Germany-based Vogele has taken the binder and surface course pavers of the InLine Pave train to the next level of advancement with the new Dash 3 generation of pavers.

“The new Dash 3 generation of the InLine Pave train shows just what it can do in practice. The unique combination of cutting-edge Vogele technologies lays the binder and surface courses in a single pass – a method which makes this recognised construction method particularly economical too,” says a spokesman for the company.

The most important innovation in its Super 2100-3i IP paver for the binder course is the new transfer module for conveying the surface course mix to the downstream paver, says the spokesman. The module has been extended by 1 m.

As with the MT 3000-2i material feeder, a diesel heater now maintains the mix at a constant temperature, preventing it from sticking to the conveyor. Also new is a second paver operator’s platform with height-adjustable seats that can be swung through 90 degrees beyond the width of the paver. All functions of the transfer module can be controlled from this platform using the paver operator’s ErgoPlus 3 console. Two freely positionable cameras ensure optimum all-round visibility. Also, the process for demounting the module for conventional use of the paver has been simplified.

Meanwhile, on the Super 1800-3i surface course paver, a new camera system improves the view into the material hopper, helping to avoid bottlenecks in the supply of mix. Like its predecessor model, the Super 1800-3i is fitted with a water spray system that prevents material sticking to the 40-cm-wide crawler tracks. The machine can now be fuelled conveniently from the ground.

The Dash 3 was put to test on a heavily trafficked German B9 motorway with severe damage requiring urgent repair. Its paving train supports the paving of compact asphalt pavements “hot on hot” – a process that makes road rehabilitation particularly simple and economical, says the spokesman.

This is because, with InLine Pave, the binder and the surface course can be laid in a single pass. The excellent bond between layers also enhances the quality and resistance to deformation of the asphalt pavement.

The cutting-edge technology involved comprises a mobile MT 3000-2i Offset PowerFeeder, a Super 2100-3i IP fitted with the AB 600 TP2 plus high-compaction extending screed, and a Super 1800-3i.

“The challenges when rehabilitating roads frequently consist in minimising the impact on traffic while improving economic efficiency for the client at the same time,” says Bjorn Westphal, product manager at Vogele.

To ensure that the freshly laid binder course can be driven over by the surface course paver prior to compaction by roller, the Super 2100-3i IP paver is fitted with an AB 600 TP2 Plus Extending Screed. Inside the screed are two extremely high-compaction pressure bars operated by pulsed-flow hydraulics that ensure very high precompaction values.

When paving with InLine Pave, the binder and surface courses interlock particularly intensively, creating a high-quality bond. A perfect bond between layers is a fundamental requirement for the longevity of roads. With InLine Pave, the binder course is thicker while the surface course is thinner at 2 to 2.5 cm. The resultant pavement has higher degrees of density and fewer air voids following its subsequent final compaction by rollers.

Vogele took into consideration capacity utilisation – an important aspect when investing into construction machinery – when designing its InLine Pave machine technology. Also noteworthy is the flexibility of the InLine Pave machine technology, which is very much in its element in conventional applications as well. The Super 1800-3i paver for surface course and the MT 3000-2i Offset PowerFeeder are only slightly modified. The Super 2100-3i, too, largely makes use of standard technology. The transfer module for conveying the surface course mix into the material hopper of the Super 1800-3i is a special structure, but it is easy to demount.

Vogele is a member of the Wirtgen Group, a group of companies operating on an international basis in the construction equipment industry. Last year, Wirtgen was acquired by the US’ Deere & Company, which manufactures agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains used in heavy equipment, and lawn care equipment.