Big Tech Roundtable 2026 | Part 1: What Makes Intelligent Compaction Intelligent?

Asphalt Contractor convened product leaders from some of the biggest names in asphalt compaction technology across the industry: Volvo CE, Hamm (Wirtgen Group), BOMAG, Trimble, and Dynapac to pin down what intelligent compaction actually delivers on the mat in 2026. 

I this 4 part series of conversations, our panel answers questions about where the ROI lives for contractors running tighter margins than ever, who owns the data flowing off a connected roller, and where is the future of technology in compaction go from here? While their answers overlapped on one point: the technology is sometimes outpacing the specifications, the workforce, and in many cases the contractors trying to keep up with all the rapid changes.

Also, use these links below to jump to other parts of this round table discuss to find what you're most interested in learning about:

• PART 2: What Problems Does Intelligent Compaction Fix?
• PART 3: Data, Integration, And Interoperability.
• PART 4: Forcasting Future Compaction Technologies.

Brand Solutions: What Makes It Intelligent?

Provided by Trimble Inc.

Asphalt Contractor: Intelligent compaction (IC) means something different depending on who you ask. How does your company define it, and what specific technologies or data inputs does your solution rely on to achieve that end?

Kevin Garcia, Trimble: We define IC as a compactor equipped with GNSS for positioning, a controller for operator visibility, and an onboard documentation system that records pass count, temperature, and a compaction metric value (CMV). That data is recorded and sent back to the office for analysis. Our definition is built to support the industry definition, so that when someone specifies an IC roller, there's a shared understanding of what that means and what accuracy is required.

The specific technology inputs our solution relies on are GNSS positioning, the onboard controller providing real-time operator visibility, and the documentation system capturing and transmitting compaction data. When integrated with a compaction profiling sensor through a partner like GSSI, the system also captures a continuous percent compaction map across the surface, adding a continuous compaction measurement layer on top of the traditional IC data set.

Tim Kowalski, HAMM: Our company defines intelligent compaction as a tool that helps contractors monitor their work and develop their people into better operators. It is a system that guides operators through daily operations in a consistent way that aligns with state requirements.

This is achieved through multiple sensors on the machine that map roller coverage by color and display mat stiffness and temperature as the operator is rolling. The goal is to help less experienced operators perform at a higher level while allowing experienced operators to achieve even better results.

Justin Zupanc, Volvo CE: We define intelligent compaction as a platform that gives the operator clear, real-time insight into the conditions of the material and the effectiveness of their compaction. They can use this information to make the right decision for their job at the right time.

The way we see it, intelligent compaction is essentially putting a smart assistant right in the cab with the operator. Instead of forcing them to guess whether the mat is still hot enough or whether they’ve rolled a section enough times, we give them in-the-moment actionable data. Our Compact Assist system is delivered through a fully integrated platform on an intuitive 10-inch touchscreen display called the Volvo Co-Pilot. Compact Assist combines high-accuracy GPS positioning, non-contact temperature sensing and Volvo’s proprietary advanced drum response measurement technology to continuously evaluate the machine-to-material interaction.

The “intelligent” part is how those various systems and inputs are integrated with our algorithm. Instead of presenting disconnected data, the system interprets that information in real time and translates it into easy-to-understand guidance for the operator. This helps them to understand not only what has happened but also what needs to happen next to achieve optimal compaction, reducing guesswork and ensuring more uniform results.

Compact Assist emphasizes ease of use and decision support rather than data overload. By integrating these various systems into one platform, Compact Assist enables crews to work more efficiently, achieve higher quality results and maintain consistency regardless of operator experience level.

Eric Booth, Dynapac: You’re right. You can ask 5 people what IC “is” and you’ll get 7 answers back. In that same regard, at Dynapac, we look at Intelligent Compaction in a couple of different ways.

Most of the time when we speak with contractors about IC, they are really talking about pass mapping. We have two different branded IC systems that fit this request … Dynalyzer,and the newly released Nexus. These systems offer the contractor the ability to capture compaction data, so one, the operator can see pass, temperature or compaction value mapping to assist them on the job; and two, there is a digital record that the contractor can see for quality control.

We like to categorize our Seismic Asphalt technology as “Smart Compaction” to distinguish from common view as Intelligent Compactionl. The Seismic Asphalt system takes live vibration and temperature sensor data from a roller to adjust the vibration frequency on the job site. This allows the machine to get an amplitude boost for superior compaction results, while reducing fuel consumption up to 25% and giving the operator and more smooth and less noisy environment.

