M156-13 Plantas MAC

Standard Specification for
Requirements for Mixing Plants

for Hot-Mixed, Hot-Laid
Bituminous Paving Mixtures
AASHTO Designation: M 156-13 (2017)

Technical Section: 2c, Asphalt–Aggregate Mixtures
Release: Group 3 (August 2017)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

444 North Capitol Street N.W., Suite 249
Washington, D.C. 20001
Accessed by account: (UCR) Universidad de Costa Rica | Date: Thu Feb 15 07:47:12 2018 | IP address: 163.178.101.95
Standard Specification for
Requirements for Mixing Plants for Hot-Mixed,

Hot-Laid Bituminous Paving Mixtures
AASHTO Designation: M 156-13 (2017)

Technical Section: 2c, Asphalt–Aggregate Mixtures
Release: Group 3 (August 2017)
1. SCOPE
1.1. This specification covers requirements for plants producing hot mix asphalt (HMA) or warm mix
asphalt (WMA) paving mixtures. It may be used as a basis for state certification or inclusion of an
asphalt mixing plant on an agency’s approved list. Additional requirements may also be specified
by the agency.
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1. AASHTO Standards:
 R 66, Sampling Asphalt Materials
 T 19M/T 19, Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
 T 27, Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
 T 30, Mechanical Analysis of Extracted Aggregate
 T 84, Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
 T 166, Bulk Specific Gravity (Gmb) of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Saturated Surface-
Dry Specimens
 T 168, Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
 T 209, Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity (Gmm) and Density of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
 T 283, Resistance of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures to Moisture-Induced Damage
 T 308, Determining the Asphalt Binder Content of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) by the Ignition
Method
 T 312, Preparing and Determining the Density of Asphalt Mixture Specimens by Means of the
Superpave Gyratory Compactor
3. TERMINOLOGY
3.1. batch plant—a manufacturing facility for producing asphalt paving mixtures in discrete
production batches. Each batch includes specific proportions, by weight, of aggregate, asphalt
binder, and other chosen additives. Each discrete batch is mixed and then discharged.
3.2. check—a specific type of inspection or measurement performed on equipment or materials to

indicate compliance with the stated criteria. Examples include (a) lime check, and (b) calibration
check of cold feed system.
TS-2c M 156-1 AASHTO

© 2017 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
3.3. continuous mix plant—a manufacturing facility for producing asphalt paving mixtures that
continuously proportions the aggregate, asphalt binder, and other chosen additives into the mix by
a continuous volumetric proportioning system without definite batch intervals.
3.4. drum mix plant—a manufacturing facility for producing asphalt paving mixtures that continuously
proportions the aggregate, heats and dries it in a rotating drum, adds any chosen additives, and
simultaneously mixes the material with a controlled amount of asphalt binder.
3.5. hot mix plant—any of the plants listed above that produce HMA or WMA.
3.6. interlock—a system whereby plant production will be interrupted when any one of the interlocked
raw material constituents fails to meet the targeted requirements established within the
specifications or plant requirements.
3.7. modified batch plant—a manufacturing facility for producing asphalt paving mixtures that
continuously proportions the aggregate, asphalt binder, and other chosen additives into the mix by
weighted batches. The modified batch plant will usually have the screen decks removed.
4. PLANT REQUIREMENTS
4.1. Prerequisite for Plant Approval:
4.1.1. Inspection of Equipment—The plant owner or manager shall schedule an inspection of the plant
facilities to determine compliance with this specification. The equipment shall be maintained in a
satisfactory operating condition and be capable of its intended function at all times during
production.
4.1.2. Quality Control Program—Each plant shall have an approved quality control program and have a
designated person to administer the program. This program shall include the testing and control of
the individual component materials and the final product produced at the plant. Operations shall be
conducted in a manner so that a uniform product is produced that will meet specified
requirements.
4.1.3. Certified Public Weighers or Certified Public Scales—State or federal requirements should dictate
plant requirements related to Certified Public Weighers or Certified Public Scales.
4.1.4. Uniformity—The plant must be capable of producing homogenous asphalt mixtures even though
the individual components include such diverse materials as various sizes of aggregate from
stockpiles, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS), asphalt binder,
and other admixtures, as required by the mix design.
4.2. Weight Measuring Systems:
4.2.1. Furnish (at the contractor’s expense) platform scales to weigh bulk asphalt plant mixtures,
regardless of the type of weight measuring system used for payment.
4.2.2. Ensure that the documentation for platform scales complies with state or federal requirements.
Platform scales shall be certified at a minimum every six months, or at a frequency required by
state or federal requirements. Platform scales shall be certified if they are moved or relocated.
4.2.3. Each platform scale system should be capable of taring truck weights with each load.
4.2.4. When not using platform scales, provide calibrated weighing devices that record the mixture’s net
weight delivered to the truck. Weighing devices shall be calibrated at a frequency specified by the

