Efficient paving with the Edge Detection edge follower
Automated screed width control
Construction company Eiffage Infra-Bau SE automated the adjustment of the screed width of its Dash 5 paver by using the Edge Detection laser sensor from Vögele to automatically follow a joint edge. This ensured precise and resource-efficient paving and simultaneously reduced the paver operator’s workload. Edge Detection is a part of the AutoTrac automatic steering and screed width control system from Vögele.
The B535 in Baden-Württemberg is an important bypass. Due to surface damage, a 1.6 km section near Heidelberg was badly in need of rehabilitation. To enable precise and rapid renewal of the two-lane section, the lead contractor decided to use staggered ‘hot to hot’ paving with two Vögele material feeders and pavers in combination with the Edge Detection edge follower.
Rehabilitation of the binder and surface courses
On the site, the contractor first milled off the damaged asphalt pavement down to the base layer. For the renewal of the 10 cm binder course and the 4 cm surface course, the contractor used two latest generation Vögele pavers: a SUPER 1900-5 X and a SUPER 2100-5 X and two MT 3000-2i Offset material feeders that ensured an uninterrupted supply of asphalt mix to the pavers.
‘Hot to hot’ paving with Edge Detection
The paving crew first paved a strip alongside the central safety barrier with the SUPER 1900-5 X. The SUPER 2100-5 X equipped with the Edge Detection edge follower following on behind then paved a parallel strip: The laser sensor was mounted on the side plate of the AB 600 paving screed and used the edge of the joint with the first strip as a reference datum for automatic screed width control. In concrete terms, it works like this: The sensor scans the area in front of the side plate within a 70-degree measuring range and detects edges with a profile of at least 2 cm. When the screed operator activates the corresponding function, the respective screed extension automatically follows the edge. ‘This allowed us to lay down the second strip very smoothly, precisely and quickly’, says paver operator Michael Wenz.
Edge Detection assists paver operators
On several sections of the federal highway, the paving width varied between 8 m and 11.80 m. With a conventional paving process, the screed operator would have had to manually control the extension or retraction of the screed extensions. Thanks to Edge Detection, the screed width was, however, automatically adjusted to pave exactly the width defined by the detected edge. This allowed the screed operator to concentrate on other aspects of the job, such as assuring the paving quality. When working on sites alongside moving traffic, automated screed width control also helps prevent safety risks by keeping operators out of hazardous areas.
‘The Edge Detection laser sensor system provides valuable assistance by increasing the level of automation on the construction site. Nevertheless, the screed operator can make adjustments at any time if necessary.’
Michael Wenz, Paver Operator
Precision paving saves costly resources
Another benefit of paving with the Edge Detection sensor: the automated regulation of the screed width meant that exactly the right amount of asphalt mix was used to achieve an ideal join between the strips laid down by the two pavers. ‘Reliable edge following with Edge Detection enables us to avoid paving more than the actual width required. That saves material and cuts our costs’, emphasizes Wenz.
AutoTrac Edge Detection
Edge Detection is a part of the AutoTrac automatic steering and screed width control system from Vögele. The automatic solution utilises real references that are scanned with sensors. The AutoTrac Edge Detection laser sensor system utilises a rising or falling edge as a reference, for example, the edge of a joint or a kerb. The laser sensor mounted on the side plate automatically detects and follows edges with a profile varying by at least ± 2 cm.
Learn more about AutoTrac
