Hamm HCQ Asphalt Navigator: Fast and precise asphalt compaction

Hamm HCQ Asphalt Navigator:
Fast and precise asphalt compaction

Hamm will be exhibiting the "HCQ Asphalt Navigator" at the Intermat 2009 in Paris. This system produces a new type of "priority map" during asphalt compaction. It shows the roller driver at a glance which areas need to be processed next. This results in extremely homogeneous asphalt surfaces without over or under-compaction. In a nutshell: this increases the quality of the asphalt compaction significantly.

Hamm is building on the success in earthworks with this system. The HCQ GPS Navigator has been long established in Continuous Compaction Control in this sector. However, this system cannot be transferred 100% to asphalt construction. The reason: the load-bearing capacity can be calculated in earthworks during a roller pass. Unlike earthworks, the physical structure of the hot asphalt unfortunately does not permit the calculation of the degree of compaction during a roller pass.

Therefore, commercially available roller-integrated systems to date have not been able to provide information on the degree of compaction but only on the rigidity. Unfortunately, this criterion is not suitable for reliably indicating the degree of compaction of an asphalt course. Uneven course thicknesses, fluctuating temperatures or inhomogeneous rigidity of the roadbed frequently distort the measurements.

The highlight: the priority map

The most important asphalt compaction parameters are the number of passes and the temperature. The Hamm HCQ Asphalt Navigator collects this data during compaction and links it to the positional information from a differential GPS receiver. The system thus produces a "priority map" – a real innovation. On this map, the roller driver can identify at a glance which areas need to be processed as a priority.

In the same way that modern systems guide car drivers successfully around traffic jams, the HCQ Asphalt Navigator uses current data to continuously calculate the next area to be compacted in order to achieve an optimum compacting result. There is an intelligent logic behind this technology that gives priority to areas, for example, which have already cooled down or need more passes to achieve the required degree of compaction. Hamm makes it possible to achieve what no known compaction control system has been able to achieve in asphalt construction to the way, rigidity is not evaluated because it does not provide any added value.

The system ensures that there are neither over-compacted areas nor under-compacted boundary areas in future. The Hamm HCQ Asphalt Navigator guarantees more compacting economy and quality.

Even after completion of the construction works, the Compaction Control System provides additional benefits for asphalt construction: for the first time, the saved measurements and results enable comprehensive and accurate documentation of asphalt compaction.

Process evaluation instead of rigidity measurement

But that is not enough. Hamm continues to develop the HCQ Asphalt Navigator. In addition to the number of passes and the asphalt temperature, the system will include machine-related data such as machine type, speed, compaction method (vibratory, oscillatory, static compaction) as well as frequency and amplitude in the analysis in a second stage. Apart from that, on the basis of the data specified above, it will also take asphalt parameters (e. g. the asphalt type) into consideration. The entire compaction process will be analysed and documented from this information in future. The degree of compaction achieved on every point on the construction site will be visible at a glance on a "compaction map".

Networked rollers

At the same time, the compaction specialists from Tirschenreuth are also working on roller networking. The HCQ machines will automatically build up a data network and exchange their measurements per WLAN for example. The construction site management could also be integrated into the network with an appropriately equipped laptop. All participants will be informed at the same time on the progress of the work on the entire construction site.

Captions

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The highlight of the Hamm HCQ Asphalt Navigator is the priority map. It shows the driver where to steer the roller in a similar manner to routing in car navigation systems.

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The Hamm HCQ Asphalt Navigator accompanies the compaction process and actively supports the roller driver. This system enables the production of continuous, top quality, homogeneously compacted asphalt surfaces.

Further information is obtainable from:

Hamm AG
Gottfried Beer
Hammstr. 1
95643 Tirschenreuth
Germany

Tel: +49 –– 80 – 195
Fax: +49 –– 80 – 143
Email: *****@***eu
Internet: www. hamm. eu