By Tejasvi Sharma, Chief Editor, EPC World
A glorious five-year of Roads and Highways construction is set for renewal. In this interim period, we take a look into the various Compactors and Graders that compacted miles and miles of Roads and Highways
Indeed an epoch making five-year for the Roads and Highways construction in India. From a mere 11 kilometers per day of roads and highways construction to approximately 22 kilometers of roads and highways construction today, the Roads and Highways sector has galloped along the way. Here in this article we take a look at the various road construction equipment - compactors, road rollers, tandem rollers, graders - that compacted the soil, gravel, concrete, asphalt and other materials for a smooth economic development.
For the roads and highways sector, JCB introduced JCB116 (an 11T Class Soil Compactor). The JCB116 Soil Compactor comes fitted with a state-of-the-art JCB Diesel Max engine, providing fuel savings in the range of 5-10% compared to the available competing models in the market. Equipped with a variable fan as standard, the engine delivers a massive 430Nm of torque at low engine speeds for optimum responsiveness. It provides unmatched fuel consumption in its class of machines. JCB116 comes with an in-built Compaction Meter which ensures uniform compaction. A Compaction Meter enables the operator to exactly know the number of passes required to achieve the desired compaction density and thus avoids over or under compaction of the layers. This leads to uniform compaction density and savings in fuel as well as in time. To make compaction operation as efficient as possible, JCB India has come up with IntelliCompaction in JCB116. It provides Relative Compaction value which helps in achieving consistent and uniform compaction throughout the patch. JCB IntelliCompaction digital display shows high/ low frequency and amplitude values for compaction control. This versatile system is suitable for both Asphalt and Soil Surface. JCB116 is built with highly reliable and latest hydraulics components from Germany. Full access is provided for all hydraulic and engine components for easy serviceability. JCB116 comes with a revolutionary telematics technology – the JCB Livelink. This state-of-the-art technology enables users to get SMS alerts on their mobile phones or smart devices regarding service alerts, operations and security of their machines. The information is available in real time regarding the health of the machine including engines and gives vital information to the customer in terms of number of hours the machine has been operational, service intervals, fuel levels, malfunctions if any, etc. It thus enables better site management and equipment utilisation. Livelink technology in JCB machines benefit the customers in better fleet management which leads to better expense management and timely completion of work. This information makes a huge difference in the efficiency and costs of the entire operation.
Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced DD100B double drum asphalt compactor. The double drum compactors feature independent dual-frequency and multi-amplitude functionality which makes them more versatile. Furthermore, the rotating console plus the in-built automatic reversing of eccentrics increases productivity and the completion time is shortened. In addition, the powerful KOEL 105 HP engine delivers stronger performance and the robust design of the machine makes it work harder for longer time and giving owners a better return on their investment. The DD100B features a rolling width of 1676 mm, vibration frequency of 42/31 hz and operating weight with heavy duty sun shade of 10,025 kg. Volvo Construction Equipment has recently added Volvo Intelligent Compaction (IC) for select Volvo asphalt compactors that are available in two packages -Volvo IC and Volvo IC with Density Direct. In addition to offering the pass mapping, temperature mapping and data storage features of the Volvo IC system, Volvo IC with Density Direct includes real-time density mapping technology. With Density Direct, operators can have real-time access to the metric that ultimately determines the success of their work, density. Within the Density Direct system is a calibration screen, where the user sets the target density for the project. Once fully calibrated with data specific to the application, the Volvo Intelligent Compaction with Density Direct system produces a density calculation that is accurate to within 1.5 percent of core sampling, providing a real-time reading of density values over 100 percent of the mat. With this real-time data, the operator is given the chance to make any necessary adjustments while asphalt is being paved. This not only reduces the occurrence of inadequate densities that drive up project costs, but reduces time spent taking core samples, improves quality, and leads to much greater uniformity than nuclear gauge testing. Calibrations are also “saved” by the compactor, so operators can assign calibrations to certain elements of a job, and quickly switch back and forth between calibrations to meet the demands of specific job elements.
