Sakai Raises Bars on Intelligent Compaction

Sakai has introduced new asphalt and soil rollers and an advanced version of the company’s compaction information system (CIS). The latter Intelligent Compaction system is now recognized as the very best in the industry by D.O.T. and F.H.W.A officials and the asphalt contractors using this technology, according to the manufacturer.

The system is factory-installed on Sakai’s single drum vibratory soil rollers or double drum vibratory asphalt rollers and can be used for a variety of applications. CIS uses GPS position data and is compatible with most GPS systems used on construction projects.

CIS hardware includes a large touch screen PC display, the compaction control value (CCV) sensor and a surface temperature sensor. AithonMT software allows the roller to document the compaction process and the AithonPD office software creates the plan files and allows for further analysis of the data and for preparing reports that quantify the compaction results.

At ConExpo, the CIS was installed on Sakai’s largest and newest double drum vibratory asphalt roller, the SW990, where it was demonstrated for contractors and agency officials.

The SW990 is a 4000 vpm double drum vibratory asphalt roller with 84 in. wide (213 cm), machined smooth drums. It features up to 29,675 lbs. (132 kN) of centrifugal force per drum and dual amplitude for high density and rapid compaction of thick lift HMA.

Sakai also previewed two new double drum rollers that bring high-output forces and 3,000 vpm (50 Hz) vibration for compaction of thick lift HMA and a lower output oscillation for compaction of thin lift HMA and mats over sensitive sub-surface infrastructure like bridge decks or utilities.

These new roller features are available in both the SW652ND-58 in. (148 cm) and SW770ND-67 in. (170 cm) models.

Both drums vibrate and both drums oscillate, for faster, more economical compaction of a wide range of mix designs and lift thicknesses. Also, these are switchable from the operator’s station with no climbing up to and down from the machine to the drums while changing tasks.

Last but not least, Sakai re-introduced its own line of light compaction equipment including plate compactors, rammers, forward-reverse plate compactors, walk-behind rollers and compact double drum tandem rollers for a wide range of smaller applications. Prior, SakaiLight products were marketed in North America by another company, but will now be sold and serviced by its own dealer network through the company and its North American headquarters.

For more information, call 800/323-0535 or visit www.sakaiamerica.com.