Double roller advantages and disadvantages

Asphalt projects often employ a combination of Double drum roller compactors and pneumatic-only machines.

Machines with two vibrating drums usually provide the brute force of compaction on the hot and moldable asphalt layer. Pneumatic Tyred Rollers that use only tires contribute to the final finish of the last layer by improving its density, reducing voids, and perfecting the finish.

There’re rollers with a design that includes a vibratory drum located at the front of the equipment and a series of tires positioned at the rear of the vehicle, these are known as combined or mixed rollers, this configuration offers the following advantages:

-Lower costs for contractors who cannot own the two types of compactors commonly used on asphalt projects.

-Provides compaction power on the front roller and finishing capacity on the rear.

-Different combined models are depending on the size, that is, of the small, medium, and large frames according to the requirements of your work.

-Increased profitability by completing work in less time without the need to use multiple types of equipment, in turn, the costs for storage, operation, and transfer that would be incurred when using a combination of compaction machines are reduced.

-Less number of passes to obtain the desired result compared to combinations of equipment with a similar size.

-Reduction of probability of over compaction, this problem usually causes the deterioration of surfaces more quickly.

-Improves traction on slopes compared to double roller equipment.

The advantages listed above are usually applicable to small projects that do not require high production. On the other hand, the weak points of this type of configuration will be:

-A single vibrating drum does not usually provide sufficient compaction forces in specific environments such as roadway paving.

-It is not a vehicle for universal purposes in soil compaction.

-They tend to face significant tire wear, especially on grainy surfaces.

-The production of single combined equipment is not comparable to two independent units (double roller and tired rollers).

Although the combined compactors are an excellent tool, you should analyze their cost-benefit based on production if you find yourself carrying out works with a high demand for productivity.