state. The weight of produced mixture should be verified periodically by platform scales. A net
weigh system will include, but is not limited to, the following:
4.2.4.1. Hopper or batcher-type weigh system that delivers asphalt mixture directly to the truck.
4.2.4.2. Fully automatic batching equipment with a digital recording device to save batch weights for
project tickets.
4.2.5. The weighing system used to determine the net weight shall have a printing system used in
conjunction with automatic batching and mixing systems. All printing systems should be approved
by the engineer.
4.2.6. Verify adequate installation of the net weight scale mechanism or device by the manufacturer to
ensure acceptable performance and operation.
4.2.7. Provide information on the project tickets as required by the Agency or specifier.
4.2.8. Certify the accuracy of the weighing system by an approved registered scale service person at least
once every six months or whenever the plant is moved or relocated. Verify by an independent
calibrated or certified scale the accuracy of the weighing system at the beginning of project
production and thereafter as directed by the engineer.
4.2.9. Plants using batch scales shall maintain ten certified 50-lb (25-kg) standard test weights at the
plant site to check batching accuracy.
4.3. Equipment for Preparation of Asphalt Binder:
4.3.1. Tanks for storage of asphalt binder must provide adequate capacity to ensure proper continuous
circulation between the storage tank and proportioning units during the entire operating period.
4.3.2. The circulating system for the asphalt binder must have adequate capacity to provide proper
continuous circulation between the storage tank and proportioning units during the entire
operating period.
4.3.3. Storage tank capacity must ensure continuous operation of the plant and uniform temperature of
the asphalt binder when it is introduced into the aggregate. Metering devices must be calibrated
accurately to within 1 percent of the actual weight being measured and shall be accessible for
measuring the volume of binder material at any time. Any additives based on liquid volume
should be interlocked with the plant to result in a plant shutdown during no-flow conditions.
4.3.4. A sampling valve must be provided in the asphalt binder feed lines connecting the storage tanks to
the asphalt binder control unit. The valve shall be located in such a manner as to allow for
maximum safety to the person drawing the sample. A sampling valve should also be provided on
each individual tank.
4.3.5. Any tank used for storing polymer-modified asphalt binders should be equipped with an agitation
system to ensure the liquid asphalt is maintained in a homogenous state without separation.
4.3.6. The mechanisms used to introduce WMA additives to asphalt mixture at the mixture plant should
be capable of uniformly feeding and metering the additive. WMA additives typically consist of
additives added at the binder production facility, dry material added through cold feeds, or water
injection. Depending on the type of WMA process, the plant should be equipped with automatic
controls to monitor the feed system and interrupt plant production if there is an interruption in the
feed process. Equipment used to produce WMA should be approved by the engineer prior to
mixture production.

