AMMANN CONNECTED WORKSITE HIGHLIGHTED AT WORLD OF ASPHALT

ORLANDO, Florida – Ammann’s new Connected Worksite, a digital solution that links plant production with all other phases of roadbuilding, will be featured at the World of Asphalt, to be held March 25-27 in St. Louis, MO.

A variety of compactors also will be on display. The Ammann ARX 10.1 StV Light Tandem Roller utilizes “side-free” drums that enable compaction against obstacles, while the ARW 65-S Walk Behind Roller sets a new bar in maneuverability.

In addition, visitors to the booth can review a model of the Ammann Alpine DrumMix Plant and discuss its new control system, designed specifically for the U.S. market.

TECHNOLOGY

The Connected Worksite

This technology is a suite of software applications that helps businesses plan, control and document the entire construction project, end-to-end (plant to pavement). The Connected Worksite, developed in collaboration with digitalization experts Q Point, keeps every member of the team fully informed at every stage of the project. It can be utilized for the entirety of a project, or during specific phases:

Construction planning and order management

Customer orders are provided digitally and monitored in real time. Orders can be transmitted as binding or non-binding, which the plant can immediately accept, reject or respond to in more detail. Changes can be made from an office computer or a mobile device from any location. Each instruction is recorded for further review, if needed.

Planning and production at the asphalt plant

The Connected Worksite uses the digital orders to create a production schedule, which is automatically transferred to the plant’s control system. This optimizes material usage and ensures tight deadlines are met. Operating and production data and batch protocols can be analyzed centrally, even if multiple control systems are utilized.

Loading and delivery of materials

As new mix is weighed, the system captures and transmits the appropriate delivery data to the truck driver and the construction team. This allows those at the jobsite to time their work to match the delivery of the mix.

The communication works both ways: The mixing plant receives real-time information about the truck locations, which helps plan further production and loading.

Paving and compaction

Monitoring of mix temperatures is essential to ensuring high quality. With the Connected Worksite, crews know the temperature of the mix at each stage: during production, as it leaves the plant, when it’s in transit, when it arrives, when it’s in the hopper, when it’s behind the screed and during compaction.

Ammann Compaction Expert (ACE), Ammann’s proprietary Intelligent Compaction system, also provides control and guidance. ACE can be supplemented by a cloud-based solution that enables the exchange of information between machines. The data also can be viewed online.

Thorough documentation

Continuous documentation offers valuable insights into all phases. The data helps uncover opportunities for improvement – and at an early stage while adjustments can still be made. At a later date, a detailed history can be shared with clients as needed.

MACHINES

Walk-Behind Roller

The new Ammann ARW 65-S Walk-Behind Roller features a steering innovation that enables the machine to move forward, backward, and laterally.

The prior version only moves in forward and reverse. With the S version and its unique pivoting mechanism, the machine can also be moved to the right and left via the control handle.

The effortless lateral movement is a significant advantage. Body weight is not required to direct the machine, which is often the case with competitive models. This improvement prevents operator fatigue, eliminates surface irregularities, and delivers consistency throughout the shift.

Ammann Walk-Behind Rollers have long been valued because of multiple amplitude settings that enable a single machine to compact both soil and asphalt.

Light Tandem Rollers

The new Ammann ARX 10.1 StV Light Tandem Roller utilises the Honda GX630, a 21-hp, stage V engine. The machine runs on gasoline, which provides several benefits:

• Gasoline is generally less expensive than diesel fuel, so there is likely a cost advantage with every filling of the tank.

• There is no need for a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the cost and hassle that go with it.

• Maintenance of a gasoline engine is less costly than maintenance of a diesel engine.

The ARX10.1 is the only machine on the market with uniquely designed drum consoles installed from a single side. This innovation is known as “side-free” drums. The drums are support-free on the operator’s right side, which allows compaction work on the tightest of jobsites.

