Skip to main content

Oscillation compaction advance in the US

A project carried out by LYNCH, one of the leading contractors in the south-east of New England, provided for the placement and compaction of asphalt on a road near Douglas, MA. A BOMAG BW 190 ADO-5 was used on the 3km section being redeveloped; this was assigned to work on the 60mm thick asphalt binder course and the 25mm thick top layer. The special feature of the project was in the application of the WMA process (Warm Mix Asphalt – low-temperature asphalt). In the course of this process, additive is add
October 2, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
A BOMAG oscillation type compactor has proved its worth on a job in the US
A project carried out by LYNCH, one of the leading contractors in the south-east of New England, provided for the placement and compaction of asphalt on a road near Douglas, MA. A 172 BOMAG BW 190 ADO-5 was used on the 3km section being redeveloped; this was assigned to work on the 60mm thick asphalt binder course and the 25mm thick top layer.


The special feature of the project was in the application of the WMA process (Warm Mix Asphalt – low-temperature asphalt). In the course of this process, additive is added to the mixing system which allows the mix to be produced at lower temperatures of around 30-40°. The binder used consisted of hard granite rocks with about 40% recycled and rubber-modified bitumen.

Two tandem rollers from the 10tonne category were used first for the main compaction with double vibration. The BW 190 ADO-5 took over the final tasks as the finish roller. The two passes needed were performed with an ADO drum to seal the surface and improve evenness.  Due to the WMA mix, the time frame for compacting at the construction site may be shorter depending on the weather or transportation route. In such a case, the advantages of the oscillation system come to light as, on the one hand, it offers more reserves for sensitive rolling of asphalt and, on the other hand, it has great potential for compaction with vibration that can be used at the right time. The BW 190 ADO-5 was able to demonstrate this impressively in Douglas, as upon completion of the project the maximum theoretical density was between 93.4 and 93.8%.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Recycled asphalt cuts costs, maximises performance
    February 10, 2012
    The need to maximise road performance and cut costs has resulted in Indonesian contractors being keen to adopt cold recycling methods
  • A road challenge for Zimbabwe
    November 8, 2023
    Construction work is finally underway for a major new highway link in Zimbabwe after many years of false starts.
  • Higher productivity, lower cost asphalt plants
    February 14, 2012
    Manufacturers are producing innovative asphalt equipment, and operators are benefiting from this as Patrick Smithreports. Asphalt plant manufacturers and operators are understandably placing great emphasis on higher productivity but with lower costs. At the same time they are aware of environmental issues and the ever-increasing use of recycled material in mixes.
  • BOMAG’s smart asphalt compaction technology in use
    May 25, 2016
    BOMAG’s highly sophisticated compaction control technology is now being used successfully on the highway project to link Warsaw with St Petersburg. The system is being employed in the rural area around the border triangle of Lithuania, Latvia and Belarus. Lithuanian road contractor Panevezio Keliai won the package of works to upgrade a stretch of the E262 in Zarasai. The project requires high quality as the E262 route links Warsaw with St Petersburg and carries a large volume of traffic, including a hig