4.4. Cold Aggregate Feeders—A mechanism that must be capable of uniformly feeding the aggregates
into the dryer so that uniform production and temperature are assured. The mechanism must be
capable of accurately blending aggregates from different storage bins.
4.4.1. Cold bins for storing aggregates prior to proportioning should be monitored to assure that bins do
not become empty or restricted. The bins shall be interlocked so that a production interruption will
occur if an interruption in supply of material from any cold feed occurs.
Note 1—The requirements of Section 4.4.1 do not apply to batch plants.
4.4.2. Adequate and convenient facilities must be provided for obtaining samples of the full flow of
aggregate from each cold feed bin and from the total of the bins.
4.4.3. Control shall be based on frequent samples from each component aggregate as well as samples
taken from the combined cold aggregate feeders.
4.4.4. All plants are to be equipped with a means of diverting aggregate on the conveyor belt away from
the dryer and into an empty haul truck for cold bin calibration purposes.
4.5. Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)/Reclaimed Asphalt Shingles (RAS)—The recycled mixture
shall be a homogenous mixture of RAP, RAS, or RAP and RAS material, virgin aggregate,
hydrated lime (if required), asphalt binder, and any additives. If recycling capability is required,
the plant shall be equipped with mechanical means for feeding the desired weight of RAP, RAS,
or RAP and RAS into the mix.
4.5.1. RAP/RAS bins for storing material prior to proportioning should be monitored to assure that the
bins do not become empty or restricted. The bins shall be interlocked so that a production
interruption will occur if any interruption in supply of material from any cold feed occurs.
Note 2—The requirements of Section 4.5.1 do not apply to batch plants.
4.5.2. Adequate and convenient facilities shall be provided for obtaining samples of the full flow of
RAP/RAS material from each RAP/RAS bin as well as samples from the combined RAP/RAS
material.
4.5.3. Use a hot mix plant for the recycling process with necessary modifications to process the recycled
material. The ratio of the RAP or RAS to virgin aggregate shall be controlled by weight.
4.5.4. For drum, modified batch plants, and continuous mix plants, use electronic belt weighing devices
to monitor the flow of RAP or RAS and the flow of virgin aggregate. For batch-type plants, the
RAP or RAS proportion of the mix may be weighed in a weight hopper before incorporating into
the pug mill.
4.5.5. Equip plants with an interlocking system of feeders and conveyors that synchronize the RAP,
RAS, or RAP and RAS material flow with the virgin aggregate flow. Ensure that the electronic
controls monitor the flow rates indicated by the belt weighing devices and automatically maintain
the desired ratio at varying production rates. Design the RAP/RAS feeder bins, conveyor system,
and auxiliary bins (if used) to prevent the material from segregating and sticking. RAP should be
screened prior to crossing the weigh bridge with a 2-in. or larger screen.
4.6. Emissions Controls for Dust Collector Fines:
4.6.1. A dust collection system shall be provided. The system shall be made to waste the material so
collected, or to return all or any part uniformly to the mixture.
4.6.2. Other emissions, such as smoke with the exception of water vapor, shall be controlled to be in
compliance with applicable environmental limits.

