On such challenging construction sites, the demands faced by man and machine are rather unusual.
Two electrically-powered HD 12e tandem rollers from Hamm AG were deployed during the enlargement of the Rabenleite high-level reservoir for the Reisach pumped-storage hydroelectric plant in the Upper Palatine Forest.
HD 12e Electric Rollers in Action for Hydroelectric Power Plant
Ensuring an efficient water supply for a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant is not necessarily an everyday task for a compact tandem roller on a construction site. As part of the Reisach project, the Rabenleite high-level reservoir was enlarged to significantly increase its storage capacity. The construction measures enabled the capacity of the reservoir to be increased by approximately 6 percent from the previous 53 million cu. ft. The ring dam around the reservoir had a circumference of 5,249 ft. and the height of its crest was increased by 30 in.
Electric Machines Show Strength On Steep Slopes
The steep slope of the dam around the reservoir presented extraordinary challenges for the technology and equipment deployed on the project. Conventional, diesel-powered machines would've needed extensive modification to cope with the extreme slope gradients of around 40 percent. In the meantime, the electrically powered HD 12e machines from Hamm have made their mark as an uncomplicated and efficient alternative. Only minimal modifications were required to make them usable on such steep slopes.
Focus On Safety, Precision
To ensure maximum safety, the two machines were connected to one another with steel wire ropes and additionally secured by hitching the ropes to an excavator. When one of the machines went down, the other was automatically pulled up the slope. In addition to the safety aspect, the two machines used here also delivered even and precise compaction of the special asphalt.
Follow-Up Projects in Planning
The two Hamm rollers impressed not only with high compaction performance, but also with their reliability in the face of extraordinary challenging conditions. At the same time, the noise levels during compaction were significantly lower and they worked with zero local emissions. In view of the positive experiences gained here, the machines will soon be working again on one of the customer's upcoming projects in Switzerland.
The positive résumé of everyone involved: The project at the high-level reservoir showed that the electric tandem rollers are not only powerful machines, but also are an ideal solution, even under extremely challenging conditions.
For more information, visit wirtgen-group.com
