Techno-economic analysis of selecting the aggregate supply system based on optimal equipment layout in ready-mixed concrete plants

摘要

Production of 100 million cubic meters of concrete and an annual turnover of US$ 3.5 billion indicate the significance of concrete in the economy of construction projects in Iran. As concrete consumption in this country is more than the world average by 28 percent, improvement of the production lines is one of the steps to reduce energy consumption in this section. Just ten percent increase in the efficiency of concrete production, could economize and return US$ 350 million annually. In recent years, theoretical and operational issues concerning concrete production have been very considerable. However, little notice has been paid to the process of concrete production particularly supplying aggregate. Clearly, apart from mixing concrete in a batching plant, the most important process is the supply of aggregate which is carried out in a linear or star system. Removing loaders from this process as well as taking advantage of the proposed funnel-conveyor system could decrease the initial required capital by 70 to 90 % and maximize the continuous efficiency of production.