4.6.3. Control the dust collection as follows:
4.6.3.1. When collecting airborne aggregate particles and returning them to the mixture, ensure the return
system delivers all or part of the collected dust uniformly into the aggregate mixture and wastes
the excess. The percentage of collected dust returned to the mixture is subject to the engineer’s
approval.
4.6.3.2. When the collected dust is returned directly to the hot aggregate flow, interlock the dust feeder
with the hot aggregate flow in order to maintain a constant, proportioned, and uniform flow.
4.7. Surge and Storage Systems:
4.7.1. Provide surge and storage bins as follows:
4.7.1.1. Ensure that bins for mixture storage are insulated and have a working seal, top and bottom, to
prevent outside air infiltration and to maintain an inert atmosphere during storage. Bins not
intended for storage may be used as surge bins to hold asphalt mixtures for part of the working
day; however, empty these surge bins completely at the end of the working day. Ensure that the
batchers on top of the surge and storage bins function properly at all times via scheduled visual
inspection by plant personnel.
4.7.1.2. Ensure that surge and storage bins can retain a predetermined minimum level of mixture in the bin
when trucks are loaded. All surge and storage bins shall have a heated gate system.
4.7.1.3. Ensure that surge and storage systems do not contribute to mix segregation, loss of homogeneity,
lumpiness, temperature loss, draindown, or stiffness.
4.7.2. A plant may be permitted to store asphalt mixtures in a silo after prior evaluation and approval by
the engineer. Use will conform with all limitations on retention time, type of mixture, heater
operation, silo atmosphere, mix level, mix draindown time, or other characteristics set forth in the
applicable specifications.
4.7.3. Approval of silos may be removed or restrictions may be applied if it is determined the silo
contributes to segregation, does not maintain temperature, or fails in any other way to provide a
homogeneous mix.
4.8. Mineral Filler—When mineral filler is required as a mixture ingredient:
4.8.1. Use a separate bin and feed system to store and proportion the required quantity into the mixture
with uniform distribution.
4.8.2. Control the feeder system with a proportioning device that meets the following specifications:
4.8.2.1. Is accurate to within ±10 percent of the filler required by weight.
4.8.2.2. Has a convenient and accurate means of calibration.
4.8.2.3. Interlocks with the aggregate feed or weigh system to maintain the correct proportions for all rates
of production and batch sizes.
4.8.3. Provide flow indicators or sensing devices for the mineral filler system and interlock them with
the plant controls to interrupt mixture production if the mineral filler introduction fails to meet the
required target value after no longer than 60 s.

4.8.4. Add mineral filler to the mixture as follows, according to the plant type:
4.8.4.1. Batch-Type Plant—Add the mineral filler to the mixture in the weigh hopper.
4.8.4.2. Continuous Plant Using Pug Mill Mixtures—Feed the mineral filler into the hot aggregate before
it is introduced into the mixer so that the dry mixing is accomplished before the asphalt binder
is added.
4.8.4.3. Continuous Plants Using Dryer Drum Mixtures—Add the mineral filler so that the dry mixing is
accomplished no less than 18 in. prior to the addition of the asphalt binder and ensure that the
filler does not become entrained into the air stream of the dryer.
4.9. Hydrated Lime Treatment System—When hydrated lime is required as a mixture ingredient:
4.9.1. Use a separate bin and feed system to store and proportion the required quantity into the mixture.
4.9.2. Ensure that the aggregate is uniformly coated with hydrated lime at least 18 in. prior to the
addition of the asphalt binder to the mixture. Ensure the hydrated lime does not become entrained
in the exhaust system of the dryer or plant.
4.9.3. Control the feeder system with a proportioning device that meets the following requirements:
4.9.3.1. Is accurate to within ±10 percent of the hydrated lime required by weight.
of production and batch sizes and to ensure mixture produced is properly treated with lime.
4.9.4. Provide flow indicators or sensing devices for the hydrated lime system and interlock them with
the plant controls to interrupt mixture production if hydrated lime introduction fails to meet the
required target value after 60 s.
4.10. Fiber Supply System—When stabilizing fiber is required as a mixture ingredient:
4.10.1. Use a separate bin and feed system to store and uniformly proportion by weight the required
quantity of fiber into the mixture.
4.10.2. Control the feeder system with a proportioning device that meets the following specifications:
4.10.2.1. Is accurate to within ±10 percent of the fiber required by weight. Automatically adjust the feed
rate to maintain the material within this tolerance at all times.
4.10.2.3. Provides in-process monitoring, consisting of a digital display of output of feed rate, in pounds
(kilograms) per min, to verify feed rate.
of production and batch sizes.
4.10.3. Provides flow indicators or sensing devices for the fiber system and interlocks them with the plant
controls to interrupt mixture production if the fiber introduction fails to meet the required target
value.

