If there’s one thing every paving contractor can agree on, it’s the importance of getting the job done right the first time. Relying on assumptions instead of data can lead to consequences that show up quickly, both on the jobsite and in profitability.
The push for efficiency and consistency is the focus of the session Smarter Paving: Real-World Lessons in Intelligent Compaction and Emerging Technologies at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
We caught up with BOMAG Americas, Inc.’s product marketing manager John Gravatt and speaker Foster Ladlee, who will share insights into how intelligent compaction is transforming the industry. Attendees will learn how to evaluate different systems, understand data and identify steps for adoption in the industry.
“We call it the industry's best kept secret.”
John Gravatt
BOMAG Americas, Inc.
COMPACTION IN REAL TIME
Intelligent compaction replaces guesswork with real-time visibility. Operators no longer have to rely solely on experience to know when enough passes have been made.
Ease of use is critical because intelligent compaction tools are only effective when crews trust and adopt them in the field. Foster explains “It’s got to be easy for these guys to use, or they’re not going to use it on the day-to-day and not going to see the results at the end of a job.”
When technology enhances existing processes without disruption, contractors are more likely to trust the technology and continue to use it.
MAKING BETTER DECISIONS ON THE JOB
One of the biggest advantages of intelligent compaction is the ability to spot issues before they become expensive problems. Temperature fluctuations, inconsistent passes and over-compaction can all appear clearly on the screen.
Data helps resolve issues with clarity. With real-time feedback, operators can adjust before damage is done. They gain a clearer understanding of what the machine is doing and how to respond in the moment.
Intelligent compaction can also directly impact productivity and operating costs. Foster references projects where crews were able to significantly reduce the number of passes required.
“We call it the industry's best kept secret,” John shares. “It really is a phenomenal technology.”
CONSISTENCY WITH EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY
As companies demand tighter density tolerances, consistency has become very important in the asphalt industry. John describes how intelligent compaction acts as a quality control system that records precisely what happened on the mat.
“It’s really making sure that you’re actually doing what you said you were going to do,” he explains.
As compaction technology continues to advance, this session will show with real world examples how automation is allowing machines to adapt to changing conditions instantly.
Instead of relying on a single setting, automated systems maximize energy early on when the asphalt can accept it, and back away as it hardens. The technology maximizes the energy going into the mat during each pass, reducing the number of passes required.
This allows even your newest team member to pave with the precision of a veteran operator.
OVERCOMING CONCERNS AND ADOPTING NEW TECHNOLOGY
Like any new technology, intelligent compaction can raise concerns among contractors who worry about being monitored closely or replaced.
Both Foster and John stress that those fears usually subside once operators see the benefits firsthand. Intelligent compaction is not replacing workers. It gives crews the feedback they need to deliver consistent quality for more efficient projects.
As paving technology continues to evolve, the role of the operator becomes even more critical, not less.
WHAT ATTENDEES WILL LEARN
Attendees at this CONEXPO-CON/AGG session will leave with tools and insights they can apply right away, including:
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How intelligent compaction improves quality and consistency in asphalt paving
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The benefits of real time data for decision making
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The opportunity to compare different compaction systems
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How to adopt these technologies and use them to boost profitability and reduce rework
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An up-close look at the BW 191 AD-5 AM (Asphalt Manager) and BOMAP Intelligent Compaction System on display
Don’t miss your chance for actionable guidance, real-world case examples and a roadmap to smarter paving in the session Smarter Paving: Real-World Lessons in Intelligent Compaction and Emerging Technologies led by Foster Ladlee of BOMAG Americas, Inc.
Photos Courtesy of BOMAG Americas, Inc.
Register today to save 10 percent off show admission with promo code WEB10!
