Volvo CE Introduces Intelligent Compaction with Density Direct
Volvo Construction Equipment recently introduced the Volvo Intelligent Compaction technology for select Volvo asphalt compactors available in two packages – Volvo IC and Volvo IC with Density Direct. In addition to offering mapping, temperature mapping and data storage features available in Volvo IC, the Volvo IC with Density Direct includes real-time density mapping technology.
“For years, contractors have relied on IC systems with stiffness calculations instead of density, which is not the true metric by which contractors are evaluated and paid,” said Dr. Fares Beainy, research engineer at Volvo CE. “With Density Direct, operators 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 IC with Density Direct system produces a density calculation that is accurate to within 1.5 percent of core sampling, Volvo said, providing a real-time ready 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, reducing the occurrence of inadequate densities that drive up project costs. This also reduces time spent taking core samples, improves quality and leads to greater uniformity. Calibrations are “saved” by the machine, 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 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-inch by 10-inch 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 easily sees gaps and works 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 IC and Volvo IC with Density Direct will be available in the fourth quarter on new Volvo asphalt compactors, initially including Volvo DD110B, DD120B and DD140B models sold in North America.
