Dynapac SEISMIC Roller Cuts Fuel Consumption by Up to 32% in HS2 Trial
A comparative trial on the HS2 project has highlighted how intelligent compaction technology can improve fuel efficiency without compromising performance. The Dynapac CA6000D SEISMIC roller recorded 20–32% lower fuel consumption than a comparable 19-tonne roller.
Both machines achieved the required compaction specification while working with the same material under comparable conditions. However, the Dynapac roller used vibration energy more efficiently by adapting its frequency to the material.
The trial involved Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), SMT GB and Dynapac. It took place near Birmingham during construction of HS2.
The findings suggest that improving equipment efficiency does not always require more power. Instead, smarter energy use can help contractors reduce fuel consumption, operating costs and emissions.
How SEISMIC Technology Improves Compaction
Every material has a natural resonant frequency. This is the point at which vibration energy transfers most efficiently into the material. However, this frequency changes as compaction progresses.
Conventional rollers typically operate at a fixed vibration frequency. As a result, some energy may not contribute effectively to compaction.
Dynapac’s patented SEISMIC technology addresses this challenge. It continuously identifies the material’s resonant frequency and adjusts the exciter system accordingly.
Andreas Persson, calculation engineer at Dynapac, compared the principle to pushing a child on a swing. Pushing at the right moment produces greater movement with less effort. The technology applies the same principle to soil compaction.
By matching vibration to the material, the roller transfers more energy into the ground. This reduces unnecessary vibration and improves energy efficiency.
HS2 Trial Compared Two 19-Tonne Rollers
The evaluation compared a Dynapac CA6000D SEISMIC roller with a comparable 19-tonne alternative. Both machines compacted 40mm layers of 6F8 crushed limestone subgrade material.
The trial used parallel test areas under comparable operating conditions. The team assessed performance through several measurements:
- Density: Measurements at multiple depths using a nuclear density gauge.
- Layer stiffness: Assessed using a falling weight deflectometer.
- Fuel consumption: Monitored through machine telematics.
Both rollers achieved the required compaction performance. However, the Dynapac machine delivered improved density closer to the finished surface after the finishing passes.
This reduced surface loosening and improved surface quality. BBV concluded that the performance could eliminate the need for an additional pneumatic tyre roller used on similar work with the alternative machine.
Lower Fuel Consumption and Better Operator Comfort
The Dynapac roller recorded approximately 20–32% lower fuel consumption during the evaluation period. It also delivered a quieter and more comfortable operating experience due to its optimised vibration levels.
Aurélien Fabre, head of plant at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said both machines achieved the required compaction performance. However, the Dynapac roller offered advantages in surface density, fuel efficiency and operator comfort.
Lower fuel consumption can reduce operating costs and emissions, particularly on large infrastructure projects where rollers work for extended periods. Improved surface density may also reduce finishing operations and the need for additional equipment.
Rethinking Compaction Equipment Performance
Contractors have traditionally evaluated rollers through specifications such as machine weight, engine power and amplitude. However, productivity, fuel consumption, operating costs and environmental performance are becoming increasingly important.
Andy Bullock, general manager of road and compact equipment at SMT GB, said customers want equipment that improves productivity while supporting cost and sustainability objectives.
He added that real-world trials demonstrate opportunities to rethink energy use during routine construction activities.
The HS2 evaluation suggests that intelligent vibration control can reduce diesel consumption while maintaining compaction standards. However, further trials across different materials and applications would help validate the results.
For contractors, the findings highlight an important opportunity: improving the efficiency of existing equipment can support lower emissions and operating costs without compromising performance.