John Gravatt, BOMAG: In an effort to avoid confusion, it would probably be best to cite the definition of Intelligent Compaction that is promoted on the Intelligent Construction website, which is maintained by the Transtec Group, Inc. on behalf of all the different partners who helped anchor and advance the technology (i.e. state DOTs, FHWA, etc.).  According to that website:

Intelligent Compaction (IC) refers to the compaction of fill or roadway materials, such as soils, aggregate bases, or asphalt pavement materials, using modern vibratory rollers equipped with an integrated measurement system, an onboard computer reporting system, Global Positioning System (GPS) based mapping, and optional feedback control. IC rollers facilitate real-time compaction monitoring and timely adjustments to the compaction process by integrating measurement, documentation, and control systems. IC rollers also maintain a continuous record of color-coded plots, allowing users to view the precise location of the roller, the number of roller passes, and material stiffness measurements across pavement, embankment, and other large earthwork applications where uniform support is critical.  (https://www.intelligentconstruction.com/what-is-intelligent-compaction/)

The variability in definitions starts to become apparent when the discussion of iCMV (or intelligent Compaction Measurement Value) is raised.  iCMV is a generic term for the measurement of asphalt layer stiffness.  This measurement can be used in either a passive format (recording / mapping only) or potentially as an input for an active compaction control system.  While both passive and active systems both fall under the definition of “Intelligent Compaction,” they have a rather large variance in user benefit.  The passive systems are essentially data recording and display tools while the active systems can potentially adjust machine parameters to optimize compaction.

BOMAG offers a solution for both Passive and Active systems:

• BOMAP is the BOMAG solution for pass-, temperature- and stiffness-mapping for Asphalt and Soil rollers.  This is considered a passive system which collects and maps the data that can be used by the operator to ensure quality output, like achieving consistent pass coverage across an asphalt mat.
• BOMAG VARIOCONTROL (BVC) is an automated amplitude adjustment system for the BOMAG heavy soil roller line.  This system utilizes a proprietary vibration system design that allows the drum vibration to be aimed (vectored) to optimize the effective vibration amplitude and energy.  This system is adjusted continuously based on sensor readings that measure EVib – a stiffness measurement which correlates well to static plate load tests for soil.
• ASPHALT MANAGER is an automated amplitude adjustment system for the BOMAG heavy tandem asphalt roller line.   Following the success of the BVC system, ASPHALT MANAGER was designed for asphalt applications, also utilizing vibration system design that allows the drum vibration to be aimed (vectored) to optimize the effective vibration amplitude and energy.  This system also uses sensors to allow continual automated adjustments to the effective amplitude during the compaction process.

Wirtgen Group

AC: Walk us through what actually happens during a compaction pass when your system is active. What is the machine measuring, what decisions is it making, and at what point does the operator remain in control versus the system?

HAMM:The operator begins by selecting the project name and the layer they will be working on within the system. The system then asks whether the project is soil or asphalt (soil applications do not use temperature data). Once this information is entered, the operator simply presses the record button.

From there, the operator can choose what data to display on the screen, such as roller passes, temperature, stiffness, or density. All selected data is recorded and saved. In the background, additional data—including roller speed, amplitude, frequency, and GPS location—is also captured.

The system maps activities using color coding, but it does not control the process at this stage. The operator monitors color patterns to ensure consistency throughout the rolling pattern. The operator remains fully in control at all times; the system simply provides information to support informed decision-making.

Volvo CE: Our Compact Assist software comes in three different packages for different needs and budgets, and in variations for asphalt versus soil. I’ll answer this question based on the most advanced asphalt package called Compact Assist with Density Direct™.

Before compaction begins, the operator runs a quick calibration strip. This allows the system to establish a relationship between the material behavior for that job and the measured drum response. This essentially trains the advanced neural network to understand the specific stiffness and behavior for those specific jobsite conditions.

Once compaction is underway, the Volvo Co-Pilot screen displays a map showing pass counts, surface temperatures and an estimated density percentage in real time. The system is continuously evaluating the interaction between drum and material. That response is processed through Volvo’s proprietary algorithm to generate a calibrated density estimate, which is displayed alongside pass count and temperature mapping data.

The operator always remains fully in control of the machine. The system’s role is to provide clarity and confidence in decision-making, not to automate machine operation.

Dynapac: Five times every second, Seismic Asphalt analyzes asphalt stiffness and temperature, to instruct the asphalt roller to vibrate at a certain frequency. Using inputs from multiple vibration and temperature sensors, the algorithm matches the drum vibration frequency to the unique resonance frequency of the asphalt. Matching the resonance frequency means greater amplitude for compaction and optimized results.

