Roadbuilding: The road to success

The beauty of the roadbuilding sector is the vast amount of products used, as many different types of manufacturers’ services are required when building roads, and this makes competition fierce.

In the wake of Bauma 2016 in Germany, many new products have been released on the market. Wirtgen, for example, has launched two new machines for road rehabilitation.

One of these was the W 120 Ri from the new generation of small milling machines, which is a mobile rear loader on wheels. The second is the W 150 CFi, which is a front loader and said to be the most powerful model in the new compact class.

The company has also launched its new slipform paver SP 64i and the curing unit TCM 180i – two machines that the company described as “pioneering” – for high-quality concrete paving.

Together with the SP 61i and SP 62i models, the SP 64i makes up the new SP 60 series which is set to replace the SP 500 slipform paver in the future.

The new SP 90 series comprises the SP 92i and the SP 94i, a completely modular inset version with four steered and pivotable crawler tracks.

The PKD cutters for cold milling machines are also new from Wirtgen, as well as two further innovations in the form of point-attack cutting tools of Generation Z, and the quick-change toolholder system HT22. These have been specially developed to meet the requirements of cold recycling and soil stabilisation. Across the Atlantic, Minnich launched a new concrete barrier wall drill at the World of Concrete 2016 show in Las Vegas, US.

The company said the powerful new drill helped contractors maximise the efficiency and safety of drilling vertical holes for the pins used to secure temporary concrete traffic barriers.

Air-driven and self-propelled, the Minnich concrete barrier wall drill straddles and rides along the top of the temporary wall.

A tethered controller enables the operator simultaneously to drill three accurate, consistent pin holes – through pre-moulded holes in the wall, through the road, into the sub-base – while positioned on the non-traffic side of the barrier.

Todd Jurjevic, director of sales, said, “The new drill saves contractors significant time and cost, and promotes safety by eliminating the need to hand-drill pin holes on the traffic side of the barrier.”

Advanced technology

Volvo Construction Equipment has added the SD75B, SD115B and SD135B soil compactors, which the company said were packed with advanced technology that adapted to the application and jobsite, providing maximum versatility and performance.

The new machines are EU Stage IV/Tier 4 Final-compliant.

Volvo’s advanced drum control system allows the operator – via an easy-to-use console – to adjust the frequency and amplitude, compensating for changing soil types and conditions. Two frequency settings come as standard but five can be included as an option. High or low amplitude can be selected to adjust the drum’s dynamic force based on the job and material depth.

The traction system provides improved climbing and traction capabilities in difficult applications, such as steep inclines or slippery surfaces, preventing wheel or drum spin for excellent gradeability, performance and productivity, said Volvo.

The B-Series compactors can be set up in three different configurations and are available with a smooth or padfoot drum. The compactor can also be quickly and easily converted from a smooth drum by clamping on a padfoot shell, said the company.

Looking at the performance of the engines, it is said to deliver high torque at low rpm for lower emissions and decreased fuel consumption, without compromising on power. ECO mode now comes as standard on the SD75B, SD115B and SD135B models and can achieve up to a 40% reduction in fuel consumption by matching engine speed to operation mode. Furthermore, the new eccentric design provides quicker ramp-up speeds at lower pressure, also for increased fuel efficiency.

Big league players

Road paving company Vögele, part of the Wirtgen group, has the new Super 800-3i – a machine which it said demonstrated that even small pavers could play in the big leagues.

In its Universal Class, it has also launched two new models from its Super series – the Super 1600-3i tracked paver and the Super 1603-3i wheeled paver.

Two new machines are being premiered in the Special Class. The first of these is the Super 1800-3i with SprayJet module and the new ErgoPlus operating concept for paving thin wearing courses.

