The Role of Compactors, Pavers in Sustainable Roadbuilding
Governments are increasingly urging, and sometimes requiring, that roadbuilding incorporate sustainable processes. ConTractors who commit to these methods are finding the modifications do more than benefit the environment – they also benefit their bottom line.
Ammann compactors and pavers play a key role in assisting conTractors as they make such practices a reality. These machines utilise advanced technology that brings improved environmental friendliness to each and every jobsite.
Soil Compaction
Roadbuilding starts with soil preparation. Ammann makes this process more sustainable through the use of Ammann Compaction Expert (ACE).
This proprietary system helps operators monitor compaction progress. The knowledge provided ensures that compaction ends when targets have been met – and therefore eliminates unnecessary passes of the roller.
Each pass saved decreases fuel burn and emissions. Machine wear is lessened, too, extending life and preventing components from prematurely entering the Landfill.
The Ammann line of soil compactors also has a promising new green initiative: ECOdrop.
ECOdrop starts by maximising engine efficiency, which reduces both emissions and fuel costs. It also involves reconfiguring key systems and components to minimise the operational fluids required to run them, thereby limiting disposal needs.
The difference is impressive. With ECOdrop, an Ammann Soil Compactor has seen reductions of:
- 22% in fuel consumption
- 26% in required hydraulic fluid
- 10% in needed vibratory system fluid
Asphalt Paving
The sustainable efforts continue with paving, the next step of the process. Many Ammann pavers offer EcoMode, which automatically adjusts engine RPMs to the jobsite’s requirements through a variably controlled system. EcoMode curtails fuel consumption and noise and extends engine life.
VarioSpeed, a patented drive concept, furthers this concept by ensuring optimal RPM at all times. This load-sensing hydraulic system recognises the power demand and automatically controls the engine speed at the most efficient level. The drop in fuel consumption is significant, with savings up to 15%.
An automated paving system, PaveManager 2.0, provides more efficiency. The system constantly monitors the process and supplies feedback to operators. It also controls many key functions for precise results. The automation preserves natural resources, minimises emissions and delivers quality that prevents rework.
Asphalt Compaction
When compacting asphalt, ACE monitors progress – as it does during soil compaction. But with asphalt compaction, ACE also automatically adjusts amplitude and frequency based on ground characteristics.
The benefits of ACE technology are significant during asphalt compaction. As with soil work, it can reduce the number of passes a roller makes and deliver savings on fuel, labor and machine wear. The automation helps even inexperienced operators perform like seasoned pros.
Ultimately, ACE ensures proper compaction is achieved and prevents costly rework, which in some cases can even require a return to the jobsite. There is nothing sustainable about using twice the time, materials and fuel needed to complete a job.
ACE also extends the life of the compacted material – and the structures placed on top of it – by providing a homogenous surface without weak spots.
Machine Maintenance
All Ammann compactors and pavers feature easy to access to service points, preventing fluid spills that can harm the environment.
Extended service intervals, which reduce how often fluids have to be replaced and disposed of, also play a role. Ammann is constantly assessing its machines to determine ways to extend these intervals and therefore minimise disposal needs.
All these efforts, from the advanced ACE system to the convenient location of service points, add up to significantly more sustainable roadbuilding projects.
