company news about Asphalt Rollers: The Final Touch to Smooth Roads

You’ve seen them on construction sites—large, heavy machines rolling back and forth over fresh asphalt. These are asphalt rollers, and they’re the final step in creating a smooth, durable road. Without them, the asphalt would be loose, porous, and prone to damage. Let’s take a closer look at what they do and how they work.

What is an asphalt roller?
An asphalt roller is a machine designed to compact hot-mix asphalt (HMA) or other paving materials. It uses weight, vibration, or a combination of both to press aggregate (stones, sand) and asphalt binder together, reducing air voids and increasing density, strength, and durability. Rollers come in various types, each suited to different stages of paving.

What are the main types?

1. Double Drum Roller (Steel Wheel):

· Two steel drums (front/rear), often with vibration.

· Used for initial compaction (初压) and final compaction (终压).

· Provides a smooth, hard finish, eliminating wheel tracks.

2. Pneumatic Tire Roller (Rubber Tire):

· 6–10 rubber tires (instead of steel drums).

· Used for intermediate compaction (复压).

· Applies a “kneading” action, improving aggregate bonding and sealing the surface.

3. Combination Roller:

· Steel drum (front) + rubber tires (rear).

· Versatile, used for initial/intermediate compaction.

How does compaction work?
Compaction uses three mechanisms:

· Static: Roller’s weight (8–30 tons) presses down on HMA (initial compaction).

· Vibratory: Drums vibrate (40–60 Hz) to break down air voids (intermediate compaction).

· Kneading: Rubber tires deform HMA, pushing aggregate into tighter spaces (intermediate compaction).

What is the碾压 process?
Compaction involves three stages:

1. Initial Compaction: Double drum roller (vibration off) compacts HMA into a stable shape (70–80% of final density).

2. Intermediate Compaction: Pneumatic tire or vibrating roller achieves 95–98% of final density (most critical stage).

3. Final Compaction: Double drum roller (vibration off) eliminates wheel tracks and creates a smooth finish.

Why is compaction important?
Proper compaction reduces air voids (to <5%), preventing water penetration (which causes cracks) and increasing load-bearing capacity. Poor compaction leads to rutting, potholes, and short pavement lifespan.