Other light tandem rollers at the show include the ARX 26.1-2C, a combination roller with a drum in front and four pneumatic tyres in the rear for higher machine traction and improved sealing of surfaces. The ARX 36-2 features a new articulating joint that facilitates quick drum adjustment from in-line to offset configurations. Rollers that are offset are able to work close to obstructions.

Vibratory Plate Compactors

The APF 10/33 Forward Moving Vibratory Plate Compactor is a small machine. It weighs 121 pounds and can fit in the trunk of a vehicle. But it’s great for compacting spots that the bigger rollers can’t reach. An optional water system makes it productive on asphalt. The plate’s size makes it ideally suited to small jobsites and confined areas.

The APF 15/50 forward plate combines the powerful Ammann exciter system with industry-leading low hand-arm vibration (HAV) levels. The result is a powerful compactor that’s comfortable and safe for operators, too.

The water tank and sprinkler are a single unit that can be added and removed without tools. An optional mat can be mounted in seconds – no tools needed ­­– for work on paving stones. Permanently mounted transport wheels ensure easy on-site relocation.

The APR 52/75 Reversible Vibratory Plate Compactor features good maneuverability and power with an 11 hp engine that helps with climbing and, ultimately, compaction. The machine performs at grades up to 30%.

The plate can hover to compact particularly stubborn materials. The centrifugal clutch, with wear-resistant V belt, is well protected. The engine hood is durable but also grants great accessibility for servicing.

ASPHALT-MIXING PLANTS

Control Systems

Two advanced, intuitive control systems are available for the Ammann Alpine. Both seamlessly integrate with the Connected Worksite.

Alpine Smart Control System (ASC)

The new ASC system is a robust, intuitive system developed specifically for the U.S. market. It is a programmable logic controller-based option that has a look and feel that is familiar to operators in the U.S.

Large icons make it easy to see important production functions from across the control room. High-performance graphics screens are color-coded for easy identification. The PLC is provided by Allen-Bradley and designed using off-the-shelf Rockwell Automation software. It is built on Rockwell’s PlantPAX system architecture.

The as1

Ammann also offers the as1 Control System, a highly sophisticated and flexible plant program. The desktop-based solution is extremely popular worldwide; it is in use at more than 3,000 plants around the globe. It has the look and feel of an app from a smartphone or tablet and can effortlessly access numerous productivity modules.

Both the ASC and the as1 can be retrofitted to immediately and cost-effectively improve plant operations. The systems are compatible with plants provided by Ammann or other OEMs.

The Alpine DrumMix Plant

The Ammann Alpine is specifically designed for high production and high-capacity recycling technology developed and proven throughout the world. Available in stationary, relocatable, and portable configurations ranging from 300-600 tons per hour, the Ammann Alpine covers all possible plant needs of the American producer.

The Alpine series enables HMA producers to maximize high total production and amount of recycled asphalt (RAP) content without sacrificing mix quality utilizing Ammann’s industry-leading controls and technologies. The Alpine series control system is extremely intuitive and allows tracking and analyzing plant operating data in real time to provide real opportunities to gain further efficiencies over competitive equipment.

High-level benefits of the plant include:

• Single drum, multi-zone drying and mixing system with VFD increases performance and flexibility

• Modular and scalable designed components

• High RAP capabilities up to 60%

• Warm asphalt capability with the proven Amman Foam system

• Easy customization of plant arrangements

• Easy retrofit to existing facilities

• Extreme wear packages for extended operating life

• 24/7 local support with a hands-on project management team

Ammann’s HMA storage silos have capacities ranging up to 300 tons with extended mix storage options available. Silos are engineered with expansion in mind. The modular silo batcher arrangement is expandable and optimal for retrofitting and matching silo deck heights.

Ammann’s aggregate feed systems include troughing feed belts to eliminate spills, while large bin openings allow for greater capacity. Steep, sloped bin walls optimize material flow, while variable frequency drives promote simple, accurate calibration and production changes on the fly.

The reverse-air baghouse system is the newest version of a broad range of existing Ammann dust control products. The reduced length and increased width of the Alpine series baghouse allows for greater flexibility in accommodating all jobsites and portable requirements.