Wirtgen introduce new SP 154i slipform paver

Large slipform concrete paver family updated with new machine for paving roads and runways in two layers

WIRTGEN have recently released the SP 154i large slipform paver, which is primarily designed for two-layer concrete paving on highways and airport runways, and will replace the company’s successful SP 1500 model.

With its 436hp Cummins engine that meets the EU Stage V/US EPA Tier 4f exhaust emission standards, the SP 154i offers ample power to allow it to pave concrete surfaces up to 16m wide and 450mm thick.

When paving concrete in two layers, three separate machines work together to form a paving train: a bottom-layer concrete paver; a top-layer concrete paver; and a texture curing machine (TCM).

In this process, the SP 154i can be used as either a bottom-layer or a top-layer concrete paver, and thanks to Wirtgen’s comprehensive range of machines in various performance classes, it is possible to create paving trains tailored to specific job requirements.

As a bottom-layer paver, the SP 154i is equipped with an automatic dowel bar inserter, up to three automatic side tie-bar inserters, and a concrete conveyor to the top-layer paver. The heavy-duty paving mold paves the concrete true to line and level while the paver moves forward.

Electric vibrators compact the concrete, then dowels and tie bars are precisely inserted into the bottom-layer concrete. The result is a homogeneous, cost-effective concrete surface that forms the ideal base for the high-quality top-layer concrete.

When using the SP 154i as a top-layer paver, the top-layer concrete is conveyed over and across the bottom-layer paver by a belt conveyor and placed on the fresh bottom layer concrete in front of the top-layer paver. The top-layer concrete is paved ‘wet on wet’ and compacted with T-vibrators specially designed for top-layer concrete.

The new slipform paver comes equipped as standard with an oscillating beam and super-smoother to produce a level surface, whilst the hydraulically adjustable one- or two-piece side plates on both sides minimize concrete loss. In addition, specially designed trailing forms and extended side plates ensure that the paver can produce perfect concrete corners.

Wirtgen say the SP 154i stands out thanks to the outstanding manoeuvrability and traction, regardless of the surface conditions, provided by its four steerable and slewing crawler units. Making the units independent of each other makes transport easy and results in minimal assembly/disassembly effort. The SP 154i also features a high degree of automation, making concrete paving extremely cost-effective.