The transportation sector relies on durable aggregate equipment to build its infrastructure. Every modern road, airport, and railway system requires aggregates with very specific characteristics for strength and durability. Aggregates need to be accurately shaped and sized to deliver the best final product, and Sepro Aggregates has the equipment to deliver these results. 

 

Let’s look at some different forms of transportation and the aggregates used in each system.  

Roads and Highways

Roads are built with a strong foundation of aggregate. The aggregate base used in road construction is sized to pass through a 20mm screen. The material can vary from 20mm down to fine dust particles and can be made from freshly mined aggregate or recycled asphalt and concrete material. 

The asphalt concrete top layer is a material made up of approximately 5% liquid asphalt and 95% aggregates. Altering the aggregate size, shape, texture, and other characteristics can have a major impact on the strength and longevity of the asphalt concrete. For example, the shapes of aggregate particles can help or hinder its density and durability. When compacted, irregular particles in the crushed stone tend to lock together and resist displacement. 

Airport Aprons and Runways

The pavement used at airports is built in a similar way to the roads we use every day, but it is much more durable. With thousands of fully loaded jets and planes taking off in all weather conditions 365 days a year, great care is taken to create high-quality surfaces. 

At most airports, runways are made of asphalt, concrete, or both. The choice is dependent upon many factors from budget, and types of aircrafts at the airport, to weather. Concrete is usually a better choice for major commercial airports as it’s more durable than asphalt, but it is more expensive to construct.

To ensure passenger safety, all airport pavements must adhere to strict standards. Pavement thickness is calculated by the Federal Aviation Administration and differs from airport to airport. Concrete and asphalt thicknesses can range from 25–120cm deep. All public-use runways are also routinely inspected for cracks or weaknesses.

Railways

The railways that crisscross the world are made with a base layer of aggregate called track ballast. You’ve probably noticed these stones along train tracks, but didn’t know that they have some distinct characteristics. Track ballast holds railroad ties in place and provides support to heavy trains as they move along the tracks. High-quality track ballast is made up of irregularly shaped aggregate with sharp edges that help the particles interlock with each other, locking the tracks in place. 

Track ballast can range from 150–500mm in size. The larger sizes are required for high-speed railway lines. There is also a sub-ballast layer to further support the top aggregate level and provide adequate drainage.

 

Aggregate Equipment In The Transportation Industry

Jaw Crushers and Cone Crushers

Jaw crushers and cone crushers are the primary pieces of equipment used to create aggregates. The base construction material used in all of these transportation systems likely comes from powerful crushers such as the Grizzly King Jaw Crusher or Blackhawk Cone Crusher. 

Portable Plants

Sepro Aggregates has the experience and expertise to create custom portable plants for a variety of purposes including:

  • Riprap
  • Asphalt and concrete recycling
  • Crushing and grinding
  • Screening

The versatility of a mobile aggregate operation saves many of our customers hefty transportation costs as well as tipping fees with respect to asphalt and concrete recycling. 

If you produce aggregate for the transportation and construction industries, give Sepro Aggregates a call. We’ll be able to find the right equipment for your current or next project.