At the Bauma show, the company provided a special WITOS Paving & RoadScan presentation on the subject of Process & Quality Optimisation. WITOS is a modular software system that supports fleet and service management, but Vögele said it also enabled new approaches to process optimisation. It said this made it possible for the first time not only to apply the just-in-time principle to organising construction processes, but also to optimise processes such as milling, asphalt paving and compaction.

US-based GOMACO has launched its new 3300 multi-application slipform paver, as well as its new GP3 machine, which it calls “the world’s most intelligent concrete paver for slipforming widths up to 9.14m”.

Features on the 3300 include advanced steering capabilities with Smart Leg and Track Positioning, as well as a Smart Telescoping mould mounting system, which allows paving from both sides of the machine.

The paver includes a U-shaped operator platform, which is said to give an enhanced view of the overall paving operation.

Along with a 6.1m conveyor – with four-way hydraulic positioning which allows improved placement of the concrete into the hopper on either side of the paver – the control console slides from side-to-side, depending on the direction of the pour.

Hydraulic rotational devices on the tracks – combined with GOMACO’s latest G+ technology – are said to aid the 3300’s steering capabilities.

The company said the paver could quickly change from one mould profile to another, using GOMACO’s Hook-and-Go mould mounting system. The trimmerhead and mould also shift sideways and adjust vertically, clearing obstacles and allowing the 3300 to get much closer to them.

The dual-telescoping GP3 slipform paver can pave to a maximum width of 9.14m, and is the first in a series of GOMACO pavers to feature next generation technology.

It combines Smart Frame Widening, allowing it to accommodate multiple width changes, with Smart Leg Positioning and Smart Steering, which are all controlled by the GOMACO-exclusive G+ digital control system.

Hamm, a member of the Wirtgen Group, has launched its new pivot-steered DV+ series of tandem rollers, which feature the Easy Drive operating concept that Hamm said permitted simple, intuitive operation.

In future, Easy Drive will also be installed in the articulated tandem rollers of the HD+ series, as well as in the H Series compactors.

Meanwhile, there are three new pavers from Caterpillar, in the shape of the AP300F, AP355F and AP555F, which are each powered by an engine that meets Stage IV emission standards.

The AP555F is a mid- to high-production, rubber tracked paver designed for use on projects such as airports runways, highways and other large jobsites. Cat said its high travel speed, flotation and traction delivered enhanced mobility.

Each of the pavers features quick-heating screed systems that aid productivity and reduce idle time.

Atlas Copco has launched its sixth generation Dynapac large asphalt rollers, the CC4200 to CC6200. Its first generation – the CC40 – was introduced in 1964.

The company said the machines are extremely operator friendly, offering unmatched ease of operation, excellent manoeuvrability and highest quality compaction. The engines also incorporate the latest emission reduction technology, and performance is enhanced by high vibration frequency and an advanced water system.

The seat and steering module can be swivelled and slid from the left of the roller to the right. As an option the seat can swivel so that the operator is facing fully to the rear, allowing the operator to work on both sides of the roller when moving backwards. This is said to eliminate the limitations of defined forward and reverse working directions.

Together with this option comes the electronic mini-steering wheel that makes it even easier to steer the roller smoothly and accurately, which Atlas Copco said took the ergonomics and manoeuvrability to an even higher level.

The Dynapac offset has been increased to 500mm, while using the front drum for offset for even better driving accuracy, it said. This creates a small turning radius when used in combination with the steering hitch. It makes it possible to move a larger portion of the machine mass inwards on the road when compacting weak road edges, thus making the roller more stable.

Gap closed

Bomag, meanwhile, believes it has closed a gap in the market with its newest member of the RS family – the RS 500 recycler.

The company believes that, for the first time, the side-shift capability of the milling rotor makes it possible to mill up to the marginal areas of a road with wheel-based recyclers, which was not previously possible. It said that in the past it led to reduced quality and laborious working methods.

The sideways adjustable milling rotor of the RS 500, which extends beyond the wheel edge, reaches even marginal areas and the machine remains safely manoeuvrable, without the tyres having to work on unsuitable subsurface or the wheels colliding into existing road surfaces.

