COMPACTION TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS

MEDIA RELEASE AMMANN GROUP

LANGENTHAL, Switzerland – Many contractors take steps to squeeze every bit of power from every drop of petrol. Yet compaction technology, one of the most substantial road construction efficiencies of late, has gone unnoticed by many.

The savings that result from compaction technology can be significant. In fact, technologies including Ammann Compaction Expert (ACE) are helping contractors improve compaction measurements to the point where multiple passes are eliminated.

“What provides bigger fuel savings than reducing the number of passes the compactor makes?” asked Kuno Kaufmann, Head of Compaction Technologies at Ammann Group. “With ACE technology, contractors can do exactly that. There is improved information as to when compaction is achieved, and the operator and machine can more quickly move to the uncompacted areas of the jobsite.”

Fewer passes also translates to more efficient use of labor and reduced wear on machines.

ACE technology, offered on many Ammann soil compactors and tandem rollers associated with road construction, provides benefits beyond eliminating passes including:

 
• Enabling use of smaller, more efficient machines to deliver compaction force typically associated with larger models.

 
• Automatic adjustments that quickly adapt to changing conditions and boost productivity in the process.

 
• The avoidance of costly re-work, particularly when compacting multiple layers.

The Ammann technology is an automatic measurement, control and documentation system. ACE systems can be supported with GPS mapping to provide data regarding the areas the compactor has covered. All measured values can be displayed and evaluated, including the load-bearing capacity of the material, the number of passes, and the frequency and amplitude values.

There are several system variations. ACEpro measures and evaluates the characteristics of the ground and automatically adjusts the amplitude and frequency accordingly, while ACEforcemeasures the absolute value of the bearing capacity of the compacted material.

The systems continually measure for precise evaluation, meaning operators know when compaction is achieved. This helps avoid over-compaction and all the costs associated with unnecessary passes and material breakage.

“We are able to offer these technologies to contractors at all phases of the construction process,” Kaufmann said. “Variations of the ACE system are available for soil compaction, including cohesive soils. Asphalt compactors also benefit, as do vibratory plate compactors.”

Ammann also realizes the systems must be operator friendly in order to be utilised. “The operation of ACE is managed via one simple structured display,” Kaufmann said. “The system guides the operator, almost like he or she is using a cash machine.”

In operation mode, the display focuses on the most relevant information and indicates the optimal rolling speed. Compaction data are displayed and documented, and can be printed at any time.

ACE also helps ensure a homogenous compacted area and helps uncover trouble spots early in the process – when remedies are easiest and cost less. This is particularly important during compaction of multiple layers.

“ACE enables the compactor to record the actual bearing capacity on each layer, revealing the location of non-compactable spots where material exchange is necessary,” Kaufmann said.

Ammann engineers also design machines that maximise power and productivity and leverage ACE systems. “Our new heavy-duty gearbox and vibratory mechanism make the machines more durable, reliable and robust,” Kaufmann said. “That efficiency translates into compaction power, with ACEprocompactors achieving outputs similar to machines that are two weight classes heavier.”

The technology is not new, but the improvements to it are. “We developed this technology in 1998, but what we have today is much more advanced,” Kaufmann said. “It’s about always improving what we have to ensure we provide value to our customers.”

ABOUT AMMANN

Ammann is a sixth-generation, family-owned business that produces asphalt and concrete mixing plants, compactors and asphalt pavers at nine production sites in Europe, China, India and Brazil. Its core expertise is in road building and transportation infrastructure. Visit https://www.ammann.com/for more information.