Wirtgen's environmentally friendly WR 2500 SK recycler stabilizes soils while eliminating fugitive dust generated by traditional methods of spreading of lime or cement. The conventional method of soil stabilizing is to spread lime or cement in advance over the area to be stabilized. However, this creates a problem, for the slightest breeze is sufficient to whirl up fugitive powder previously spread. In response, Wirgten engineers adapted the venerable WR 2500 reclaimer/recycler into the WR 2500 SK, equipped with an integrated hopper.

A cellular wheel spreads the lime or cement over the full working width immediately in front of the pulverizing and mixing rotor.

In this shielded position, it is then mixed into the soil to be stabilized. Thus the amount of lime or cement added can be metered precisely and it effectively prevents the formation of huge clouds of dust. This ecologically friendly design avoids valuable construction material being wasted.

Moreover, the WR 2500 SK is particularly useful when stabilizing soil near residential areas. Even traffic passing by is protected against drifting clouds of lime or cement dust.

This advanced version of the Wirtgen recycler, the WR 2500 SK with integrated spreader, proved its practical value the very first time that it was used. It was thanks to the special suggestion of using the eco-friendly Wirtgen machine for soil stabilization that the British contractor O'Keefe Construction was awarded the contract for the earth-moving work associated with the construction of a new hospital in a London city district.

The outstanding test results obtained when stabilizing the soil with lime met the stringent standards imposed by the Department of Transport Specification for Highways Works by successfully stabilizing existing material.

Costs were also drastically cut in comparison with conventional methods, since there was no need to deliver and place over 10,000 cubic meters of new material.

See also: WR 2500 S and Foamed Asphalt