The rotor can be moved left or right over the wheel rim, which makes it possible to mill both edges of the road without missing any areas, said Bomag.

The machine concept is complemented by Flexmix technology, developed by Bomag, which adjusts the pulverised material. The RS 500 also boasts an adjustable flap in the rotor cover.

Thanks to its height-adjustable cab and compact dimensions, the RS 500, claimed Bomag, was very easy to transport. With a transport height of 3.1m, a total width of 2.55m, and a length of 9.5m, the machine can be easily placed on a low loader from one construction site to the next.

Thanks to the central, high working position and the extensive all-round glazing of the ROPS/FOPS cabin, the driver has improved 360° visibility even without camera systems. This cabin concept, as well as its intuitive operation, enhances both safety and comfort for the driver, said Bomag.

It said that the new RS 500 also features its proven rotor drive concept. In this case, two planetary gears are driven by two hydraulic motors. This allows for easy adjustment to every construction site situation. If required, the hydraulics always work with the maximum engine power. The rotor is completed by the BRS 05 quick-change tool holder system. Designed specifically for recyclers, its function remains effective even under difficult conditions.

Forward moving

Ammann has launched 17 new products, including pavers, forward-moving vibratory plate compactors, soil compactors, pneumatic and trench rollers, an articulated roller with ACE and oscillation, and asphalt plants.

Both the wheeled and tracked versions of the Ammann pavers have been updated to meet all emission regulations worldwide. It said the tracked versions – the AFT 350-2 and AFT 500-2 – provided improved traction in challenging underfoot conditions. The wheeled AFW 350-2 and AFW 500-2 were described as the best choices when mobility was essential.

The next generation of Ammann’s mini paver, the AFW 150-2, has also been released. The wheeled paver features a larger auger – 120mm diameter compared with the previous 100mm – that is said to ensure proper material distribution along the screed. A new material flow sensor is another enhancement.

A hydraulically-extendible screed operates in a similar way to those on larger pavers, which is said to enable quick and effortless extension while the machine is operating.

Ammann said its forward-moving vibratory plates – the APF 1133, APF 1440, APF 1450 and APF 2050 – represented new efforts to send compaction energy toward the materials and away from the operator.

Benninghoven, an arm of the Wirtgen group, believes its new silent generation of asphalt mixers is “far ahead of its time”.

The MBA 2000, with five-fold screening as a standard, can be set up or taken down within a very short time and is, therefore, said to be easy to manoeuver. Its short installation time also allows asphalt production to take place close to the construction site.

The new MBA also offers uncomplicated modular extension of components, for example, the option of adding recycling material. This allows the customer to add up to 25% recycling material, depending on the base material, claimed Benninghoven.

UK-based Bituchem recently played a role in providing a new landscape for Hertfordshire University’s College Lane campus, UK.

As part of a major redevelopment project of the university’s existing campus, Bituchem supplied around 3,000m² of its Natratex Gravel to provide maintenance-free footpaths across the campus.

The work comprised the surfacing of existing and new footpaths. The Natratex Gravel presents a surface that contrasts with the surrounding black tarmac to form aesthetically pleasing pathways to match the modern surroundings of the university campus.

The Natratex Gravel footpaths are just one part of the attractive landscape created by the architects The Landmark Practice, which felt that it was the right product to create the desired landscape for the university grounds. In fact, Andy Spargo, principal landscape architect, said, “We are very pleased with the aesthetics of the landscape created using Bituchem’s Natratex Gravel and for this reason we would definitely consider it for future projects.”

Natratex Gravel uses a clear binder system with decorative buff coloured aggregates, with the appearance of natural stone, to create a durable surface for pedestrian and light vehicular use.

It offers a fully compacted finish compared to real gravel, making it safer for pedestrian use and is virtually maintenance free once applied, claims the company.