Wirtgen introduced North America to its latest inset slipform paver at World of Concrete 2018.
At the expo in Las Vegas, held Jan. 23 to 26, Wirtgen unveiled its SP 62i slipform paver. The SP 62i is capable of paving concrete in widths from two metres to 7.5 metres and thicknesses of up to 45 cm.
The intelligent steering and control system ensures smooth operation, even around tight corners, according to the company.
Engine tech
As part of its modification measures to comply with new emissions laws, Wirtgen has designed the SP 62i for a greater engine output. Meeting Tier 4 Final emissions specifications, the machine has a 240 hp Deutz engine. Despite the higher output, fuel consumption is reduced using eco mode, which automatically adapts engine output to power requirements.
Thanks to a new hydraulic concept, energy is now used more efficiently, meaning it is available for new equipment options. The paver may be equipped with a hydraulic or electric vibrator drive. In standard design, it comes with 12 hydraulic connectors, but may be fitted with 18 or 24 electric connectors. As well, the separate hydraulic side bar inserters may be mounted on the left, right or on both sides of the machine.
The hydraulic system starts as a basic version, and grows along with the number of modular equipment options selected.
The two crawler units of the SP 62i run in opposite directions at the push of a button, so the slipform paver turns on its own axis.
Meanwhile, the two long crawlers with their larger footprints exert a low pressure on the ground. This enables the machine to be used on difficult terrain and improves the cost-efficiency of the paving results.
The SP 15i and SP 25i
Wirtgen also showcased its SP 15i and SP 25i slipform pavers, and a self-propelled curing unit at World of Concrete.
The slipform pavers SP 15i and SP 25i are the manufacturer’s specialists when it comes to high quality concrete paving of monolithic profiles in offset application.
The offset mold can be positioned flexibly on either side of the machines, within or beyond the chassis. Transport poses no problem due to the machine’s compact design.
Both pavers feature Wirtgen AutoPilot, a pioneering 3D control system. The feature assists with the construction of poured-in-place concrete profiles, such as curbs or safety barriers, in offset application.
The GPS-based system guarantees precision, regardless of whether it’s straight profiles, highly complex curved profile paths or even closed profile configurations need to be paved. AutoPilot enables fully automatic paving at small radii of 60 cm and without the use of stringlines.
This eliminates the need to survey. The Wirtgen AutoPilot also automatically negotiates any obstacles on the job site, such as manhole covers.
Establishing a digital terrain model is not required, as programming of the profile path is completed on site.
Two GPS receivers, mounted on masts on the machine, communicate with an additional GPS reference station positioned on site. After positioning the total station and laser on the job site, the slipform paver is taken to the specified starting position and heading.
Parameters are directly entered into the system via the rotary push-button and function keys at the control screen. Menu navigation is self-explanatory, and graphics visualize the various profiles and configurations.
Auto paving in six steps
Programming the Wirtgen AutoPilot takes only a few minutes. In the first step, the machine operator selects a profile configuration at the control panel. Next, the operator enters length, width and radius of the configuration to establish the steering path of the slipform paver. The starting point is determined in a third step, followed by machine level and elevation profile. In the final step, the machine operator determines the cross slope.
A laser sensor or sonic sensor mounted on the slipform paver scans the ground surface to ensure precise level control, and the fully automatic paving operation commences.
Although automatic, the operator is able to intervene in the paving operation at any time, if necessary.
The TCM 180i
The TCM 180i self-propelled curing unit guarantees success of professionally cured concrete pavements.
As soon as concrete is paved by a slipform paver, it must be protected without delay to prevent curing moisture from evaporating, as this causes tension, which leads to cracks.
When paving concrete, the curing unit, with its automatic spraying and brooming system, follows directly behind the slipform paver to produce the desired surface texture. Finally, the spraying system applies a coating to the fresh concrete to hinder evaporation of curing moisture.
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Wirtgen Group’s new texture curing unit, the TCM 180i, accommodates working widths of four to 18 metres.
A new operating concept allows the intuitive control of the curing unit, just like the Wirtgen slipform pavers of the SP 90 and SP 60 series. In addition to a more modern and clear arrangement, the operator’s console also features a number of new service and control functions, optimizing the work process.
Its new hydraulic concept is designed to have positive impact on the work process, as the traction drive can now be switched at different speeds, for example, between working and transport mode. Proportional control supports precision height adjustment to meet every requirement.
As well, Wirtgen has enlarged its range of surface textures to cater to its customers around the world. In addition to the established functions of transverse brooming and spraying, longitudinal brooming and spraying — and even the application of a diagonal finish — will be possible in the future. The machine may also be fitted with mounts for a burlap or synthetic turf.
A film unwinding device, known as a polyroll, helps to protect concrete quickly and effectively from the negative effects of sudden rain. Travelling in reverse gear directly behind the slipform paver, the machine spreads plastic sheeting to protect the concrete from unfriendly weather.
