Bituminous mixing and laying plant
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The mixing and laying of bitumen for roads and pavements can be undertaken using a range of different types of plant. The type of plant used will be determined by the type of material that is required and the process adopted.
[edit] Heaters and boilers
Bitumen heaters and boilers range from small mobile units to large permanent plant. The most common types are:
- Mobile boilers: Mounted on a steel chassis and towed from place to place. The furnace at the base of the boiler is either gas or oil-fired.
- Static heating and storage tanks: These are heated by oil-fired burners and are available for high outputs as they can have capacities of up to 18,000 litres. They will usually be transported on a low loader.
[edit] Binder distributors
The most common type of binder distributor is the bulk tank sprayer. The binder is kept at the required temperature by fitted heating units. A static heating unit feeds the binder into the bulk tanker which can have a range of tank capacities. A horizontal spray bar and power-driven pump mounted at the rear of the unit is used to spray the binder over the road surface.
[edit] High speed road-surfacing units
These are commonly used in resurfacing projects. The road is sprayed with hot binder and then coated with grit from a slow-moving machine. A lorry follows behind the chip-spreader to keep it supplied with chippings. These are fed into a rear hopper and carried on a conveyor to the spreader.
[edit] Road planers and heaters
Road planers heat the bituminous road surface until soft and then make it even by using revolving blades. The blades cut away to leave a smooth surface that can then be treated as required.
Road heaters are used on road surfaces that have become too smooth. They dry, heat and burn the road surface to enable further treatment as required.
[edit] Asphalt and bitumen mixing plant
These are either permanent plant installations or small mobile units. They perform a complete sequence of operations, from drying, to aggregate heating and mixing, to coating them with binder, to delivering them ready to be laid.
- Drying units: A long rotating cylindrical drum is heated internally by hot gases through which the aggregate is passed, ensuring that it is thoroughly dry before being coated with a binder.
- Batch-mixing plants: These have several individual sections – aggregate feeder, drier unit, binder heater, weighing plant and mechanical mixer.
- Mixing units: These are a form of paddle mixer that enables a thorough mix in a short space of time.
[edit] Spreading and finishing plant
Large machines are used for spreading and finishing the surface coating, ideally in a single pass. They are available with different laying speeds and hopper capacities. Rollers on the front of the lorry’s hopper are connected to the tyres and so push the lorry forward whilst unloading. The screed plate is hydraulically adjusted so as to control the thickness of the surface finish.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Code of Practice for Ironwork Systems Installation and Refurbishment.
- Compressed air plant.
- Concreting plant.
- Construction plant.
- Construction tools.
- Crane supports.
- Earth-moving plant.
- Excavating plant.
- Forklift truck.
- Hoist.
- Kerbs.
- Pavement.
- Power float.
- Road construction.
- Road joints.
- Runway construction.
- Scaffolding.
- Stacker.
- Types of crane.
- Types of road and street.
- Types of roller.
[edit] External references
- ‘Introduction to Civil Engineering Construction’ (3rd ed.), HOLMES, R., The College of Estate Management, (1995)
Featured articles and news
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Comments
I think I like this article because it summarizes into details and its points are clear and how I wish you explained how Bitumen laying operation is done. The information will be so much useful.