VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
Machine intelligence Weighing up the cost versus performance benefits of capital equipment investments is a deciding factor for business success. The upside is that technology is making the machines of today and tomorrow much smarter, says Waylon Kukard, sales manager, Wirtgen South Africa. By Alastair Currie
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ithin the Wirtgen Group, a key research and development (R&D) focus is the development of engineered 360-degree solutions, with a core emphasis on automation and interconnected machines that ‘talk to each other’ across the OEM’s diverse product range. In Europe, this is already a reality for the roadbuilding sector, with Wirtgen now establishing the groundwork for implementation in South Africa for the asphalt paving market. “Wirtgen has developed a system where every equipment line is now linked: from the asphalt plant, to the trucks, paver, and the rollers on-site,” Kukard explains. “It all works via real-time intelligent communication, monitoring and reporting. This is one smart solution.” During a typical construction shift, each stage of the asphalt delivery process is shared and experienced by the operations team. For example, the paver operator will receive an alert from the asphalt plant if things are on track or delayed, a notification when the trucks are on their way, and an update if any of these vehicles are going to be late due traffic congestion. The temperatures are constantly recorded and measured
Kleemann won an international safety award for its mobile crusher line, which features a series of lockout key points that prevent the machine accidently starting up during maintenance operations
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from the asphalt plant right through to truck delivery at the paver. The same information is seen by the roller operators on their monitors. The roller operators know exactly what the temperature is and what compaction was achieved. Once the work shift is completed, the contractor can then download a comprehensive report itemising every activity, with an exact breakdown of how all machines performed, and the actual asphalt tonnage delivered.
RoadScan Wirtgen’s intelligent systems are supported by an integrated technology suite that includes RoadScan. “An infrared camera scans a measuring range of 10 m behind the paving screed,” Kukard explains, adding that the scan grid measures 25 cm x 25 cm over the complete width. “The temperatures measured range from 0°C to 250°C, with a tolerance of ±2°C.” The measured values are stored on the paver operator’s console, ready for download when required via remote access. Downloaded data can then be analysed using the RoadScan Analysis app. “Having a precise record will prove invaluable in countering potential issues surrounding pavement performance once the project has been completed,” says Kukard. “Examples would include the verification of cold spots that could lead to segregation. Contractors then
have an opportunity to fix potential defects prior to client handover.” Another R&D development is the presetting of Wirtgen Group machines for a ‘plug and play’ 3D interface with other specialist OEM products, like grade control systems. On a Wirtgen paver, for example, this enables automated control of positioning, direction, movement, depth and width. The operator can then concentrate on optimising the transfer of the asphalt feed from the truck to the paver.
Impactors “South African contractors have traditionally been quite conservative in their equipment choices; however, we’re seeing a positive shift. There’s now a much greater appreciation for how technology helps maintain a competitive edge,” Kukard continues. “A prime example is the uptake on Wirtgen Group’s Kleemann mobile impact crushers.” The first model to debut in South Africa was the Kleemann Mobirex MR 110 Z EVO 2 model, sold to a contractor in 2020 for the processing of thermal coal feedstock. Currently the smallest in the range, larger units comprise the 130 and 150 series, all of which are set up to run autonomously. Key industries for these compactors include the roads sector, where impactors are well suited to processing recycled asphalt, and the general construction and waste management segments, including municipal landfills, for the recycling of building materials. “From a circular economy perspective, impactors are ideal for producing recycled aggregates,” Kukard explains. “Another plus is that you don’t have to separate the material when it comes to concrete recycling.” Once a building or structure has been demolished, the impactor is designed to process the concrete and steel reinforcement debris in one go in the crushing chamber. Then at the end of this
