TheSamruddhi Expressway, connecting Mumbai to Nagpur, offers great potential forthe development of the region. However, such a mammoth task comes with its ownset of challenges. Wirtgen Group machines provide great performance on theconstruction of the Expressway, paving the way for a super smooth expressway.

Thenew Samruddhi Expressway, also known as Mumbai–Nagpur Expressway, is currentlyunder construction and will connect the Indian cities of Mumbai and Nagpur on atotal length of 701 km. When completed, this expressway will link India’slargest container port JNPT in Mumbai to MIHAN in Nagpur simplifying import andexport activities throughout the country. Additionally, interconnecting highwaysand feeder roads are constructed to connect all important cities and touristplaces along this route.

TheSamruddhi Expressway Mahamarg project consists of 16 packages and wasawarded to 13 companies: Megha Engineering and Infrastructures (Pkg. 1 and9); Afcons Infrastructure (Pkg. 2 and 14), NCC (Pkg. 3), PNC Infratech (Pkg. 4),Sadbhav Engineering (Pkg. 5), Apco Infratech (Pkg. 6), Reliance Infrastructure(Pkg. 7), Iron Triangle (Pkg. 8), Larsen & Toubro (Pkg. 10), GayatriProjects (Pkg. 11), Dilip Buildcon (Pkg. 12), GVPR Engineers (Pkg. 13), andNavayuga Engineering Company (Pkg. 15 and 16).

Wirtgen slipform pavers show theirpotential all the way

With aspeed limit of 150 km/h, the expressway is the fastest in all ofIndia, reducing the travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur from 16 to just08 hours. This calls for maximum concrete paving performance both, in terms ofoutput and quality, to ensure the drivers’ comfort and safety on their journey.

Alongthe whole 701 km, 16 Wirtgen slipform pavers SP 1600 were inoperation to lay the concrete surface. Concrete is the ideal material for agigantic project like this: it is cost-effective, extremely durable, andrequires very little maintenance.

Over aworking width of 15m, pavement quality concrete (PQC) in a depthof 310mm was used. The proper reinforcement could be managed by anautomatic dowel bar inserter and 03 longitudinal tie bar inserters. These makesure that the cracks which are invariably produced as a result of stresses andtemperature fluctuations are diverted into the concrete pavement in acontrolled manner.

Kleemannscreens and scalpers did the groundwork. They produced the aggregates.

Differentmodels of Vögele pavers were responsible for the DLC (dry lean concrete)pavement on various sections including approach roads and toll areas. They laida surface with a thickness of 150mm.

Hamm TandemRollers ensured an even underground. They also compacted the shoulders on bothsides of the expressway’s lanes.

TheWirtgen equipment was the last in line. The slipform pavers SP1600 and SP 94 laid the concrete surface followed by a TCM180 that added the finishing touches to the brand-new concrete lanes.

Wirtgen Group service impresses on site

Whenit comes to the experience and day-to-day handling of their equipment, there isunanimity: Everyone is more than happy with the performance of the machines. “Theyare doing very well, and we are extremely satisfied with their services,” saidNeeraj Sharma, Quality In-charge (Sr. Manager) at Apco Infratech Pvt. Ltd., responsiblefor package 5. “They are good in technology, quality, and output.”

WirtgenIndia, the local subsidiary of the Wirtgen Group, is always athand, should there be any customer requirements. “They always care for ourneeds and challenges. From time to time, they guide our team and help. Wheneverchallenges arise, they are always there.”

 “The machines are doing very well, and we areextremely satisfied with their services.”

-         Neeraj Sharma,

QualityIncharge (Sr. Manager),

ApcoInfratech Pvt. Ltd.

Highlights of Wirtgen slipformpaver SP 1600:

-         Workingwidth of up to 16 meters (special paving heights and widths upto 18.75m are available on request).

-         Cost-effectivelypaves concrete surfaces for traffic areas, roadways, industrial areas, orsurfaces at airports, such as runways or taxiways.

-         Unparalleledconcrete paving performance.

-         Long-termreliability.

-         Ergonomicallydesigned, walkthrough operator’s platform for non-tiring, productive working.

-         High-powered,fuel-efficient diesel engine for concrete paving in the optimum performance andtorque ranges.

-         Spreadingplough for even distribution of the freshly delivered concrete in front of theinset paving mould.

-         Electricallydriven vibrators for reliable concrete compaction.

-         Automatedinsertion of longitudinal joint tie bars to prevent the slabs from driftingapart.

-         Insetpaving mould suitable for mounting between the track units, underneath themachine.

-         Pivotinglegs for full adjustment of the track units to the conditions prevailing onsite.

Facts and figures for the works of Package9 on the Samruddhi Expressway:

Parameters

Length of the job site – 04 lanes on 54 km (section 9 of16).

Used material – PQC (Wirtgen Slipform Pavers) /DLC (Vögele Pavers).

Working depths – 310 mm PQC / 150 mmDLC.

Working widths – Wirtgen Slipform Pavers 15m / VögelePavers up to 4.75m

Machines:

Wirtgen Slipform Pavers – 1 SP 1600 /1 SP 94.

Wirtgen Texture Curing machines – 2 TCM 180.

Vögele Pavers – 2 SUPER 1800-3.

Hamm Tandem Rollers – 2 HD 99.

Hamm sSoil Compactors – 3 Hamm 311.

Kleemann Screens – 1 MS 703 EVO.

Kleemann Scalpers – 1 MS 800.