HAMM compaction quality

Hamm is extremely innovative regarding measuring technology particularly that of asphalt compaction and new modules can be easily integrated into the “system HCQ” retrospectively. HAMM AG follows a clear objective with any new developments to produce machines and systems to enable its customers to produce high quality, highly durable asphalt layers and surfaces.

The modular HCQ system offers a suitable measuring and evaluation system for every application. For example, the HCQ modules assist operators by immediately indicating where the required compaction has been reached or where more passes are required.

Compaction – a complex affair

The aim of all soil compacting projects is to obtain high load-bearing capacity and a defined degree of compaction. Major influencing factors include the number of compactor passes, the weight of the machine and other machine-related parameters. Also, factors relating to the compacted material, such as the asphalt or soil type, the water content of the existing soil, the temperature of the asphalt or the stiffness of the subgrade are equally important for ensuring the quality of the compacted layer. In other words, compaction is the result of a complex interaction of influencing factors. For that reason, HAMM constantly monitors the entire compacting process, instead of observing isolated data separately. “HCQ – Hamm Compaction Quality” is a user-friendly system for measuring, evaluating and documenting compaction results in the widest possible variety of applications.

Often, customers demand evidence of the compaction achieved. For this purpose, in conventional compaction monitoring, random samples are taken and measured both during and after the compacting operations. By contrast, for more than 15 years now, HAMM has been providing its customers with online compaction monitoring for earthmoving activities. A measuring system in the machine informs the driver of the compaction result during the compaction process, thereby facilitating the task of establishing a layer with high load-bearing capacity. This system saves time, ensures quality and prevents unpleasant surprises during subsequent inspection measurements. This principle of online self-monitoring is worth the investment, because e.g. it significantly reduces the number of defects registered during the warranty phase on construction lots compacted with this system. Improvements and renovation work are only required after longer periods.

In short, the service life and quality of roads and earthworks are increased by efficient use of HAMM measuring technology.

Soil and asphalt compaction

The specific requirements concerning the measurement and documentation of compaction results are as varied as are the applications of compaction in earthmoving and asphalt laying. To meet these requirements the individual modules of the HCQ system are ideally matched to one another. Firstly, the HCQ-Indicator measures and displays the stiffness of soils or asphalt.

To supplement this reading, the HCQ-Printer graphically illustrates the measured compaction over a defined area and provides the option of printing out a measurement report. The HCQ-GPS-Navigator goes one step further: this module additionally determines the exact position of the compactor by GPS. This easy and convenient measuring system ensures optimal compaction results, provides the driver with effective support and offers numerous possibilities for detailed data analysis.

Asphalt compaction must take place within a specified temperature range. Since the asphalt cools immediately, the time window for compacting is extremely limited. Consequently, the compactor driver must keep a constant watch on the asphalt temperature.