At the World of Concrete 2019 Expo held in Las Vegas last month, construction solutions provider Wirtgen Group introduced the new AutoPilot 2.0 – a pour in place concrete paver – showcased three Wirtgen slipform pavers and a texture curing machine, as well as displayed an aftermarket specialist Kleemann mobile crusher.

The newly developed Wirtgen AutoPilot 2.0 offers higher paving accuracy with lower costs, and the three-dimensional (3D) control system can produce any kind of offset and inset profiles. Further, it creates a new, digital data model at the site.

The 3D system can be used in the production of concrete safety barriers, curbs, traffic islands, or for road surfaces with a width of up to 3.5 m. Surveying, setup and dismantling of string lines is no longer necessary with the AutoPilot 2.0, and the lines no longer get in the way of the teams working around the paver. As a result, the overall process is more productive and profitable.

The system is based on Global Navigation Satellite System and assists with the automated paving of a wide variety of offset and inset profiles, such as concrete safety barriers on motorways or curbs for traffic islands. It requires no more than the uninterrupted reception of signals from a sufficiently large number of satellites and proficient use of the system including the Field Rover prism pole.

Relevant points of the object to be paved are taught-in by a rugged tablet computer at the Field Rover using software developed in-house. These are then used to compute a virtual stringline which is optimised for the slipform paving process and incorporates local conditions. As opposed to conventional 3D systems, the digital data model is created right on the construction site.

Once the tablet computer has been connected on the operator’s platform of the paver, the specifications stored in the system can be run immediately without requiring any intermediate steps. The operator remains in full control, however, and can intervene in the autonomous paving process whenever necessary. A major advantage of the system is that it dispenses with time-consuming surveying operations, the installation and removal of stringline or the preparation of a geodetic data model. AutoPilot 2.0 is available for the WIRTGEN SP 15, SP 15i, SP 25 and SP 25i slipform paver models which were also on display at the expo.

Wirtgen’s versatile multipurpose offset pavers are the smart choice for paving high quality monolithic profiles. The offset moulds can be positioned on either side of the machines, within or outside the chassis. In addition to paving a diverse range of offset profiles, the SP25/SP25i can also be used as an inset paver, placing narrow pavements, such as golf and bicycle paths. Transport poses no problem due to both machines’ compact design.

The Wirtgen pavers were complemented by the self-propelled, track-mounted TCM180/TCM180i texture curing unit on display. The curing unit’s modular design permits working widths between 4 m and 18 m. The TCM180/TCM180i can create different surface textures using one single system to meet all requirements, in addition to the well-established functions of transverse brushing and spraying, and longitudinal brushing and spraying; even a diagonal finish is possible. Meander spraying is a special option: this method permits transverse spraying during uninterrupted travel.

With its MOBIREX MR 130 Z EVO2 impact crusher, Kleemann offers a mobile impact crushing plant that is particularly suitable for demolition concrete recycling and aggregate production. The plant is designed for simple transport and is quickly ready for operation. The diesel-direct drive concept also ensures high performance with economical consumption at the same time.

Fast relocation of the plants is made possible by the extended radio remote control Quick Track. With the plant running, a direct switch from crushing operation to driving operation and vice versa is possible. This increases the plant performance and reduces waiting time.