The Importance of Versatile Compaction Systems

SPONSORED CONTENT PRESENTED BY WIRTGEN GROUP

As obtaining density efficiently becomes increasingly important to the success of road building projects, manufacturers work to create solutions to improve versatility.

Of all the aspects of the paving process, compaction plays the most important role in determining the useful life of the finished pavement — even more than the mix itself.

Whether compacting soil, constructing a hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement from the ground up or placing an overlay, inadequate compaction will result in pavement that will deteriorate more quickly than properly compacted pavement, causing your clients to spend more money sooner to repair or replace it.

To make the most of compactive efforts on the jobsite, manufacturers have been working to improve both the equipment and the technologies available for these applications.

The tandem rollers of the HAMM HD+ series from The Wirtgen Group have been a firm fixture in the product range for many years. Back in the summer of 2023, new models were launched spanning all weight classes, featuring the relevant interfaces for digital applications. Plus, the Easy Drive operating concept was also introduced to machines with operating weights of 15,432 lb and 17,636 lb (7 t and 8 t).

In 2024, Hamm is adding two further models capable of compacting with a choice of vibration or oscillation. 

The Need for Versatile Compaction

The Wirtgen Group has introduced two tandem rollers, HD+ 120i V-VIO and HD+ 120i VIO-2 HF. The VIO drums on these machines make it possible to compact with vibration or oscillation. This is particularly important on today’s construction sites which require many different types of compaction to achieve optimal performance. With VIO drums, contractors can achieve the best results possible with the use of only one machine. 

The ability to switch between vibration and oscillation or, in the case of the HD+ 120i VIO-2 HF, to combine two vibration and oscillation drums together, removes the need to switch machines or deploy an additional machine and operator on the construction site. This multifunctionality also pays off in terms of the many new types of asphalt mixture being engineered by road owners. 

All in all, the HD+ 120i VIO-2 HF offers nine different combinations when selecting the compaction method. As with earthworks, the combination of vibration and oscillation delivers fast compaction in fewer double passes, making it particularly well suited to final compaction. A high compaction quality is still guaranteed even at increased working speeds.

While the HD+ 120i V-VIO 12 t tandem roller features a vibrating roller drum (50 Hz or 3000 vpm) at the front and a VIO drum at the rear, the HD+ 120i VIO-2 HF provides additional application options with two VIO drums. 

For construction site applications, an automatic control feature on the HD+ 120i VIO-2 HF ensures that the front drum (in relation to the direction of travel) is always working in vibration mode, while oscillation or static compaction is used on the rear drum in order to achieve the best possible results. 

When it comes to compaction force, the new models offer the usual high performance that operators have come to expect from HAMM. Specially for the North American market, the HD+ 120i VIO-2 HF has also been designed as a high-frequency machine (HF), offering a vibration frequency of 67 Hz or 4020 vpm (front and rear). Both models are powered by a 154 HP (115 kW) Deutz engine.

Upgrades for All-Around Performance

The addition of the VIO drums on the new Hamm machines is not the only upgrade the company has made to improve overall performance. 

• Compaction with Oscillation: Operators can also make full use of the well-established benefits of oscillation and apply these to the compaction of hot and cold joints or compaction in vibration-sensitive areas. Oscillation also facilitates deployment at low outside temperatures, since a larger temperature range can be used. Plus, the system is effective in preventing particle crushing and over-compaction. Not to be forgotten are the benefits of oscillation when compacting distortion-sensitive materials. Further general benefits of oscillation are that it reduces the noise emissions and vibrations experienced on and around the construction site.
• Maintenance-Free Oscillation: Like the other oscillation drums from Hamm, the new VIO drums require no maintenance, thanks to the wear-resistant steel and temperature-resistant special belt.
• Well-Known Strengths and Variety of Options: As well as the new combination of drums, the two tandem rollers give users all the usual benefits and strengths they expect of the brand. These include the spacious and clear-view driver’s cab, the well-established Easy Drive operating concept and various interfaces to connect telematics systems, fleet management systems and digital applications for controlling and documenting compaction.

As the industry continues to innovate and find ways to build longer lasting roads, contractors rely on manufacturers to keep up with their needs.