Underground Construction - August 2022 - 24

The Road to Safety Starts with Stability
dollars for the state that could be reallocated to other areas to
improve infrastructure.
In the past, contractors for the NHDOT primarily used
self-propelled rollers in static mode to prevent the risk of rollovers
or sliding into ditches. To prove the effectiveness of the study,
the self-propelled rollers were utilized in both static and vibratory
modes to accurately compare with the offset compaction roller
attachment, which was only capable of operating with vibration.
For this compaction testing, the material was placed two
Crews can safely and effectively compact material from flat ground using
a compaction attachment with an offset arm - allowing for safe work
at virtually any angle. (Image courtesy of Road Widener)
ments - and be towed by a standard pickup truck. No heavyhaul
trailers or permits are required.
Additionally, compaction roller attachments can offer contractors
the ability to expand their application capabilities and
win more bids by incorporating an adaptable system into their
business model. Compaction roller attachments can be purchased
in a variety of interchangeable drum widths, ranging
from 2 to 4 feet, providing heightened adaptability.
To get the same benefit with traditional compaction machines,
contractors would have to purchase multiple self-propelled
units, all with engines and transmissions that would need
to be continuously maintained. This flexibility opens up more
opportunities for contractors, allowing them to meet a range
of job specifications without the hassle of maintaining, hauling
and storing several pieces of equipment.
Stamp of approval
The safety and productivity benefits of compaction roller attachments
are powerful, and the data that demonstrates the
impact they bring to the industry speaks volumes.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation
(NHDOT) conducted a study to measure the effectiveness of
offset compaction roller attachments connected to a wheeled
skid steer, versus the traditional steel drum and rubber-tired
rollers used by NHDOT contractors.
The study examined the density of gravel compaction on a
road shoulder to determine which method of compaction would
yield the most consistent results in terms of gravel density, ensuring
a longer wear life of the road shoulder. NHDOT recognized
that longer wear life would result in saving thousands of
24 AUGUST 2022 | UCONonline.com
ways for each roller, first being approximately a half-inch higher
than the existing pavement prior to compaction, and second, the
material was placed flush with the existing pavement.
The results of the study showed that the offset compaction
roller attachment had almost equal compaction when tested
against the two other rollers that were eight to 22 times greater
in weight. Additionally, the variance of the offset compaction
roller attachment was the least out of the three.
In summary, the offset compaction roller provided a more
consistent density of compacted gravel and gave workers added
flexibility with its offset arm, eliminating the risk of injury and
rollovers compared to other methods.
Additionally, the compaction attachment improved efficiency
by allowing the operator to remotely control the position of
the roller from the host machine, enabling coverage over the entire
shoulder as compared to ride-on methods that require straddling
the shoulder or not allowing for full compaction coverage.
Minimal maintenance
When it comes to the impact of maintenance, traditional rideon
compaction rollers have several grease fittings that need to
be maintained, and they often have a buildup of debris that
requires frequent cleaning. However, with compaction roller
attachments, there is almost no maintenance to speak of.
Without the need for an engine, powertrain or any associated
parts of its own to operate, advanced offset compaction
rollers require 90 percent less maintenance than ride-on compaction
machines, by cutting out traditional engine and transmission
service.
In a world where so many elements are outside of our control
- the supply chain, the price of fuel, inflationary costs, and
more - it is more critical than ever that contractors control risk
and costs wherever they can. And their equipment investment
is a great place to start.
By carefully evaluating equipment selection and choosing
options that maximize the capabilities of their current fleet,
contractors will see an increase in the efficiency and profitability
of their business while providing unparalleled safety
for their crew. UC
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lynn Marsh is the president of Road Widener
LLC and has 20 years of experience in the road construction industry.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Road Widener, (844) 494-3363, roadwidenerllc.com
http://www.roadwidenerllc.com http://www.UCONonline.com
Underground Construction - August 2022

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