Paving News Issue 1, 2015

NEWS PAVING Issue 1 2015

A CATERPILLAR PUBLICATION SERVING THE GLOBAL PAVING INDUSTRY

NEW RM500B ROTARY MIXER TECHNOLOGY DRIVES SUPERIOR MIX QUALITY

SPRING 2015

PRODUCTIVITY AP255E PAYS FOR ITSELF MANY TIMES OVER

www.ZieglerCat.com

1914 ·CEN T ENNIA L·2 014

VIEWPOINT

SMALL FEATURES ADD UP TO

BIG BENEFITS Anyone who has seen some of the recently released Cat® Paving Products cannot help but be amazed by the vast array of new technology. Cat Soil Compactors with Machine Drive Power—a system that provides an indication of soil stiffness based on rolling resistance—impress those responsible for reducing operating costs. On asphalt compactors, Cat Compaction Control for pass count and mat temperature mapping has received excellent reviews from the field. And, of course, the new F-Series Asphalt Pavers have many new technology features.

All of these advances are big steps forward. Easy to see. Fascinating to talk about. Yet, customers and prospects are frequently struck by lots of seemingly little things that provide unexpected benefits.

Our AP255E asphalt paver packs a lot of capability into a small package, helping one contractor exceed production estimates. He cites easy operation due to the electronics and controls.

Our new RM500B looks similar on the outside to previous models, but the operator will instantly notice how much visibility, comfort and ease-of-use have been enhanced.

Electric screed heating now takes only 15-20 minutes to achieve operating temperature. The 70 kW generator on F-Series Pavers makes fast heating possible. Of course, that extra power opens up lots of lighting options, too.

But, it seems crewmembers really appreciate faster screed heating.

At Caterpillar Paving, we challenge our engineering and design teams to continue developing big technological advances. They are, after all, the future of our industry. But, sometimes, it’s the little things that accompany the big developments that matter the most to those who make their livings operating Cat equipment. ■

KEVIN ADAMS

WORLDWIDE SALES AND MARKETING SUPPORT MANAGER

CONTENTS

Feature

ARTICLES

Paving News: 2015 - Issue 1

4

4

Up to 78% Productivity Gain

7

Extended Width, Vibratory Tamping

8

Technology Drives RM500B Rotary Mixer

11

Match Rotor to Application

Contractor Increases Profitability with Cat ® AP255E

New Cat Screeds Deliver Excellent Results During Field Tests

Machine Features Improved Comfort, Superior Mix Quality

Maximize Productivity, Achieve Desired Gradation

8 14

12

Service Repair Kits

A Single Part at a Competitive Price

14 A Seamless Mat

PAVING

Crew's Approach All But Eliminates Cold Longitudinal Joints

18 News and Notes

Caterpillar Paving Technology Seminar and an App Update

Paving News is published in a cooperative effort between the Global Paving Marketing Communications Group at Caterpillar Inc. and High Velocity Communications Inc. It is distributed free of charge to those in the paving and road building industries. If you are not currently receiving Paving News and would like to, or have a change of address, please send your name, company name and address to: Paving News Subscription Dept., Suite D, 1720 Dolphin Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186-1489. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow” and the "Power Edge" trade dress, BUILT FOR IT, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. All contents of this publication are protected under U.S. and international copyright laws, and may not be reproduced without permission. Featured machines may include additional equipment for special applications or customer modifications not offered by Caterpillar. Because specifications are subject to change without notice, check with your Cat dealer for the latest equipment information. Printed in the U.S.A. All Rights Reserved. © 2015 Caterpillar. Volume 6, Number 1.

PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

3

UP TO

78

%

PRODUCTIVITY GAIN This paver has electronic “grade controls. We’ve tested them out and they work beautifully.

WAYNE THAMES PAVING SUPERVISOR RANGER CONSTRUCTION

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

”

CUSTOMER STORY

Contractor Increases Profitability With Cat AP255E ®

Every day, paving supervisors try to increase production any way they can—a few minutes here, a few pounds there. The efforts can add up by the end of a job, with dollars and even days saved.

