Hamm roller compacting, asphalt steaming

June, 2026 | Reading time: 3 mins.

Maximum quality with warm mix asphalt

Smart Compact Pro impresses with real-time asphalt density

On the L3161 between Olberode and Christerode, a stretch of some 3.3 kilometres was repaved with a new asphalt surface course. The challenge: The warm mix asphalt being used for the job, which is processed at a temperature of 130–150 °C, calls for a much faster compaction process than conventional mixes. This is where the Wirtgen Group machines came in. The material was initially paved and precompacted in the Inline Pave process. Two tandem rollers from Hamm with Smart Compact Pro then compacted the new surface.

Automated compaction with Smart Compact Pro

The main difference when compacting with warm mix asphalts is that the paving temperature is at least 20 °C lower than the temperature of conventional asphalt mixes. The benefit: Fewer harmful vapours and aerosols are released, plus there is a lot of potential to cut energy consumption and emissions even before the paving stage. The challenge in terms of asphalt construction: Precision timing is key when using this material, because it cools down faster, reducing the window of time available for optimum compaction.

Portrait of a man in construction worker clothing.

‘Smart Compact Pro is undoubtedly a huge help in achieving the required quality and for the drivers themselves, it’s great to get that instant feedback, telling them if they need to keep compacting here or not.’

Andre Blättner, Construction Management at Bickhardt Bau SE

Side view of an HX series roller.

Smart Compact Pro

  • continuously adapts the compaction power and mode of both drums independently of one another on the basis of the real-time asphalt density.
  • analyses external temperature variations and the asphalt’s cooling behaviour for optimally adjusted compaction.
  • automatically adapts the compaction power to minimise the spread of the compaction values.
  • offers real-time density measurement to significantly reduce the need for time-consuming and costly tests with drill cores.
  • minimises cracks and other premature damage, ensuring longer-lasting roads.
  • significantly reduces potential additional expenditure for the contractor.
  • is available for the HD+ and HX series.
Show more Show less

Realtime Density Scan

To ensure efficient and homogeneous compaction of the material, Smart Compact Pro was used. The system uses the Realtime Density Scan to record the asphalt in real time and automatically adapts the compaction power and mode of each drum. As well as asphalt, other parameters are taken into account, including, for example, the cooling behaviour of the asphalt, local weather data, course type and course thickness for the automatic control of both drums. This ensures that the optimum density is achieved, irrespective of external influences or the operator’s experience. Extra assistance for the driver:Smart Compact Pro has a presetting specifically for warm mix asphalts, which adjusts the system to the particular parameters at the push of a button.

Full transparency and control of the compaction

The Smart Display enables the operator to monitor the density in real time, even with static compaction. Using the Track Assist, the operator can also monitor all process and performance data in real time on a tablet, including real-time asphalt density. All data can be visualised with clearly presented mapping.

Chip spreader option

For optimum initial skid resistance, chips are spread and worked in during compaction. The HLS 150 has a spreading width of 0.30–1.50 m and a storage capacity of 760 l.

The advantages:

  • Even spreading pattern
  • Speed-dependent application of chips
  • Convenient spreading quantity adjustment
  • Constant spreading quantity, even when travelling at speed or on inclines
  • Good access to the hydraulic system

Efficient water sprinkling

The water sprinkling ensures no material sticks to the drums.

Other benefits:

  • Automatic water supply
  • Large water tanks
    • HX 70i: 740 l
    • HX 90i: 810 l
  • Triple filtration
  • Economical and safe
  • Easy maintenance

Compacting warm mix asphalt

For optimum compaction of warm mix asphalt, the rollers travel closely behind the paver.

High potential for savings, lower emissions

Warm mix asphalt brings with it various benefits throughout the entire process chain of road construction: Reduced energy use in production, lower emissions from the material and more efficient paving on site. Using the compatible Wirtgen Group technologies for manufacture, paving and compaction, warm mix asphalt can be used to deliver reliable and profitable results.

Discover the potential of warm mix asphalt now

Want to know more?

Our new series of articles on the topic of warm mix asphalt launches soon. Join us as we explore all the process steps of this new material and discover how the Wirtgen Group, as a technological pioneer of the construction sector, is always developing its products to meet the needs of its customers.

Series HX

View category
ha-products-stage-01

Hamm products

View category