Slipform paving is a method that converts the form into a geometric shape & surface finish with the help of plastic concrete mass. This is a popular option for larger jobs that require larger production rates. It makes use of a low-slump PCC that is essential so that PCC can hold its shape after slipform paver has passed over. This is made with a lesser amount of water and has higher compression and flexural strength compared to high slump mixes.

Paving process

Paving process includes several processes like screeding, consolidation and initial finishing. At times pavers equip themselves with reinforced steel, dowel bars and tie rods as well. This process includes the following steps:

The slipform paver and the concrete texture curing machines are an innovation that has revolutionized the construction and concrete paving industry. This machine achieves perfection in the highly precise paving of standard concrete slabs ranging from 3.5m to 7.5m and a thickness layer going up to 450mm.

Infrastructural Projects
Major infrastructural projects have been done in India and the rest of the world. It has been observed that poor infrastructure have contributed to economic down turn and loss in business. In the recent years this issue has been addressed through a major construction drive of roads.

Asphalt Vs. Concrete Roads
There has also been a continuous debate as to the quality of asphalt versus concrete roads. Many expatriates have been able to prove that concrete roads last longer, are cheaper to construct and have lower maintenance costs compared to asphalt roads.

A quick survey at the concrete road networks in the world reveals that most of the highway networks in the United States alone are concrete roads.  In India, the Mumbai – Pune expressway is an Iconic concrete road project, and the current government is supporting major road construction projects done with concrete.

Quality Concrete Roads
Unlike asphalt roads, concrete roads are never easy to repair and once done, repair is very costly. The only sure ways of guaranteeing quality has been the use of the slip form paving technology. This has in turn led to a gradual increasing demand for the slipform paver, and this trend is set to continue.

Highlights of Slipform Paver Machine

• It is a tried and tested slab paving mould that is also equipped with a wearing pad in standard design.
• The equipment can be equipped with a hydraulic or electric vibrator drive that delivers better compaction of the concrete.
• The machine is designed with efficient engine management systems, such as the ability to automatically adjust the engine output to the current performance requirements and ensuring reduced diesel consumption as well as lower noise emission levels.
• High performance engine technology that has been made to comply with global standards on exhaust emission levels.
• Performance on concrete paving; concrete that is of stiff consistency is easily paved to precision using the metric inset slab paving moulds. A spreading plough and auger ensures an even distribution of the concrete deposited on the front of the paving mould.
• Ergonomic design. The design of the operator platform is such as to ensure comfortable positioning and therefore enhance operator performance and productivity of the whole machine.

Concrete Texture Cure Machine
The self propelled texture curing machine is capable of giving concrete surfaces a desirable surface texture to reduce the noise produced during movement and improve the comfort of using the road. The machines feature a hydraulically powered steering wheel and a full view of 360 degrees and top mounted operator controls. The transverse curing system permits simultaneous texture and curing operations. The slip form pavers and texture curing machines from Apolloinfratech Company provide unmatched performance and durability leading to good return on investment.

In the last few years there have been witnessed an increase in the demand for the concrete paving equipments all over the world including the developing countries. Most of the newly elected governments go into office having committed themselves to rapidly develop infrastructure which mainly include roads and bridges, affordable housing for marginalized people and expansion of existing facilities.

The demand for the slip form pavers has been steadily increasing as a result of these infrastructural activities. Highways constructions are growing steadily creating the demand pull for this new technology of the slip form pavers.

It is estimated that there is a demand for the slip form pavers ranging from between 620 to 640 machines per annum. Industry analysts are still anticipating strong sales from this healthy increase in demand in the next three to five years. It is notable that the demand has also been supported by the demand for rental equipments and also desire by users for more efficient and productive machinery.

Meeting of Strict Deadlines

In addition to contractors requirements to deliver high quality paving, there is the need to meet the strict deadlines issued by the governments. This has led to a shift from the old model equipments to the newer and more efficient slip form pavers, able to perform various activities simultaneously and also perform multiple functions for offset concrete paving in a monolithic profile, like curbs and side walk constructions, crash barriers with reinforcements, retaining walls construction and many other extra functions.

Demand for Slip form Pavers in Developing Countries

The demand for slip form pavers has mainly been affected by factors such as the machine capacities, output and technological advancements. From the trends observed, the machines able to give greater output have been more preferred over the old model paving systems. Despite there being other supporting projects, like water canals, the main driver of demand still remains roads and kerbs construction.

Successes of the Slipform Pavers in Africa

With majority of the developing countries being in Africa, this region has become an emerging market for slip form pavers India manufacturers. In the North African countries such as Algeria, the slip form paver has been successfully used to build a 1216 km, three lane highways that ultimately link Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. With this innovative technology the project was completed in just three and a half years.

In the nation of Nigeria and the state of Kogi, a new 24 km road was done using the slip form paver technology. This development set a precedent for road construction in the country. This fact is also supported by the fact that areas receiving high rainfall are better served by concrete roads as compared to the bitumen roads which would wear and tear faster.

