Means of Production

This article discusses some of the design and engineering challenges in asphalt manufacturing to ensure that production is maximized without impinging on quality and that quality remains consistent despite the different kinds of aggregate available. A key element is assuring a uniform flow of aggregates through the plant and adequate drying of rock aggregates before they are coated with liquid asphalt cement. A software tool that can be used for granular mechanics simulation can be used for these purposes. The software can analyze the aggregate at each step of the process and permit adjustments to be made as needed. It can also predict the wear that certain types of aggregates will impose on the asphalt-making machinery and allow engineers to test different manufacturing scenarios through simulations without exposing equipment to undue stresses.