The user interface of Volvo IC with Density Direct depicts a density map, showing each square foot of rolled asphalt in a color representing density, and also provides a real-time numerical density reading displayed in the corner of the screen. Both Volvo IC and Volvo IC with Density Direct offer real-time temperature and pass mapping data. Using the 8”x10” color monitor of the Volvo IC system, the pass mapping function captures each compactor pass and drum overlap with an individual color, so that the operator can easily see gaps and work to maintain uniform coverage. Temperature mapping provides the operator with a temperature ‘map’ that shows the path of the compactor overlaid with the last recorded surface temperature. Volvo’s Co-Pilot range of intelligent machine services – including Dig Assist and Pave Assist –help operators to deliver higher quality outcomes, in less time and with less effort. The CareTrack telematics system from Volvo allows owners to get real-time data on a variety of performance-related features for their fleet. The system generates a wide range of reports, delivering data on aspects such as fuel consumption, operational hours, geographical location and more.
CASE Construction Equipment, a brand of CNH Industrial has unveiled for the roads and highways sector CASE 1110 EX soil compactor. The CASE 1110 EX is specially designed with operator comfort. With its closed HVAC cabin and a more powerful engine, the compactor is highly suitable for heavier application usage. The CASE 1110 EX soil compactor comes with a new-generation FPT Industrial S8000 engine that delivers up to 110 HP at 2300 rpm and torque of 430 Nm at 1400 rpm. The soil compactor also features a turbocharged after cooled engine with an internal Exhaust Gas Recirculation system for ensuring fuel economy.
CASE 752EX is equipped with a fuel-efficient FPT engine that delivers 76 HP at 2200 rpm and torque of 332 Nm at 1300 rpm. The 752EX’s operator compartment features a sliding & rotating operator seat, tillable steering, two levers, full visibility and sprinklers on both the drums making the drive and compaction process easier and safer. It is equipped with FRP tank rather than steel tank to avoid rusting. The look of the machine is enhanced by foldable canopy for ease of transportation, new fuel and water tanks and new sophisticated instrument cluster. Also, equal weight distribution of the machine, gives it a less waviness on the road. Eagle-eye-telematics solution from CASE keeps a track of the machine with the help of a unique feature called ‘Geofencing’. This exclusive SMS alert feature helps the user with the controlled safety of the machine.
Mahindra and Mahindra has expanded the range of its road construction equipment segment by launching a new motor grader, the Mahindra RoadMaster G90. This product has been designed and developed in India after an in-depth understanding of the needs of the road contractors. It is an optimal solution for constructing medium roads and state highways as well as widening of national highways. The G90 is powered by a 91 HP DiTEC engine developed by Mahindra which is coupled with a 3 metre wide blade. This equipment is optimised to deliver zero compromise grading. It is equipped with telematics technology, DiGiSENSE.
LiuGong India has further consolidated its position by launching Motor Grader 4180D for the roads and highways sector while Escorts Construction Equipment has come up with Compactor EC 5511 in 11-ton class and Mini Compactor EC 3664 in 3- ton class. The EC 5511 is designed to give optimum compaction performance with excellent operational efficiency and the Mini Compactor EC3664 is powered with Escorts water cooled engine. L&T has launched L&T 990HF tandem compactor in 10-tonne class.
Road Ahead
Election 2019 has been announced and the Model Code of Conduct has been enforced. New roads and highways tendering has been put on hold. The roads and highways sector has been hit recently by the ongoing NBFC crisis especially the IL&FS crisis. Many roads and highways projects has to be re-tendered which temporarily halted road construction work. The ongoing roads and highways projects are work in progress so are the road construction equipment - compactors, road rollers, tandem rollers, graders. Till the Election 2019 gets over and the new government is appointed and a clear policy on roads and highways emerge the Compactors and Graders will be on a neutral mode.
@EPC World Media