IC systems like Dynalyzer and Nexus, use a radio antennae or GPS to track location and count the number of times the machine passes over each part of the new asphalt lane. These systems can also use the data from the compaction value and temperature sensors for mapping as well.

BOMAG: For a passive system like BOMAP, geolocated compaction parameters are recorded several times per second.  That is to say that the system will record a dataset that includes the GPS coordinates and timestamp, along with compaction parameters like vibration status (on or off), frequency, amplitude, temperature (for asphalt rollers), stiffness, travel direction, etc.  As this data is collected, it is processed into a grid format, which counts the number of passes at a given point on a grid.  This grid format is used to display a map of the compaction progress in terms of pass count.  Likewise, the latest temperature and stiffness values are also displayed in this format.

Active systems like the BOMAG VARIOCONTROL and ASPHALT MANAGER systems, on the other hand, actively control the drum output based on feedback from the soil or asphalt.  These systems start at a pre-determined setting and begin measuring the feedback.  If that feedback indicates low stiffness, the vibration system will adjust the vibration vector to a more vertical position, which increases the effective amplitude.  This process repeats until the feedback indicates optimal compaction rates for the specific material being compacted.

To put this in simpler terms, think of a veteran operator with 30 years of experience – they person that you want to train all your new roller operators.  That operator can usually tell how the compaction is progressing based on the sound and feel of the roller – they know when to select a low or high amplitude setting based on that.  The BVC and ASPHALT MANAGER systems do exactly that – they are listening to the drum to determine how to fine-tune the vibration to optimize that compaction pass.

Trimble: What happens during a pass involves two connected pieces. The compaction profiling sensor — from an integration partner like GSSI — mounted under the roller sends radar pulses into the asphalt mat and analyzes the signal changes to generate a continuous compaction profile. That's the measurement layer. 

The Trimble Roadworks Paving Control Platform receives that data and displays the compaction map instantly in the cab, alongside the rest of the machine guidance information the operator is already working with. The operator can see where the mat is meeting target compaction and where it isn't, and can correct low-compaction areas while the asphalt is still workable. If target compaction is achieved ahead of the planned pass count, they move on. If a section isn't at target, they make another pass. The decision is theirs; what the combined system eliminates is the guesswork that used to drive it.

BOMAG

AC: Some IC systems focus on measuring what has already happened (pass counts, temperature history, stiffness values) while others actively intervene to change compaction behavior in real time. Where does your solution fall on that spectrum, and how does it support contractors?

Volvo CE: What I’ve seen is that contractors are all at different stages of technology adoption. That’s why our solution covers the entire spectrum. With our three different levels of Compact Assist, contractors can choose what fits their current needs, crew experience and budget. I usually recommend ordering your Volvo rollers with at least the base package installed, and it’s easy to upgrade from there.

Our entry-level package focuses purely on the essentials: live pass mapping and temperature mapping. It tells you what’s happened and what the current conditions are. But where we actively help operators change their behavior in real time is with our top tier, Compact Assist with Density Direct™. This package provides on-the-spot density estimations, providing operators clear info that allows them to adjust their rolling pattern immediately rather than waiting for a core sample to tell them they made a mistake hours ago.

Dynapac: Seismic Asphalt continuously tracks asphalt stiffness and temperature to adjust vibration frequency. There is no learning curve using Seismic. The operator selects Low or High Amplitude and the technology automatically adjusts the vibration frequency during the entire job. Contractors get their density numbers and a lower fuel bill, and the operator gets a more comfortable day in the roller seat from less shaking and lower noise levels

Dynalyzer and Nexus systems are used for monitoring and recording of jobsite metrics

BOMAG: As mentioned in Section1 Q2, BOMAG offers solutions for both passive systems like BOMAP (measuring what has already happened) and active systems like BVC and ASPHALT MANAGER (automating and optimizing vibration parameters on the fly).

The automated systems have been shown to aid in reducing passes and improving density consistency – a big claim, for sure.  But when you dig into the details of the system and consider how they work, it becomes fairly evident that they offer great potential.  

Consider this:  The majority of asphalt rollers in the market use 2 amplitude vibration systems – high and low.  Typically, high amplitude is for thick and stiff lifts while low amplitude is for thinner lifts.  But imagine if you had a system that was capable of not only 2, but an infinite number of effective vertical amplitudes.  And not only that, but as the system transitions from maximum amplitude to zero, it is also transitioning to an oscillation movement.  That hardware, combined with a control system, could revolutionize how the compactor achieves density.  