As a paving supervisor, Wayne Thames of Ranger Construction Industries Inc. knows all about production and the effort that goes into making even marginal gains. That makes Ranger’s recent roadwidening job all the more impressive.

“Productivity was dramatically increased from what we had estimated,” said Thames.

“We had a production bid based on placing 450 (U.S.) tons per shift, and with the Cat® AP255E we’ve been able to increase that to over 700 tons and sometimes over 800 tons.”

The additional 250-350 tons represents an increase of 56-78 percent over the planned 450 tons. “It’s been amazing,” Thames said.

Highway Widening Crews for Ranger, with headquarters in Wayne Thames West Palm Beach, Fla., recently widened a shoulder on an increasingly busy Highway 80 near Belle Glade—just west of the contractor’s headquarters. The shoulder will eventually become another traffic lane. The work is being completed in both east- and west-bound lanes.

To accommodate increasing traffic, upgrades and widening have been in progress on prioritized sections since 2000. Ranger’s latest work covered about 23.75 km (14.75 miles).

Specs called for two lifts—the first 50 mm (2 in), the second 37 mm (1.5 in)—to elevate the shoulder to 16 mm (3/4 in) below the existing main road pavement. A 16 mm (3/4 in) overlay will then be placed over the entire shoulder.

Most of the paving required widths of 1.2 m (4 ft) and less, too narrow for large pavers. Thames turned to the AP255E, capable of minimum widths of 150 mm (6 in) and a maximum of 3.4 m (11.15 ft).

Shoulder work can be slow, with high tonnage levels tough to reach given the narrow paving widths and, in the case of Highway 80, exits and turning lanes.

“We bid the job thinking we would use a road widener,” Thames said. Yet the more he thought about goals for production, smoothness and density, the more it seemed like a job best suited for a paver.

PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

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SEEING IS BELIEVING

FOR AP255E USERS Foreman Kenny Newhouse admits he was skeptical before stepping on the Cat AP255E Asphalt Paver.

“I mostly operate the 10-footers (3 m), and the AP255E is a lot smaller,” he said. “I kept an open mind and it worked really well.

The gates are consistent, and the controls are easy to handle. The mat is very good.”

Thames spoke with the local Cat dealer, Kelly Tractor Co., and determined that the AP255E would be ideal for meeting project specifications.

It didn’t take much testing for Thames or others at Ranger to become believers. Asphalt foreman Kenny Newhouse is among them. “After that first day, it really sold me on what that paver can do,” he said.

Here are some other observations made by Newhouse and Wayne Thames, paving supervisor at Ranger Construction Industries Inc.

Newhouse:

It’s very operator friendly. Easy to operate. It has electronics and joint matcher. It’s a lot better than the smaller pavers I’ve used in the past, especially with the electronic controls for the operator.

I was very surprised by the productivity. When I look at a paver like that, I think smaller parking lot applications. But after the first day it really changed my outlook on what that paver could do.

Thames:

This paver has electronic grade controls. We’ve tested them out and they work beautifully.

The visibility from the paver is impeccable—from the MTV, to the trucks in front, to the line you’re trying to hold. It’s almost unrealistic. You basically control the whole job from a single operator station.

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

Kenny Newhouse

Meeting the Goals The AP255E has a hopper big enough to accept asphalt from a material transfer vehicle (MTV), helping the paver work continuously, and thus avoiding the stops that can hurt smoothness. The AP255E also has a vibrating screed, helping jumpstart density.

But it was the production that really caught Thames’ attention.

Road wideners stop more frequently and place material at

a slower pace. They also require significant raking and more compaction behind the machine.

“It’s just a much slower process,” Thames said.

The paver moves more quickly.

“We average about 18 ft (5.5 m) per minute,” Thames said. Substantial density was achieved before the roller hit the mat.

As for the “raking” crew, it isn’t needed—nor is a screed operator.

