Concrete Roads
and Their Construction

MECHANICAL DEVICES FOR MAKING ROADS 137 Wagons.—The excavated material should, wherever possible, bo placed directly into wagons, those known as the Jubilee type (Fig. 86), supplied by the Ransome Machinery Co. (1920) Ltd., being very convenient. “ Trains ” of six or more wagons are hauled away to the tip by a motor or locomotive. Conveyors.—When circumstances do not permit the excavated material to be placed in wagons direct from the excavator, it should be conveyed on to one side of the road, well out of the way of the workmen by means of a portable conveyor. Several suit- able conveyors are on the market, the one shown in Fig. 87 and made by the Hepburn Conveyor Co., Wakefield, being very satis- factory. Grading Machines.—Grading machines ar© used to ensure the foundation of the road having the correct inclination and canibei’. Numerous machines for this purpose have been constructed in various sizes to be operated by horse or mechanical traction. In general they consist of a heavy frame mounted on four steel wheels, the frame carrying a long blade. The position of the blade is universally adjustable to any angle or depth, the useful work of the machine being performed as this blade is drawn for- ward along-the work in such a way as to move the material from the centre of the road to the side, or vice versa. In some cases, larger type machines also are provided with scarifying attach- ments so that macadam roads can be loosened up and re-graded. Several successful machines are on the market, among these being the Adams “ Leaning Wheel ” grader; the Austin Giant type ; and the Western Aurora type grader. Fig. No. 89 shows an Adams grader making a cut almost the entire length of the blade and delivering the earth just inside the left rear wheel. Rollers and Tampers.—In order to consolidate the foundation of a road, especially those parts which have been made by “ fill- ing,” rollers or tamping devices—operated by hand or power—- are employed. Hand and Horse-Operated Rollers are only suitable for the lightest and smallest work. They are so well known as to need no descrip- tion here, especially as their use is rapidly diminishing. Steam Rollers are invaluable where great pressure is required for compacting the foundation. They should be designed so as to