Potholes are a nuisance for drivers and an expensive, ongoing problem for cities. A new special vehicle from the USA now promises significantly faster repairs. Instead of long construction sites, a pothole should disappear in just a few minutes.
Road damage occurs quickly, but repairs often take a long time. Construction sites have to be set up, several workers are on duty and traffic is often significantly disrupted. A new repair system from the US company Cimline promises a significantly faster solution.
How heise reportsthe special vehicle can Cimline P5 an average pothole roughly two minutes repair. After that the place should immediately accessible again be.
The big advantage: A single person is usually enough for the operation. The driver of the vehicle simultaneously takes control of the repair unit and carries out all the work directly from the cab.
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Cleaning, filling and sealing in one operation
The vehicle’s technology seems complex at first glance, but it follows a clear process. At the front there is a movable repair arm that is controlled by the driver using a joystick. Using a camera, the driver can see exactly where the repair head is located on a screen and can work precisely.
First, the pothole is thoroughly cleaned with a high-pressure nozzle and water. This will remove loose bits of asphalt and dirt. A special liquid is then applied to seal the hole and ensure the new material adheres better.
In the next step, an asphalt binder mixture is poured in. Finally, the system sprinkles granules onto the surface. This prevents the fresh asphalt from remaining sticky, so that cars can drive over the repaired area again without any problems shortly afterwards.
All necessary materials – water, asphalt, sealant and granules – are carried directly in the vehicle. This means that the system can be used flexibly without the need for additional machines or construction site logistics.
Can even be used in winter
Another advantage: the vehicle can also work at low temperatures. A heatable pressure tank with a capacity of more than 1,100 liters ensures that the material can be processed even in frost. According to the manufacturer, repairs can even be carried out at temperatures up to approx minus 15 degrees Celsius possible.
Overall, the vehicle can do around nine tons of material transport. Not only can individual potholes be closed, but larger damage can also be repaired.
However, the system also has a small disadvantage: the repaired surface is not always completely smooth. After some time, slight unevenness may appear.
Fast technology with a proud price
The Cimline P5 is currently in use in the USA. The price for the special vehicle is around $150,000, the equivalent of just under 129,000 euros. The investment could still be worthwhile for municipalities if repairs are carried out more quickly and there are fewer traffic disruptions.
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