver is improved as a result.

A construction machine system comprises a self-propelled construction machine and a total station. The construction machine possesses a machine frame, a drive means and a working means for altering the terrain. A position-determination means determines the position of a reference point on the machine in a first coordinate system independent of the machine. The position-determination means receives satellite signals from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), wherein in normal operation the machine is controlled using the GNSS such that a reference point on the machine moves along a set target travel path. In a total station control mode, the machine is controlled without the GNSS and only using the total station based on a position of the standpoint and orientation of the total station ascertained in the GNSS control mode, and the position-determination of the construction machine occurs in a second coordinate system based on the total station.

A self-propelled construction machine includes a plurality of swing legs, each swing leg being supported from a ground surface by an associated crawler track steerably connected to an outer end of its associated swing leg. Pivotal movement of a swing leg may be accomplished by steering the associated crawler track through a non-zero steering angle until the lateral movement of the crawler track achieves the desired pivoting movement of the associated swing leg.

A system is provided for varying the width of a molded concrete slab on the fly as the slab is being molded. Position and height of the paving machine relative to an external reference system are determined and controlled using at least two 3D stringless reference objects. An additional sensor provides a signal corresponding to a frame width and thus a concrete slab width, and an actuator controls the frame width actively as the paving machine advances.

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.

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 system is provided for varying the width of a molded concrete slab on the fly as the slab is being molded. Position and height of the paving machine relative to an external reference system are determined and controlled using at least two 3D stringless reference objects. An additional sensor provides a signal corresponding to a frame width and thus a concrete slab width, and an actuator controls the frame width actively as the paving machine advances.

A self-propelled construction machine includes a plurality of swing legs, each swing leg being supported from a ground surface by an associated crawler track steerably connected to an outer end of its associated swing leg. Pivotal movement of a swing leg may be accomplished by steering the associated crawler track through a non-zero steering angle until the lateral movement of the crawler track achieves the desired pivoting movement of the associated swing leg.