Construction

Smart Compact Pro enhances asphalt quality and reduces construction costs. (Image source: Hamm)

For the first time, real-time density is being used as a decisive parameter for qualitative assessment and integrated into automated compaction. Smart Compact Pro makes a significant contribution to extending the service life of road surfaces and, in the long term, reduces construction and repair costs, as well as potential additional expenses for the contractor.

Despite advances in digitalisation, asphalt compaction has so far been heavily dependent on empirical data and the experience of the roller driver. Consistent double passes and the correct use of dynamic compaction were often dependent on the driver’s knowledge. Since 2022, the Smart Compact digital compaction assistant from Hamm has been simplifying the compaction process in asphalt construction by controlling the compaction modes and forces based on the selected layer type – base, binder or surface course – automatically and separately for both drums. The system continuously monitors the asphalt’s physical properties, such as temperature and rigidity, as well as its complex cooling behaviour, to ensure homogeneous compaction by applying the optimum compaction energy and modes in each case. There is even the option of incorporating local weather data.

Hamm is now expanding Smart Compact to incorporate an essential measured value – real-time asphalt density. Industry experts agree that it is the decisive parameter for qualitative assessment during the compaction process and will become the key indicator for rigorously meeting regulatory requirements and minimising financial deductions.

Smart Compact Pro closes this gap by integrating the new “Realtime Density Scan” sensor into the automated compaction process. It determines the asphalt density in real time by measuring the dielectric conductivity of the asphalt mix to be compacted, therefore forming the basis for the correlation with the asphalt density or the porosity. Both parameters are crucial for self-monitoring or control testing. With the help of real-time density, Smart Compact Pro is able to provide construction companies with a decisive advantage by accurately implementing regulatory requirements.

This can significantly reduce potential financial deductions due to inadequate quality in the construction work and also save costs for premature repairs. Using Smart Compact Pro also significantly reduces the costs for extracting drill cores.

In summary, the world-first integration of real-time density into automated compaction represents a significant step forward for asphalt compaction. Even inexperienced operators can achieve optimal compaction results with Smart Compact Pro, with no need for extensive prior knowledge. This offers a significant boost for construction companies in times of an increasing shortage of skilled workers.

Introducing safer, more efficient hoisting in tight spaces (Image source: SkyJacks)

SkyJacks has expanded its access portfolio with the GEDA 300 Z Boiler Hoist designed for tight, confined operations

A solution specifically designed for tight spaces, the new hoist allows for maintenance work in high-value industrial environments such as silos, blast furnaces, co-generation plants and boilers, where service and engineering teams often face access challenges.

Sometimes, access is limited to a 45-cm manhole, which means traditional lifting equipment cannot work effectively — this forces teams to rely on manual handling methods that consume time and require physical effort.

“The reality is that many maintenance teams are working in environments that were never designed for modern equipment,” said Darryn Jacobs, managing director at SkyJacks. “The GEDA 300 Z changes that completely. It enables contractors to introduce efficient lifting capabilities into spaces that were previously hard to reach, without sacrificing safety or performance.”

Industries like energy, mining and manufacturing often perform maintenance in vertical structures, where materials, tools and components must be moved safely between different levels.

In these situations, a lack of effective lifting systems can slow down operations, a delay that increases downtime during vital maintenance shutdowns.

Manual handling not only hampers productivity but also raises safety risks and worker fatigue, complicating the ability for teams to meet tight deadlines.

The GEDA 300 Z Boiler Hoist tackles these problems with an innovative modular design.

Each component is lightweight and compact enough to fit through narrow openings, including 45-cm manholes, which allows teams to bring the system into confined spaces more readily.

Once inside, two people can assemble the unit in about 40 minutes, creating a fully functional hoisting system where traditional equipment cannot operate.

“With the ability to lift materials quickly and safely, teams can focus on what truly matters,” said Jacobs. “You’re getting rid of the bottlenecks that usually slow down projects, which ultimately means faster turnaround times and less downtime for the whole operation.”

The GEDA 300 Z has a lifting capacity of up to 300 kg and can reach heights of up to 100 metres, making it suitable for various maintenance and refurbishment tasks.

Its strong construction ensures durability in tough industrial environments, while its compact size is perfect for tight spaces where larger systems cannot operate.

Safety is another benefit, according to Jacobs.

“Safety is crucial in these settings,” he said. “What’s important is that you don’t have to compromise efficiency to achieve it. The GEDA 300 Z is built to provide both, giving operators confidence that their teams and equipment are secure at all times.”

He said industries that will benefit the most from adding the GEDA 300 Z to their maintenance strategies include power generation, mining, manufacturing, petrochemical operations, as well as industrial construction.

In these fields, where maintenance in confined spaces is common, enhancing material handling while cutting down on downtime can significantly boost overall performance.

“The launch of the GEDA 300 Z is about more than just a piece of equipment,” said Jacobs. “It’s about providing our clients with a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to handle maintenance in some of the most challenging environments. When you can reduce downtime, improve safety, and streamline operations at the same time, that’s where true value is created.”

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African tourism and business confidence is on the up (Image source: Adobe Stock)

After a busy year targeting North Africa’s dynamic hospitality sector, BWH Hotels is turning its attentions to sub-Saharan Africa in 2026

Its expansion across Africa will continue this year with four new hotel openings across key regional markets — a move that bodes well for construction firms and other local services providers.

The growth includes two new properties in Nigeria, one in Ethiopia and one in Tanzania, reflecting the group’s commitment to supporting Africa’s tourism and business‑travel sectors.

In Nigeria, the Best Western Premier McDons Skye Hotel and the Best Western Plus Ambience Hotel Ikeja represent the group’s upscale and upper‑midscale offerings, combining international service standards with locally-inspired hospitality.

These openings underscore BWH Hotels’ long‑term investment in Africa and its mission to deliver high‑quality accommodations in fast‑growing destinations, according to Wytze van den Berg, VP international operations, BWH Hotels.

He said the company continues to see rising confidence and sustained investor interest across African markets, driven by increasing regional stability and strong long-term inbound travel projections.

“Investor confidence comes with predictability. While the world is filled with uncertainties, we are seeing growing trust and confidence across many African countries,” said van den Berg.

“The continent’s future projected tourism numbers are promising and reinforce investor appetite across key markets.”

The company highlights Ethiopia, Tanzania, Egypt and Morocco as markets showing particularly strong development momentum, supported by a wave of new pipelines and hotel projects, especially in Northern Africa.

Morocco and Egypt are now the two fastest‑growing development markets in Africa, he added.

“In the past year, we have signed more than 25 new pipeline properties in Morocco, and we are actively working on a dozen additional projects in Egypt,” he said.

“These two markets are rapidly accelerating and represent major growth engines for our brand family across Africa.”

The expansion supports BWH Hotels’ strategy to broaden its portfolio including Best Western Hotels & Resorts and WorldHotels, offering diverse development opportunities for different market segments, from upscale and upper‑midscale properties to soft‑branded luxury.

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