Slipform pavers speed up Thai concrete road builds
Two large-scale road construction projects in Thailand have demonstrated the efficiency and surface quality possible with modern slipform paving equipment. Using Wirtgen’s SP 64 slipform paver, contractors have been able to install reinforced concrete highways with precision, speed and high surface durability—without the need for fixed formwork.
In Surat Thani Province, contractor Premium Concrete is constructing 22.3 km of dual-lane carriageway on the AH2 route to Maluan. The 11 m wide road includes two 3.5 m lanes and a 4 m wide hard shoulder, with dowel and side anchor reinforcement and a 32 cm thick concrete slab.
“With the Wirtgen slipform paver, we achieve high working speeds while ensuring a high surface quality,” said project engineer Sirichot Phettong.
A second project near Tha Sala, overseen by CC Machinery & Construction, covers 17 km of the Thai Buri–Nopphitam route. Designed for heavy-duty traffic, the four-lane road features a thicker left-hand lane (28 cm) to accommodate lorry traffic, compared with 25 cm on the right. The contractor cited strong after-sales support and training as key reasons for choosing Wirtgen machinery.
Slipform pavers like the SP 64 use the inset method, placing and compacting concrete in a single pass. Integrated dowel and anchor setting devices automate reinforcement placement, while final surface smoothing ensures minimal surface variation. The process greatly reduces manual labour while improving process control and consistency.
These Thai projects underline how automated slipform paving technology can streamline delivery of long-life concrete road infrastructure—benefits relevant to UK contractors working on highways, airports, industrial estates and energy projects requiring high flatness, durability and speed of installation.
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