“It’s a one-man operation,” Thames said. “One individual can stand back there and operate the left- and right-hand sides of the screed. He can operate the augers, the flight chains—everything that usually takes two people, he can do from the center-console position.”

Thames said Caterpillar engineers wisely placed the catwalk so the operator stands above the vibrating screed. “It keeps the operator away from the vibration,” he said. “The mat and the screed, not the operator, take the brunt of the force.”

Thames thought the paver idea was worth testing, and expected the pros and cons to mostly offset each other. That wasn’t the case.

“Since day one, the paver has performed,” he said. “That machine has already paid for itself many times over.” ■

NEW PRODUCT

NEW CAT SCREEDS ®

OFFER EXTENDED WIDTHS, EXCELLENT STABILITY SMOOTH RESULTS, HIGH DENSITIES Five new screed options for Cat® F-Series Pavers deliver excellent ride and mat qualities, while providing versatility for urban and highway paving applications.

Quick-change screed extensions optimize versatility.

Slotted mainframe extensions, strike-off plates and integrated hooks facilitate single-person assembly and alignment.

SE50 V Vibratory Screed

Tamper-Bar Screeds

Paving range of 2.55 m – 6.5 m (8 ft 4 in – 21 ft 4 in)

Paving range of 2.55 m – 8.0 m (8 ft 4 in – 26 ft 4 in)

The two vibratory and tamper-bar models (VT) produce excellent results on a full range of asphalt mix designs, roller compacted concrete and a variety of base materials.

SE60 V Vibratory Screed

Extra-Wide Screeds

SE50 VT Vibratory & Tamper-Bar Screed

Paving range of 3.0 m – 7.65 m (10 ft – 25 ft)

SE60 V XW Vibratory Screed, Extra-Wide Capability Paving range of 3.0 m – 10.0 m (10 ft – 33 ft)

SE60 VT XW – Vibratory & Tamper-Bar Screed, Extra-Wide Capability Paving range of 3.0 m – 10.0 m (10 ft – 33 ft)

The efficient heating system brings the screed plates to temperature in as little as 15 minutes at standard widths. A heated end gate option ensures smooth material flow.

Exclusive monitoring of the screed heat zones assures that heating control will continue, even if a temperature sensor should fail. Continuous monitoring keeps the operator informed. Heating elements easily slide out for quick replacement, when required.

Screed-plate life is extended with the utilization of abrasion-resistant steel that is proprietary to Caterpillar. Screed extenders are equipped with exclusive two-speed proportional control for enhanced responsiveness near obstacles and more precise control on highway applications.

The two extra-wide models (XW) share common frame structures and deliver extremely tight mat textures, with high densities. These screeds also feature power controls for crown, extension slope, and extension height at the fully extended width of 10 m (33 ft), particularly important in wide-width applications.

At 10 m (33 ft) the quick-heat option heats the screed plates in 25 minutes from 5° C (41° F) to 130° C (266° F) ambient temperatures.

The Cat Grade Control option helps remove irregularities from the surface and control mat thickness. The integrated design can be operated from any of the four control consoles, two screed and two tractor. At the end of the day, the system stays with the paver; no need to remove.

Call us to learn how the new Cat screeds can help your crews maximize smoothness, density and productivity. ■

PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

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RM 500 B ROTARY MIXER TECHNOLOGY DRIVES

NEW RM500B ROTARY MIXER

MACHINE FEATURES IMPROVED COMFORT, SUPERIOR MIX QUALITY

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

NEW PRODUCT

The new Cat® RM500B Rotary Mixer features many technology improvements that increase productivity and deliver superior mix quality on your jobsites.

Other RM500B enhancements focus on operator comfort and ease of use. Intuitive, fingertip controls and a climatecontrolled, comfortable cab help keep operators fresh and alert throughout the shift.

Rotor options and a robust propel system also improve productivity while enabling superior mix quality.