East African Region

In the east African region, developing countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have created a heavy demand for the paving equipment, occasioned by the budgets to construct thousands of kilometers of road.

Important Innovations in Paving Equipment

To enhance efficiency, slip form pavers manufactures have gone to great lengths to ensure that equipment efficiency is guaranteed. Fuel efficiency is one area of Innovation that HEM slip form pavers manufacturer has succeeded. That has served to enhance the product demand since fuel is a major cost in concrete paving.

Slip Form Paver – Unique Technology Machines

The slipform paving is a concrete molding process where concrete is dispensed into a continuously moving mold to attain the required shape or design. This technology is applied in heavy constructions such as roads, bridges and heavy buildings. The main advantage of this technology is the creation of a continuous, “cast in Place” and almost flawless structure that has superior performance over other methods such as molds and discrete blocks.

Other Benefits of Slipform Paving

Types of slip form pavers Available

Various types of slip form pavers are available in the market depending on the output specifications of each model. Manufacturers of these equipments also classify their machines based on the individual features unique to the equipment. Some of the different functions of these equipments may include;

Technology Involved In Manufacturing Slip Form Pavers

The slip form paving technology is based on the rapid setting properties of concrete material. The technology works on a balance between the quick settings of the concrete and remains workable enough to be molded into the form. This balance is crucial to ensure the final structure is strong and durable.

How the Slip Form Paver Works

The concrete used in this system of paving is very similar to that used in convectional paving systems. It must have a good and uniform consistency having a slump of approximately two inches. This concrete is deposited into the hopper box from where the machine evenly distributes the material across the paving surface. The paver machine helps in achievement of a homogenousmix and compaction through a system of hydraulic or electric vibrators, while the mold helps in forming the slab to the desired thickness and width.

Demandof Slip Form Pavers

The global demand for slip form paving technology continues to increase as more and more pavement roads are required. The market for concrete paving machines is seen to be growing at a rate of 15-20% every year and industry analysts fore see a more rapid growth by the end of year 2017.This is boosted by increasing road networks in various countries ,time bound projects requiring very high efficiency and expansion projects of airports,and residential areas. In India, the government’s plan to construct over 20 kilometers per day of road has created a sufficient demand-pull for these equipments. Some of the global leaders in slipform paver manufacturing includes Apollo Inffratech.

The slip form paving technology is one of the advanced forms of technology that is used for the purpose of paving construction works. The construction materials (PCC) are continuously prepared and poured over the paving surface and the leveling is done simultaneously. The pulling is done constantly to help in the consolidation process. The Slipform Pavers are the machines that are used for this type of topping. There are several advantages achieved by availing this form of paving. Take a look at the major benefits of selecting this type of surfacing.

Best Precision is available: When this machinery is used, the precision levels of the surfacing are very high. The conventional forms of topping cannot be error-free. There may be defects such as undulations. The defects can be minimized the most if this form of surfacing technology is adopted. The Slipform Pavers are used for the surfacing of the best quality roads.

Low Slump PCC is used: This type of technology always makes use of low slump PCC. This means that the water content in the PCC mixture is the minimum. The concrete settles down faster than the traditional form of surfacing. The strength of these paving is found to be more. The roads which need to be built very fast always use this technology.

Reduction in Labor Costs: The entire operations are mechanized. The use of manual labor is nearly done away with. This eliminates the high labor costs that are involved in the traditional form of paving. The job is entirely carried out by the machines. Only a single machine can carry out the jobs of many labors at a time. Chances of chaos due to excessive labor are also curtailed.

Best for Large area of Paving: Many a time, a large stretch of area needs to be paved or metaled. These machines are the most suitable to use during this period. The conventional method of topping would take longer for the job. There is also an uniformity in the paving process. This is possible only because the entire operation is mechanized. Manual jobs are not involved.

It is a Faster Process: The entire process can be done faster than the traditional surfacing. When roads and pavements are to be constructed, this technology helps in opening up these places for public use at the earliest. You cannot afford to keep these places unusable for long. Otherwise, a huge amount of inconvenience is caused to the common people. The consolidation of the laid materials also takes place faster. If a double layering needs to be done, this is the best option that should be exercised.

It Creates Better Looks: If you want the topping to look good free from defects, this is the method that you must adopt. No other type of surfacing can give a neater appearance. The major roads should always be paved in this manner.

These are the main advantages of implementing this type of surfacing. It may be expensive but is always the best form of paving.

Principle Operation of Slipform Paver

Initially, the concrete is been deposited in front of the slipform paver or is been fed via a belt conveyor or side feeder. Due to the integrated electric or hydraulic vibrators the homogenous compaction of the concrete is been affected. A concrete slab is been formed with the help of inset by specified thickness and width while the slipform paver advances. Additionally, dowel bar inserter can be integrated parallel to the paver’s direction of travel.  Traverse to the concrete pavement, central or side tie bars can be inserted. With the help of oscillating beam surface is leveled off traverse to the paver’s direction.  A high quality concrete surface can be achieved with the grinding movement that produces a small concrete roll in the front of the beam.

Factors responsible to achieve smoothness with slipform paver