equipment gallery
Monitor Compaction Continuously
By AsphaltPro Staff
W
hen using a tandem roller to achieve density of the asphalt mat, the machine operator should follow a set rolling pattern. Despite the set pattern, operators often repeat passes in an effort to get a bit more compaction. Repeating passes just to be on the safe side isn’t always safe. Not only does the operator waste time and fuel by making excessive passes, he could be breaking aggregate and damaging density results. The team at BOMAG Americas, Kewanee, Ill., developed the Economizer measuring technology to make quality control easier. While the Economizer made its world premiere at Intermat 2012, Bomag’s BW 138 AD-5 with the Economizer system made its North American debut at the World of Asphalt/AGG1 trade show in San Antonio March 19 through 21, 2013. The Economizer offers the roller operator real time data for constant monitoring and control of the compaction process through a display that continuously shows an increasing number of yellow LEDs on a dial. It comprises an acceleration sensor that sends data to a computing unit. As the operator rolls across the mat, a special algorithm converts the incoming signals to a measured value; the value increases as the mat stiffness increases. The LEDs on the viewable display light up around the dial to signify to the operator the increasing compaction levels during the compaction process. The operator knows he’s achieved maximum compaction when the number of LEDs doesn’t increase with subsequent roller passes. If the number of lit LEDs suddenly drops, the operator knows he’s passing a weak area of the material. The area needs to be analyzed and fixed.
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TOP LEFT: The BW 138 AD from Bomag features the Economizer technology. TOP RIGHT: Bomag spokespersons Dave Dennison and Chris Connolly explained during the WOA show that the Economizer is on any time the vibration is on. It’s not intelligent compaction; it’s a continuous monitoring of compactive effort. BOTTOM: In this picture, you can see the Economizer dial at left. As the roller operator drives over the mat, the dial continually gives a readout showing the level of compaction he has achieved.
If the single red LED lights up, the operator knows he’s about to overcompact an area. This helps prevent fractured aggregate, excessive passes, and wasted time and fuel. The Economizer measuring technology is designed to monitor compaction efforts in a more timeefficient manner than coring or other methods that require testing and feedback. The dial has an ultra
clear display even in strong sunlight, according to the manufacturer, and is situated in direct view of the operator. For more information, contact Chris Connolly or Dave Dennison at (309) 853-3571 or visit www.bomag. com/us. Watch the YouTube video at http://tinyurl.com/BOMAGEconomizer. Let them know you saw it in AsphaltPro Magazine.