Operator Comfort and Control A well-appointed cab provides a quiet, uncluttered work environment. Everything is within easy reach and view, enabling the operator to focus on work and maximize productivity.

• The RM500B has excellent visibility, with a sliding cab and rotating seat that provide an unimpeded view of the cutting path on either side of the machine.

• Standard front and rear remote cameras enhance the view, as does an optional remote camera focused on the mixing chamber’s rear door to help the operator assess mix quality.

• The fingertip controls and the control console with LCD touchscreen display make operation easier.

• Backlit buttons on control keys provide easy identification.

Power to Perform Cat engines deliver smooth power with fewer emissions. In the United States, Canada and Europe, the RM500B is equipped with a Cat C15 ACERT™ engine—a turbocharged, 6-cylinder diesel that ® provides 407 kW (546 hp) of gross power. The engine is designed to C15 ACERT ™ meet US EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage IV emissions standards. Every Tier 4 Final/Stage IV Cat engine with ACERT Technology is equipped with a combination of proven electronic, fuel, air and after-treatment components.

In regions without emission standards, the RM500B is powered by a Cat C15 ACERT engine, a turbocharged, 6-cylinder diesel that provides 403 kW (540 hp) of gross power. ACERT Technology utilizes an electronic controller to precisely deliver multiple injections of fuel. They are combined with a refined air management system to generate fewer emissions and optimize fuel combustion, while achieving levels equivalent to Tier 3 and Stage IIIA standards.

CAT

ENGINE

Cooling System A robust cooling system provides cool intake air to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions.

An on-demand, variable-speed fan draws ambient air from a separate compartment in front of the engine through the cooling package. The exhaust air exits from the front of the machine, maintaining a cool engine compartment.

• Precise hand-wheel steering enables maneuverability.

PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

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FRONT STEER

READY FOR ANY

APPLICATION Three rotor choices, and three rotor speeds, powered by a sturdy drive system provide the means to perform a multitude of applications.

The four steering modes and electronically controlled fulltime, all-wheel drive make the RM500B ready to work on virtually any jobsite.

Applications include: • Full-depth reclamation • Soil stabilization • Surface mining • Agriculture • Bio-remediation • Haul roads • Aggregate sizing • Raw materials mixing Call us to learn how the RM500B can help make your jobsites more productive.

REAR STEER

CRAB STEER

Easy to Service

Enhanced Propel System

RM500B features such as groundlevel access to maintenance items help keep costs low and ensure that maintenance schedules are followed. New technology with a user-friendly interface makes the advanced systems even easier for operators to understand and utilize.

• Visual indicators help monitor fuel, water, hydraulic oil and coolant levels.

Standard electronically controlled all-wheel drive and four steering modes maximize traction and mobility even in poor underfoot conditions. The four steering modes—Front Steer, Rear Steer, Crab Steer and Coordinated Steer—provide the ability to change the steering characteristics for excellent maneuverability.

The RM500B is hydrostatically driven and features four independent pumps and drive motors that provide a dedicated flow to each wheel motor. Sensors adjust hydraulic flow to balance traction, reduce wheel spin and ensure productivity in even the most extreme conditions.

Propel is controlled with an electronic joystick on the operator’s console. Six thumb buttons enable the operator to conveniently adjust the rear chamber door trim, adjust the rotor depth, and establish a rotor depth set-point.

• Ground-level access makes it easy to reach the engine oil dipstick, engine oil filter and S•O•SSM oil sampling ports.

• An LCD touchscreen includes an air-restriction indicator that alerts the operator to performance issues.

• Large doors and removable panels provide unrestricted access to critical components.

• A reversing cooling fan ejects dust from the cooling package to maintain optimum system performance.

• Cat batteries require no maintenance.

• Oil sampling and pressure testing ports reduce risk of spillage and contamination.

The cooling fan is reversible and automatically performs periodic reverse cycles to expel accumulated dust and clean the heat exchanger. This helps the system cool more efficiently and ensures that the engine is working optimally. A sensor prevents accidental overheating during a reverse cycle.

