Site selection of an asphalt mix plant

Site selection of an asphalt mix plant should be based on integrated consideration of economy, convenience, safety in production and environmental protection. In detail, there are 6 aspects.

1. The site should be dry and in a slightly higher place than surrounding places. Wet air would increases moisture content of raw materials and extend drying time directly, which leads to chain reactions of larger fuel consumption, smaller productivity and rocketing production cost.

2. Geological conditions. An asphalt mixing plant is a large-scale mechanical equipment with large dead weight and material quality. The equipment such as feeders, drying cylinders, and mixing buildings are in a vibration state. Therefore, hard geological state of the site can effectively prevent ground subsidence. In addition, the mixing station is a vibrating body, and measures should be taken to prevent resonance to avoid damaging surrounding buildings.

3. The site should enjoy convenient transportation. The asphalt plant needs large amount of raw materials and finished product mixes, the delivery of which costs a lot. The site should not be far away from basic facilities for the plant building, such as water and electricity supplying stations. In addition, the size of the area should be large enough. 

4. Distance of the site should not be far from the asphalt concrete factory. Finished asphalt will be sent from the mixing plant to the construction site. As the transport distance increases, its temperature will gradually decrease, affecting the quality of pavement construction. In addition, the transportation cost will be much cheaper for an asphalt mix plant far from the city yet near from raw materials.

5. Environmental factors should also be taken into account. As the hot mix asphalt plant is a mechanized construction, it produces dust and noise during the work process, thus it should be kept away from neighborhoods, schools, breeding grounds and to reduce dust, noise and harmful gas emissions to densely populated areas. 

6. Determine the asphalt mixing plant layout according to the terrain. Topography includes contour and unequal planes. By utilizing the reasonable layout of the terrain, a good foundation can be laid for smooth production.