4.10.4. Introduce the fiber as follows, according to the plant type:
4.10.4.1. When a batch-type plant is used, add the fiber to the aggregate in the weigh hopper. Ensure the
fibers are uniformly distributed prior to the injection of the asphalt binder into the mixer.
Note 3—Some mixture types may require that the batch dry-mix time be increased by 8 to 12 s
from the time the aggregate is completely emptied into the mixture prior to the injection of the
asphalt binder to ensure uniformity.
4.10.4.2. When a continuous or dryer-drum-type plant is used, add the fiber uniformly to the aggregate and
disperse it prior to the injection of the asphalt binder. Ensure the fibers will not become entrained
in the exhaust system of the dryer.
4.11. Calibration of Plant Equipment—If the material changes, or if a plant component supply system
affecting the ingredient proportions has been repaired, replaced, or adjusted, recalibrate the
proportions. Calibrate the mixing plant as follows:
4.11.1. Before producing mixture for the project, calibrate by scale weight the electronic sensors or
settings for proportioning the mixture ingredients.
4.11.2. Calibrate the ingredient proportioning for all rates of production.
4.12. Thermometric Equipment:
4.12.1. Provide appropriate recording thermometers, of suitable temperature ranges, to accurately assess
the temperature of the asphalt mixture at or near the discharge point. Harden the thermometer
mechanism as necessary to assure durability of the device and continuous operation.
Thermometers should be calibrated by the manufacturer for the full range of mixture production
temperatures. The thermometers should be verified periodically during production to assure their
accuracy.
4.12.2. Provide appropriate thermometric devices to measure the temperature at the discharge chute of the
dryer, to display the temperature, and to record the temperature data automatically. For batch
plants, provide the same capability for thermometric devices in the hot fines bin.
4.13. Plant Screens:
4.13.1. Batch plants may be equipped with plant screens located between the dryer and hot aggregate bins
and shall have adequate capacity and size range to separate the heated aggregate into the sizes
required for proportioning. Proportioning must provide a final aggregate mixture within the
specification limits. Plant screens shall be checked on a regular basis for wear and maintained to
prevent holes in the screens.
4.13.2. The screen type and size shall be determined by the operator. No aggregate in the asphalt mixture
shall be larger than the maximum specified.
4.13.3. Aggregate in each bin, including mineral filler, must be combined in proper proportions, and the
composite aggregate mixture must be checked for compliance with the paving mixture
specifications.
4.14. Plant Laboratory:
4.14.1. The plant laboratory should have the minimum equipment necessary to perform R 66,
T 19M/T 19, T 27, T 30, T 166, T 168, T 209, T 283, and T 308. The testing equipment required
may vary based on the quality control testing requirements of the specifying agency.

4.14.2. If required by the specifying agency, the plant laboratory should have the necessary equipment to
perform T 84 and T 312.
5. KEYWORDS
5.1. Asphalt mixing plant; asphalt mixture; batch plant; continuous mix plant; drum mix plant.


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Standard Specification for

Requirements for Mixing Plants

AASHTO Designation: M 156-13 (2017)

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Requirements for Mixing Plants for Hot-Mixed,

AASHTO Designation: M 156-13 (2017)

3.2. check—a specific type of inspection or measurement performed on equipment or materials to

TS-2c M 156-1 AASHTO

4.2. Weight Measuring Systems:

TS-2c M 156-2 AASHTO

4.3. Equipment for Preparation of Asphalt Binder:

TS-2c M 156-3 AASHTO

4.6. Emissions Controls for Dust Collector Fines:

TS-2c M 156-4 AASHTO

4.7. Surge and Storage Systems:

4.7.1. Provide surge and storage bins as follows:

4.8. Mineral Filler—When mineral filler is required as a mixture ingredient:

4.8.2.1. Is accurate to within ±10 percent of the filler required by weight.

4.8.2.2. Has a convenient and accurate means of calibration.

TS-2c M 156-5 AASHTO

4.9.3.2. Has a convenient and accurate means of calibration.

4.10. Fiber Supply System—When stabilizing fiber is required as a mixture ingredient:

4.10.2.2. Has a convenient and accurate means of calibration.

TS-2c M 156-6 AASHTO

4.11.2. Calibrate the ingredient proportioning for all rates of production.

4.12. Thermometric Equipment:

4.13. Plant Screens:

4.14. Plant Laboratory:

TS-2c M 156-7 AASHTO

TS-2c M 156-8 AASHTO

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