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

COORDINATED STEER

• Grouped drain ports simplify drainage and reduce spillage.

• Optional Product Link™ maximizes fleet tracking and maintenance.

• A storage bin holds a supply of replacement bits.

Contact us for more information about the new RM500B Rotary Mixer. ■

ROTOROPTIONS

NEW PRODUCT

MATCH YOUR APPLICATION NEEDS

Rotor options make the new Cat® RM500B more versatile. But which rotor works best in a particular application?

Universal Rotor This is a full-depth reclamation tool, built in part to pulverize asphalt. The Universal Rotor, at 41 cm (16 in), produces maximum breakout force in severe asphalt cuts and on existing soil cement.

The kicker-paddle design provides material movement and suspension in the mixing chamber for achieving excellent gradation in full-depth reclamation applications.

The Universal Rotor may also be used in soil stabilization applications; however, the 200-bit design may result in gradation that is finer than desired.

A second Universal Rotor, at 46 cm (18 in), provides maximum mixing depth. This rotor is available only in Europe and it meets European 45 cm mixing depth requirements.

Combination Rotor Designed primarily for stabilization applications in cohesive soils, the Combination Rotor excels in deep-cut soil mixing applications where pulverization and gradation are of lesser importance than higher working speeds.

This rotor has a secondary application in surface mining for non-engineered substances such as coal, shale and limestone. It also can handle light reclamation applications where the asphalt layer is thin and deteriorated.

The design utilizes a smaller number of bits, which contributes to lower bit replacement costs.

This rotor design results in high production—especially in deep cuts—because less power is required to drive a rotor with fewer bits compared to a rotor with significantly more.

The Combination Rotor produces larger material sizing compared to the Soil Rotor.

Universal Rotor

Combination Rotor

Soil Rotor This rotor is ideally suited to soil stabilization applications in semi-cohesive and granular soils.

It is an excellent choice for mixing additives where soil gradation is critical.

The rotor is equipped with cast stand-offs that include bit holders in a single casting. Worn or damaged bit holders can be removed and replaced with weldon bit holders.

Soil Rotor

Call us with any questions and for assistance determining which rotor is best for your application needs. ■

PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

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PAVER MAINTENANCE

SERVICE REPAIR KITS

SCREED

A SINGLE PART AT A COMPETITIVE PRICE

When you’re ready to schedule maintenance, we can deliver a Cat® parts solution with carefully designed service repair kits. These self-contained kits include all the parts necessary to complete specific screed and paver repairs—under a single part number, and at competitive prices. Kits are packaged for sale over the counter or through the service shop. Contact us for more information about service repair kits.

SCREED KITS

1

Screed Plate Kit Contains the plates and all of the hardware for a basic screed plate repair. Screed plates are one of the highest wear components.

2

Tamper Bar Heating Element Kit This kit is for electric-heated screeds with a heating element that is bolted to the tamper bar.

3

Tamper Bar Kit The tamper blades, wear plates, pins, bolts, nuts and washers are included in this kit.

4

5

1

2

3

Screed Service Kit Includes screed plates, hardware, tamper blades, tamper wear plates, pins, bolts, nuts and washers for a complete screed repair.

4

Screed Heating Element Kit This kit, for electric heated screeds only, contains the heating elements that are bolted onto the screed plates.

5

6

6 Track Pad Kit Contains the pads and hardware to completely replace the track pads on both sides of the machine.

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

PAVER

PAVER KITS

7

Auger Segments Kit Contains a complete set of auger segments (half and quarter segments) and all the hardware necessary to attach the segments to the auger shaft.

8

Auger Bearings Kit Contains the outside and inside auger bearings and the necessary hardware.

9

Auger Assembly Kit All the parts necessary for a complete auger repair are included: segments, bearings, hardware, center deflector and chain chase guard.

7

8

10 Feeder Bed Plate Kit This kit consists of plates and all the hardware required for installation.

11

9

Feeder Chain Kit Includes a fully assembled feeder chain set, both right and left sides.

