Publication Details
Tech Brief: Stringless Paving 
Primary Topic: Construction Technology
Description: String lines have traditionally been used to control paving machine elevation and steering on the grade. Stringless paving (sometimes referred to as “3-D paving”) is the process of constructing a pavement using non-contact, electronic guidance systems to guide the paver along the grade without the aid of string lines. Stringless paving allows contractors to eliminate hubs, pins, sensors or wands, clamps, and string lines (wires, cables, rope, etc.). This can produce significant savings of time and labor for establishing and maintaining the string line system, the elimination of stringline-related tripping hazards, and reductions in the required width of operating space for the paver. Additionally, stringless paving offers the potential for more accurate, smoother paving, especially in tight horizontal and vertical curves where stringlines can only simulate a smooth curve using straight line segments.
FHWA Publication Number: FHWA-HIF-18-011
Publication Year: 2019
Document Links: PDF (file size: 3 mb)