World´s first: Smart Compact Pro integrates realtime density into automated compaction

Roller manufacturer Hamm is exhibiting under the claim “Measure it right. Measure it now.” Smart Compact Pro. For the first time, realtime density is used as a decisive parameter for qualitative assessment and integrated into the automated compaction. Smart Compact Pro makes a decisive contribution to extending the service life of road surfaces and reduces construction and renovation costs as well as potential additional expenditures at the contractor's expense. The innovation is initially available in North America for tandem rollers from the HD+ series.

Automated compaction with Smart Compact

Despite advances in digitalization, asphalt compaction has been heavily dependent on empirical data and the experience of the driver. Consistent double passes and the correct use of dynamic compaction often depended on the driver's knowledge. Since 2022, the digital compaction assistant Smart Compact from Hamm has been simplifying the compaction process in asphalt construction by automatically and separately controlling the compaction modes and forces for both drums based on the selected course type – base course, asphalt binder course, or surface course. The physical properties of the asphalt, such as the temperature and stiffness, as well as the complex cooling behavior of the material, are continuously taken into account in order to achieve homogeneous compaction by using the optimum compaction energy and modes in each case. Local weather data can also be included as an option.

Smart Compact Pro with realtime density measurement: Increase quality, reduce costs

Hamm is now expanding Smart Compact by adding a central measured value – the realtime asphalt density. Industry experts agree that it is the decisive parameter for qualitative assessment during the compaction process and is becoming the key parameter for precisely meeting regulatory requirements and minimizing financial deductions.

Smart Compact Pro closes this gap by integrating the new “Realtime Density Scan” sensor into the automated compaction process. This determines the asphalt density in real time by measuring the dielectric conductivity of the asphalt mix to be compacted forming the basis for the correlation with the asphalt density or the void content. Both parameters are decisive for self-monitoring or control testing. With the help of realtime density, Smart Compact Pro is able to provide construction companies with a decisive advantage by accurately implementing regulatory requirements.

This can significantly reduce possible financial deductions due to insufficient quality in the construction work while also saving costs for early refurbishment measures. The use of Smart Compact Pro also significantly reduces the effort involved in removing drill cores.

All in all, the initial integration of realtime density into automated compaction represents a significant step forward in the development of asphalt compaction. Even inexperienced operators can achieve optimum compaction results with Smart Compact Pro without any prior knowledge. This is also crucial support for construction companies in times of an increasing shortage of skilled labor.