12 Feeder Chain Guard Kit

10

Contains plates and hardware necessary for installation.

13 Feeder Foot Shaft Rebuild Kit

Includes foot shaft assembly and bearings necessary for repair.

14 Feeder Head Shaft Rebuild Kit Head shaft assembly and bearings make up this kit.

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12

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

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CUSTOMER STORY

ASEAMLESSMAT

CREW ALL BUT ELIMINATES COLD LONGITUDINAL JOINTS

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

Tom Hart has been working with asphalt for decades—ever since his “summer job” became a career.

During that time, he has worked with crews that have placed millions of tons. Hart personally put down much of the material, and to this day still steps in and operates the equipment when needed—though he is officially Vice President of Paving at American Pavement Preservation, a Las Vegas-based contractor.

Hart has learned several lessons over time. Two of the biggest: 1. The site work done before paving can make your job easy—or almost impossible.

2. Extra effort and creativity can nearly eliminate cold joints.

in the paving world. Hart recently was reminded of this—not that he needed a refresher—while paving new roads in a subdivision.

Although the project didn’t have the high tonnages seen on some production jobs, it does show how a contractor and crew must adapt.

Residential work

Poor grade

American handles a variety of jobs in the Las Vegas area, including a high volume of residential work. “Over the last few years, we’ve probably done 50 percent of all the residential work in the Las Vegas area,” Hart said. It’s substantial business, as the area’s once-decimated housing market has made a strong recovery.

In the broadest sense, Hart believes residential work is less challenging than commercial.

“There is a lot of drainage to contend with when working with commercial,” he said. “With residential, you usually start at point A and end at point B.” That’s when all goes well, which of course doesn’t always occur

Hart visited the subdivision ahead of the paving crew and quickly spotted problems. “I knew it was going to be a challenge,” he said. “The grading contractor had some issues. He just couldn’t get the grade down properly.”

More thorough surveying showed the site was off grade and inconsistent from start to finish.

American crews met the challenge by running gravel through the Cat® AP1000E Asphalt Paver. The aggregate was placed using Cat Grade and Slope technology, ensuring the grade requirements would be met.

“I’ve done that on several jobs,” Hart said of placing type 2 aggregate with the paver to achieve the proper grade. “It’s the

It looks like a single mat. It’s as “close as you can get to not having a longitudinal joint. ”

TOM HART

VICE PRESIDENT OF PAVING AMERICAN PAVEMENT PRESERVATION

PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

15

CUSTOMER STORY

quickest way to reach grade. We actually process the gravel, adding the correct moisture, and enddump into the paver. We run the automatics off the curb and gutter.”

American placed 1,500 tons of the aggregate on a Monday and paved the next day.

Placing the asphalt When it was time to pave, the AP1055E went back to work. Most residential streets require lifts of only 50-75 mm (2-3 in). The exterior roads, those providing the main access to the subdivision, often are 100-175 mm (4-7 in) deep.

“Anything more than 4 inches is handled in multiple lifts,” Hart said.

Slight grade variances are easily corrected during paving, using the grade and slope control. “All the automatics, the grade and slope, help with quality,” Hart said.

The firm also takes other quality-assurance steps, including

“All the automatics, the grade and slope, that helps with quality.” continuous paving. Another detail: The paver operator makes sure he or she initiates the contact with the truck, instead of the truck backing into the paver. “That contact can cause a bump,” Hart said.

No cold longitudinal joints Perhaps the biggest factor in achieving quality and smoothness is the way American crews handle longitudinal joints.

Streets in new subdivisions are typically 9.7-11 m (32-36 ft) wide.

Many paving crews would make two passes, starting at one end and working as far forward as they could, then returning to make a second pass and leaving behind a cold joint.

American crews instead make three passes, and straddle the crown during the middle run. “With the Extend-A-Mat, you can break the screed in the middle to get that crown where you want it,” Hart said.