Let’s consider a theoretical example.  A compactor with ASPHALT MANAGER technology is heading out in breakdown roller position on a fresh 2.5” mat.  On the first pass, the sensor detects low stiffness – that typical low hum of a breakdown roller on a fresh asphalt mat – so the system kicks up the amplitude to an appropriate value – in this case, ¾ of maximum amplitude.  On the second pass, the sensors detect increasing stiffness, so amplitude is reduced to ½ maximum amplitude.  In the third pass, detecting further feedback, the amplitude is adjusted to a typical low amplitude setting.  And the fourth pass is reduced even further – to almost an oscillatory setting.  

Meanwhile, a typical 2-amplitude roller operating in echelon had to run in low amplitude the entire time to avoid damaging the aggregate.  It took 7 passes to achieve the same density.

Trimble: Pass count, temperature, and stiffness are meaningful values, and operators can see them in real time — they're not lagging indicators. The more important question is what operators do with that information. Ultimately, compaction is about driving air voids out of the mix to create a properly compacted surface. Instead of requiring the operator to interpret multiple data streams and make a judgment call, the integrated compaction sensor tells them their percent compaction directly, which drives their decisions, ensuring appropriate compaction on every square foot of the surface.

Recording traditional values still matters. If we see an area that was improperly compacted and premature wear appears there later, that data helps identify what went wrong and correct it next time. But the real value is having that compaction feedback in front of the operator in real time, so corrections happen while the mat is still workable.

HAMM: We offer two systems that can actively control the roller based on sensor feedback.The first is Smart Compact Basic, which uses an accelerometer, temperature sensors, and an optional weather station to calculate asphalt cooldown rates. Based on predefined parameters, the system automatically adjusts roller amplitude and frequency when operating in auto mode.

The second system, Smart Compact Pro, uses temperature sensors and a ground-penetrating radar sensor. Once calibrated to the asphalt mix, the system controls the roller using actual density measurements rather than stiffness values.

These systems help contractors improve consistency, reduce over-compaction, and potentially lower the number of required passes. Looking ahead, one long-term benefit may be reducing or eliminating coring, which would lower labor costs, improve safety, and save time and money for both contractors and agencies.

Provided by Trimble Inc.

AC: What qualities does your system measure and how does it use that data? For instance, does your system measure density directly, and if so, how? If not, what does it use as a proxy, and how confident are you in that measurement's accuracy?

Dynapac: The Seismic Asphalt system measures asphalt stiffness which is different from density itself, but helps in the determination of the optimal vibration frequency on the asphalt at that specific spot within the paved lane.

Our IC systems tie into the on-board compaction and temperature sensors as well as GPS for location services and pass mapping.

BOMAG: BOMAP records Pass Count (either vibratory, static, or pneumatic tired), temperature, and stiffness (either EVib from BVC or ASPHALT MANAGER, or a CMV value from ECONOMIZER digital compaction gauge).

BOMAG does not currently use a method to correlate specific measurements to density.  It’s important to understand that there is only one true measurement of specific gravity (aka density) – and that is by measuring weight and volume in a lab.  However, there are three technologies on the market currently that correlate other measurements to density:

1. Vibration feedback method: This method has been used by Volvo in the Density Direct system for about a decade, and is also now available in the aftermarket through RTDensity.  It uses the vibration response from asphalt to estimate density, based on a correlation of vibration and core measurements on a test strip.
2. Dielectric correlation: Ground penetrating radar produces a value called a dielectric constant, which can be correlated to density.  The dielectric constant increases as air (dielectric constant of 1) is removed from the asphalt (dielectric constant of 5-7).  
3. Nuclear radiation correlation: Nuclear densometers use a radioisotope to emit radiation and measure the gamma ray returns, which is correlated to density.  A lower number of returning gamma rays indicates higher density.

These methods have significant weaknesses though.

1. Vibration feedback method: The vibration of a drum doesn’t magically stop at the boundary between two lifts.  Rather, the energy waves penetrate beyond that top layer – sometime much further - so the vibration return signal is a combination of not only the target layer, but rather the entire structure of the area being compacted, as far down as the vibration energy goes.  This makes correlation of that data to density rather difficult – especially on roads where the foundation wasn’t very consistent and sturdy (think interstate roadway systems and airport runways).  This method requires high consistency in subbase structures.
2. Dielectric correlation:  This is very promising technology, in that it can be used to gather more data than ever before.  This technology’s kryptonite, however, is water.  Water has a dielectric constant of 80 (relative to asphalt in the 5-7 range and air at 1), so just a little bit of water can skew the density numbers significantly and provide false-high readings.  No problem if you are scanning the asphalt after everything is done – but rollers use significant amounts of water on the drum to prevent asphalt pickup.  And where and how much water end up on the mat varies quite a bit.
3. Nuclear correlation: This technology tends to be the gold standard as far as density correlation but comes with significant restrictions and regulations regarding their use.

