Wirtgen’s AutoPilot 2.0 stringless machine control ensures precise and cost efficient paving results
Slipform pavers can be used for paving monolithic concrete structures with the offset method. Curbs, gutter profiles, concrete safety barriers, cycleways, and many other profiles can be paved in one piece with wet concrete. Each individual project requires the right slipform mold and process parameters precisely matched to the specific application. Wirtgen slipform pavers offer the paving crew the extreme flexibility and adaptability they need to deliver optimal results in a broad spectrum of applications. Here, AutoPilot 2.0 makes paving even more precise and cost-efficient.
In offset paving applications, the wet concrete is transferred from the concrete mixer to the slipform mold by means of a feeding conveyor. The concrete in the slipform mold is compacted and molded as the paver advances. The monolithic profile is produced in the desired form at the outlet of the slipform mold. Various parameters can be set to meet the specific requirements of the application and the profile to be paved. With four models, paving widths of up to 4,000 mm, paving heights of up to 3,000 mm, and numerous customization options, Wirtgen offers machines for every paving scenario.
Flexible and Adaptable for a Wide Range of Different Applications
The modular concept of the slipform pavers offers numerous combination options. The flexibility of the machines is unique not only when configuring them for the first time, but also when reconfiguring them for different applications. The spectrum of possible applications ensures high machine utilization rates and guarantees maximum cost-efficiency.
Concrete Feeding Systems Ensure a Continuous Supply of Concrete
A choice of belt and auger conveyors is available for feeding concrete from mixers to the slipform mold. Belt conveyors can transfer large quantities of concrete mix in a short time and are particularly maintenance-friendly. Belt conveyors of different lengths, and also folding belt conveyors, provide additional flexibility on the construction site and during transportation of the machines. Auger conveyors thoroughly remix the concrete on the way to the mold and thus prevent segregation of the material. The height, pitch, and lateral positioning of the concrete feeding system can be manually adjusted on the conveyor or from the operator’s platform. This means that it can be quickly and easily adapted to the actual conditions on the construction site.
Telescopic Mold Suspension with Quick-Change System
The key component of the paver is the slipform mold. It is mounted on the machine with a height-adjustable and laterally-telescoping suspension that enables it to be easily brought into the right position. The mold can be mounted on either the left or the right side of all Wirtgen offset slipform pavers. This means that paving can always be carried out in the direction of the flowing traffic. Relocating the mold from one side of the machine to the other can be done on the construction site in just a few simple steps and takes only a few minutes.
Vibration
Wirtgen offers a range of different vibration systems for compacting the wet concrete. Hydraulic or electric vibrators can be used, depending on the application and requirements. The combination of both systems can also be used on the same machine.
Chassis Layout Ensures Extreme Stability
The positioning of the track units is also extremely flexible. The various models offer a range of different options for setting up the machine on the construction site. Swing legs on the front track units, also known as parallelogram arms, enable alteration of the track spacing and lateral shifting of the center line. Depending on the model, the pavers also feature laterally telescoping rear track units. This ensures consistently high machine stability, both on construction sites with limited space and when paving with large offsets between the mold and the machine.
AutoPilot 2.0 – Stringless Machine Control
The Wirtgen AutoPilot system is used for high-precision, stringless control of slipform pavers. The system consists of a base station, a tablet computer, and the control unit integrated in the paver. As the system completely eliminates the need for setting up and removing the stringline conventionally used for machine control, it also reduces the associated project times and costs. Instead of this, the machine is guided along a virtual stringline by satellite-aided navigation. This makes the entire workflow faster, more efficient and, in turn, more cost-efficient. At the same time, it also makes the paving of complex geometries such as tight radii or S-bends significantly easier.