Abstract: An asphalt production plant includes an asphalt binder storage tank, a mixer for mixing asphalt binder and aggregate materials, an asphalt binder pumping system for conveying asphalt binder to the mixer and an asphalt binder metering system for controlling the rate of flow of asphalt binder to the mixer. The asphalt production plant also includes a cold feed proportioning system having a plurality of cold feed bins for holding aggregate materials, with each such bin having a discharge opening through which aggregate materials may be discharged, a cold feed conveyor system that extends from beneath the discharge openings for the plurality of bins for conveying aggregate materials to the mixer and an apparatus and system for adjusting the relative proportions of aggregate materials from each of the cold feed bins that are conveyed to the mixer.

Abstract: A sample collector for aggregate material is provided. The collector includes a collector frame having a probe that is shaped so as to be insertable along a defined axis into a quantity of aggregate material. The collector also includes a plurality of elongate support rods. The first end of each rod is attached to the probe, and a seat is provided to which the second end of each of the support rods is attached. Each rod is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the axis, and the rods are spaced apart from each other so as to define a collection space. The collector also includes a sleeve which is adapted to slide over the collector frame between an open position which exposes the collection space and a closed position which encloses the collection space. A sliding mechanism is also provided for sliding the sleeve over the collector frame between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A method for forming a test specimen from an asphalt concrete mixture includes providing a mold to receive a quantity of the mixture and adding a predetermined quantity of the mixture to the mold. The mixture in the mold is compressed at a pressure of at least about 7 psi while vibrating the mixture in the mold at a rate of at least about 2400 cycles per minute. The method also includes maintaining the vibration of and the application of compressing pressure to the mixture in the mold until the mixture obtains a predetermined mix design density within a range of about 90-97%.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing pavement test samples for for surface wear, including rutting, stripping and fatigue, is disclosed. The testing machine includes a testing chamber and a sample tray that is adapted for holding one or more test samples. The machine also includes a hose for each test sample to be tested. Each hose is disposed above a test sample in the sample tray in such fashion that the hose may be deflected to contact a least a substantial portion of the sample. A mechanism is also provided for pumping a fluid into each hose and for maintaining fluid pressure within the hose. The testing machine also includes a testing wheel assembly that is disposed above the hose assembly within the chamber. The testing wheel assembly is adapted for reciprocating movement on a track and includes a loading wheel for each hose.