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Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 12:19 pm
by Laura Coates
When tarmacing with a roller do I need to have the vibrate and water on?
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 4:13 pm
by Tony McC
Vibrate off; water on. There are times and places to use vibration, but you really have to know how, when and where otherwise you end up with stretch marks.
I'm sure Dave L can give you much more extensive guidance, as soon as he gets the mac off his boots.
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 8:18 pm
by Dave_L
I expect you have a ped roller similar to this - third one down - 800mm wide?
http://www.obhire.com/hire_products.asp?Plant_Group_ID=24
What area of tar are you laying - and what material? If it is a SMA based tarmac, then MAKE SURE the water jets are all present and working - otherwise the tar will stick like buggery to the drum.
I would flat roll the tarmac first (no vibrate) and seal the surface - doing it this way seems to seal in the heat and make it useable for longer if it needs to be shaped etc to get the water to run correctly.
When it is flat rolled, you will need to vibrate - but you must be careful. It is an acquired art, but start the roller moving in the direction you wish to travel in - and then bring the vibe in as you are moving. A stationary roller with a vibrating drum will leave very unsightly marks in the 'mac which will prove very difficult to remove. When you approach the finish of the roll - switch the vibrator off and finish the run smoothly, avoiding any sharp stops or starts.
It all takes experience. Maybe just have a little practice first.
Another tip, if the tarmac is sticky, dab the soles of your boots (I'll assume you are wearing safety footwear!) with diesel (not too much) this will stop the uncompacted 'mac sticking to your boots, which will show up as bootprints in the finished surface.
I take it you'll be laying a 6mm tarmac? When rolled, it should look something like this...
Any questions, just post back here!