American paves in narrower widths to all-but-eliminate the cold longitudinal joints. “It looks like a seamless mat,” Hart said.

American crews usually move about 152 m (500 ft) from the starting point in the right lane. Then they stop, back up and place the middle section next to the first.

The third run, in the left lane, begins at the same starting point.

The paver then works that 152 m (500 ft), as did the two previous passes. But during the third pass, the paver continues for another 152 m (500 ft) before stopping, backing up and placing the next middle section of 152 m (500 ft).

Next the paver works in the right lane, at a length of 304 m (1000 ft).

ELIMINATING COLD LONGITUDINAL JOINTS As seen from above

3

3.7 m (12 ft)

3.7 m (12 ft)

2

3.7 m (12 ft)

1

PAVER DIRECTION

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

ORDER OF PASSES

4 5 152 m (500 ft)

304 m (1,000 ft)

It covers the same length of the previous passes, and then continues on to become the first paved area of the next section.

Rollers compact the first pass, but leave about 150 mm (6 in) unrolled. When the middle pass is placed, the operators cover that 150 mm (6 in) and the remainder of the mat up to the next edge, where they leave a few inches uncompacted.

That area is then rolled and pinched when the third pass is placed. That means the mat and longitudinal joints have been compacted while still hot. “It looks like a single mat,” Hart said. “It’s as close as you can get to not having a longitudinal joint.”

There is a cold transverse joint, but it is minimal. “At the 500 foot mark, we roll and trim the edge with a loader,” Hart said. “Instead of having a 1,000-foot-long cold joint, I have a 24-foot-wide cold joint.”

Temperatures matter A close eye is kept on the plant— on the subdivision jobsite it was about 20 km (12 miles) away—to ensure material flows consistently.

Crews monitor temperatures in their efforts to create the “single mat.” The mix arrives at a temperature of about 132-149º C (270-300º F), and is close to 132º C

(270º F) behind the paver. The asphalt temperature is not allowed to cool below 77º C (170º F) before the adjacent mat is placed to ensure the joint is hot enough for proper compaction.

American often uses two vibratory drum and two pneumatic rollers, followed by a finish roller.

Breakdown rollers make two full vibratory passes in both directions and usually achieve compaction of 85-87 percent. Pneumatics increase the compaction to 91 percent, and the finish rollers typically squeeze another 1 to 3 percentage points.

They typically work at about 82º C (180º F) and rarely operate on a mat with a temperature below 77º C (170º F).

There are production goals, too.

Crews try to place 145 metric tons (160 U.S. tons) per hour, while also “eliminating” the joint.

“I’ve worked on much higher production jobs, and we can do that type of work,” Hart said. In fact, he once had two crews place 9,435 metric tons (10,400 U.S. tons) in a 10-hour period. “With the residential work, we’re trying to achieve some production, but we’re most concerned about delivering very high-quality, eye-appealing work.” ■

ALL CAT LINEUP American has been purchasing Cat pavers since 1999. “Our fleets are now 100 percent Caterpillar,” Hart said. “They’re great products, and Caterpillar and the dealership, Cashman Equipment, stand behind them.”

Hart previously ran some competitive products, but now runs only Cat pavers and rollers. “There’s nothing out there that compares to a Cat paver,” Hart said. He also likes the rollers—his fleet includes Cat CB34B and CB44B Tandem Vibratory Rollers—and is pleased to have all his needs met by Cashman Equipment.

“I have one type of equipment, and one dealer to work with,” Hart said.

“That’s a benefit. That means only one sales rep and one mechanic. And the quality is outstanding. I wouldn’t go with a single source if that wasn’t the case.”

7 6

456 m (1,500 ft)

PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

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news & NOTES PAVING APP ENHANCED

TECHNOLOGY THE TOPIC AT PAVING CONFERENCE Technology that adds productivity to the jobsite—from the soil compactor to the paver to the finish roller—was the topic of a recent conference hosted by Cat® Paving Products.

