Lecture: Asphalt Mix Production

Introduction

• Presenter: Paul Del Rio from PAIKY
• Topic: Overview of the asphalt mixing process

Asphalt Plant Overview

• Location where stone, sand, recycled products, and liquid asphalt are combined.

Stockpiles

• Comprise different sized aggregates (coarse stone to fine sands).
• Loader operators haul stones to cold feed bins, each holding different-sized aggregates.

Asphalt Plant Operations

• Conveyor System: Feeds aggregates into the plant.
• Control Room: Plant operators adjust the aggregate mix.

Mixing Process

• Aggregates enter a large rotating drum with a gas-powered burner to dry them.
• Liquid Asphalt: Added to the drum from heated storage tanks for mixing.
• Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Can be added through a separate system, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Types of Asphalt Plants

• Continuous Plant (Drum Plant):
  • Dries and mixes liquid binder with aggregates in the same drum.
  • Most common type in the U.S.
• Batch Plant:
  • Dries aggregates then sends them to a batch tower and mixing chamber for combining with liquid binder.

Storage and Transportation

• Storage Silos:
  • Store mixed asphalt.
  • Some hold material short-term; others are heated for long-term storage.
  • Number of silos may vary based on mix needs.
• Loading Area:
  • Located beneath silos.
  • Equipped with weight scales to ensure proper mix amounts.
  • Dump trucks haul the mix to paving sites.

Conclusion

• Asphalt mix is crucial for safe, smooth, and economical roadway construction.
• Efficient production and transportation are vital for quality paving.