BOMAG VARIOCONTROL and ASPHALT MANAGER use direct vibration data from the drum to control the effective vibration amplitude. The reason that BOMAG uses this method is that this data gives a very accurate measurement of the interaction of the drum and the medium to be compacted and is not affected by bias errors in correlation.

Trimble: To be precise about terminology: no one can measure density directly in the field. Density is mass and volume, and the only way to determine it definitively is to take a core sample. What we are measuring is percent compaction or the ratio of solids to air voids in the mix. Every mix design has a target percent compacted value, and we can now measure that instantly with high accuracy and high repeatability in the field. Those two qualities are what give contractors and owners confidence in the result.

The measurement comes from a ground penetrating radar sensor mounted under the roller, which sends radar pulses into the asphalt mat and analyzes signal changes to generate a continuous compaction profile.  In comparison, traditional QA methods like core samples and nuclear densometers typically sample less than 1% of a job. Our system maps the entire surface, giving a level of confidence in the finished surface and the long‑term performance of the asset that wasn't previously available.

HAMM: Smart Compact Pro measures true density in real time. The system must be calibrated in the field using either a nuclear or non-nuclear density gauge. Once calibrated, the ground-penetrating radar provides highly accurate density measurements, giving contractors confidence that the roller is operating at optimal efficiency.

Volvo CE: Density Direct is designed to provide a calibrated density value rather than a relative measurement. Traditional intelligent compaction systems typically generate stiffness values (ICMV), which can vary depending on material and conditions and require additional interpretation to relate back to density.

Our approach uses drum response data combined with a neural network to generate a density estimate that is tied to the specific material being compacted. To achieve a high level of accuracy, the system uses a calibration strip that establishes the relationship between response and the actual in-place density on that specific job.

The system can operate without core samples, but when core samples are incorporated with the test strip during calibration, the accuracy can be refined to within 1.5% of measured density. We’re had this system in the field for many years and contractors have seen consistent, repeatable results across a wide range of applications, so we know what it’s capable of.

Provided by Trimble Inc.

AC: What would you say is the single most important thing that makes your IC approach genuinely in this space right now? This could be how it works standalone, or how it works in concert with additional products/services.

BOMAG: The most important aspect of BOMAG VARIOCONTROL and ASPHALT MANAGER technologies is the ability to optimize the effective amplitude applied between passes or even inch to inch in a single pass, responding in real-time to the needs of the job.  The result?  Optimized pass count and density consistency.

Trimble: Real-time compaction profiling on the roller is a meaningful tool. But compaction is one step in a larger paving process that starts with grade prep and runs through paving, as-built verification, and ultimately into the owner's asset management system. If you can connect all of those steps, the value of each individual piece compounds.

That's the part we've emphasized. We connect that roller to the 3D design model that guided the paver and push the as-built compaction data into a common data environment that the owner can access alongside the rest of the project record. Trimble can do that across the full workflow — grade control on the compact machines prepping subbase, machine control on the paver, DPS on the roller, reality capture at closeout, all of it tied together. The intelligence in intelligent compaction only compounds when the data flows all the way through.

For contractors and DOTs working within the VETA ecosystem, the industry-standard IC data analysis platform. Our system is VETA compliant. That's the foundation for agency acceptance workflows. But the broader job insights compound further when that data connects to the wider project record.

HAMM: Our IC solution is unique because we are currently the only manufacturer capable of displaying real-time density on the fly while also controlling roller settings automatically based on radar feedback. This capability has been requested by the industry for years, and it is now a reality.

Volvo: There are a lot of great technologies working together in the system that make it truly beneficial to the customer, but I would say the biggest thing is what we try to bring to all of our products: simplicity. We take complex systems and make them easy to use, easy to understand, even easy to add to an existing machine in the future.

There’s enough happening on a jobsite that requires the operator’s attention — we don’t want to add another system that’s hard to use, hard to understand or even distracting. We aim to make our systems intuitive to complement what crews are already doing so that they can quickly and safely achieve the expected results.

Dynapac: Seismic Asphalt is unique patented system, but is a standard feature on all our Heavy Tandem Rollers. It offers a huge fuels savings as well as automatically adjusting vibratory drums for optimal compaction. All other systems use complex add-on components that can get expensive, while we give it to contractors for free.

CLICK HERE: PART 2: What Problems Does Intelligent Compaction Fix?