The event, held in January at the Tinaja Hills Proving Grounds near Tucson, Ariz., featured Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Also speaking at the event was Chris Higgins, engineering manager at Scotty’s Contracting & Stone, a Kentucky-based contractor that recently utilized 3D paving while building an ultra-smooth race track.

The more than 300 customers in attendance saw a live demonstration of Cat and Weiler® paving equipment. In addition, Iowa State University showcased a mobile lab that features the latest soil compaction technology. The lab fits nicely with Machine Drive Power (MDP), a proprietary Caterpillar technology that monitors indications of soil stiffness.

“It was a great event, and included a national figure as well as some customers that are very close to the technology we offer,” said D. Scott Phipps, Regional Sales Manager for Caterpillar Paving. “The conference drove home the point that Caterpillar Paving doesn’t just develop technology, but technology that makes a difference on customers’ jobsites.”

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PAVING NEWS | ISSUE 1 2015

The Paving Production Calculator app has been released on iTunes and Google Play, marking the Android platform debut. In addition, the iOS version has enhanced language capability and an improved interface. The app is free and available for download through the various platforms.

CAT F-SERIES pAvERS ®

THE NEW STANDARD

Improved controls. Better displays.

• • • •

LCD touchscreen display Integrated Grade Controls stay on the machine Water-resistant consoles with “million-cycle” switches Remote pendent controls

Learn more at www.cat.com/paving

Cat_Com_Paving_Site_2012326154819.pdf

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QEXC1847 © 2015 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

ZIEGLER CAT 901 WEST 94TH ST. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55420-4236 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

MINNESOTA BEMIDJI* 5426 Hwy 71, 56601 .................................

BRAINERD 3311 Liberty Ln, 56041 ..............................

BUHL 10081 Hwy 169, 55713 .......................................

COLUMBUS 13822 West Freeway Dr, 55038 ............

CROOKSTON 720 3rd Ave SW, 56716 ........................

DULUTH 210 Garfield Ave, 55802 ..............................

FERGUS FALLS 3502 State Hwy 210 W, 56537 .........

JACKSON 191 Industrial Pkwy, 56143 ........................

MANKATO 2145 Howard Dr W, 56003 ........................

MARSHALL 1200 North Hwy 59, 56258 .....................

MINNEAPOLIS 901 West 94th St, 55420 ..................

ROCHESTER 6340 Hwy 63 South, 55904 ..................

SHAKOPEE 8000 Country Rd, 101E, 55379 ...............

ST. CLOUD 2225 255th St, 56301.................................

Bemidji

Shakopee Jackson Sheldon

261

866.634.9983 877.829.9850 800.446.9795 866.982.5656 800.422.5782 800.421.3831 800.346.7649 866.847.6401 877.845.3938 800.325.4929 800.352.2812 800.247.1068 800.352.2812 800.522.9469

*Parts and rental only

IOWA ALTOONA 1500 Ziegler Drive NW, 50009 .................. 800.342.7002 ATLANTIC 951 Park Dr, 50022 .................................... 877.547.3819 FORT DODGE 3366 5th Ave S, 50501 ........................ 800.342.1848 MASON CITY 11490 265th St, 50401 ........................ 800.342.1849 POSTVILLE 308 North Lawler, 52162 ........................ 800.526.0889 SHELDON 102 Crossroads Dr, 51201 ........................... 855.344.5604 SIOUX CITY 5300 Harbor Dr, 51111 ........................... 800.342.1847 GroundBreaker back_BW.indd 1

1/25/2012 11:28:40 AM

STAYS

Cat Diamond Bits outperform standard carbide bits.

UP TO

To learn more about Cat Diamond Bits, contact your Cat dealer.

SHARPER

80x LONGER

®

Average life and exact tonnage are impacted by local aggregate and operating technique. Diamond Asphalt Bits last up to 40x the life of standard carbide bits, and Diamond Extended Life Bits last up to 80x the life of standard carbide bits.

R

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