The World of Asphalt trade show returned to break records after its usual year-hiatus.
This year’s show, which took place in Houston, Texas in March featured more exhibit space and attendees than previous shows. Combined with the Agg1 Aggregates Academy & Expo, the combined shows featured a soldout exhibition show floor that broke size records with 174,000 net square feet of exhibits and more than 460 exhibitors, including over 160 exhibitors that are new to the shows.
The following are a number of the machines and technologies that are geared towards improving road construction this season. Original equipment manufacturers see the most gains in the introduction of new compactors/rollers.
Compactors/Rollers
• Case Construction Equipment introduced the new SV212D and SV216D single drum vibratory compactors. The machines feature high centrifugal forces that allow for higher lifts, deeper compaction depths and fewer passes. Performance on rough, uneven terrain is improved with an oscillating articulated roller joint that maintains consistent drum-to-ground contact. An improved drum design reduces drift and maintains constant compaction.
Able to climb grades of up to 65 per cent, the machines feature a low-centre-of-gravity axle-free design and a high-traction hydrostatic drive system that provides constant power to the wheels and drum with an electronic self-adjusting torque control system, states the company. To meet the demands of the most extreme conditions with increased torque and speed over the standard hydrostatic drive system, an optional HX drive is available.
• Caterpillar exhibited their new production-class tandem vibratory rollers: the CB13, CB15 and CB16. These rollers feature many technological enhancements, such as Pass-Count and Temperature Mapping systems combined with infrared temperature sensors and GPS mapping, as well as “machine to machine” communication.
The machines offer Oscillatory Vibration, Dual Amplitude, Dual Frequency, Versa Vibe and Five Amplitude systems, states the company. An offset hitch option extends coverage up to 170 millimetres and makes it easier to operate the machine near obstacles, such as curbs and gutters. To tackle longitudinal joints, the machines pinch the edge with the lead drum and seal the joint with the trailing drum.
• Dynapac North America exhibited their new Dynapac CO4200 Generation VI double drum roller with an oscillation force of up to 27,450 pounds. Oscillation is well-suited to high-quality compaction in thin asphalt overlay applications or in areas where vibration needs to be reduced, such as bridge decks or areas adjacent to foundations. The Dynapac CO4200 VI is equipped with heavy-duty components. Like other Dynapac rollers, the new CO4200 VI also features a balanced operating mass for front and rear modules.
• Volvo Construction Equipment launched the CR30B and CR35B combination rollers, adding to its small asphalt compaction line, which is ideal for driveways, small paths, patchworks or shoulders on roads. The machines use high-frequency vibration of the front drum to achieve density targets and four pneumatic rear tires to manipulate the compacted material.
An auto-vibration feature automatically engages vibration when the machine reaches 1.5 mph and disengages when the speed drops below 1.2 mph, for reduced risk of over-compaction, the company describes. The drum edges are chamfered and rounded to avoid marking the mat while rolling.
• Hamm showed the HD+ 90i PH tandem roller, which introduces the company’s PH hybrid power train system for tandem asphalt compactors. This concept has been developed to save fuel, costs and maintenance work. It combines the traditional internal combustion engine with a hydraulic accumulator. The internal combustion engine covers the base load while a hydraulic accumulator meets peak loads.
Previously, the machine was powered by a 114 hp EPA Tier 4 Final diesel engine; with this technology, it can now be powered by a 74 hp engine.
When more power is needed, such as when starting the vibration drive, the hydraulic system functions as an auxiliary drive and supplies up to 27 hp for a short time.
Paving and Milling
• Wirtgen displayed three new pavers: the 10-foot Vogele Super 2000-3i, the eight-foot wheeled Vogele Super 1703-3i and the Vogele Super 700-3i commercial paver. These pavers are designed for North American highway and roadway construction as well as large-scale commercial applications.
The Super 700-3i has a paving width from 20 inches to 10.5 and is ideal for surfacing small paths, roadways and open areas.
The Super 1703-31 is a universal class paver with a paving width up to 15 feet, seven inches. It comes with ErgoPlus 3, which is a paver operating system for improved operator visibility and comfort.
The Super 2000-3i is a highway class paver with paving widths up to 28 feet, three inches. It’s designed for power and productivity on highway construction and large-scale commercial applications.
• Bomag exhibited their BM 2200/75 cold planer, which delivers high-performance milling of half-lane widths up to 2.2 metres and a maximum milling depth of 350 mm. The output and efficiency of the machine make it well-suited to large-scale projects, but a wide range of milling drums, unique manoeuvrability and a large conveyor belt slewing swivel angle make the machine well-suited for smaller projects, states Bomag.
The machine also boasts a low operating cost, due in part, to the Bomag BMS 15 exchange holder system, which allows for cutting tool rotational behaviour as well as low wear and high output, since the cutting tools can be quickly replaced by knocking out from behind, Bomag highlights.
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