Bituminous Mix Composition Calculation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the optimal mix composition for bituminous macadam production, particularly when using reclaimed bituminous-based material, are empirical and lack simplicity and practicality, requiring the use of empirical tables to determine the necessary regeneration additive.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method that calculates the percentage of regeneration additive needed for bituminous macadam production based on mathematical formulas relating reclaimed bituminous-based material, virgin bitumen, and final product characteristics, such as penetration depth and softening temperature, allowing for efficient and precise mix determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If empirical tables are used to determine regeneration additive percentage, then the determination process is simple, but the accuracy and adaptability to different additive types are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes from fixed empirical tables to dynamic calculation based on multiple parameters including penetration depth, softening temperature, and additive properties. This allows the system to adapt to different additive types and conditions while maintaining calculation simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual lookup of empirical tables with an automated computer-based calculation system. This substitution enables more precise and adaptable determination of regeneration additive percentage while reducing manual effort and increasing accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual calculation by operator is used, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations and preparations automatically, including determining bitumen characteristics and calculating required additive percentages based on input parameters. This preliminary automated processing significantly reduces the time operators need to spend on manual calculations while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The calculation system serves itself by automatically processing inputs and generating mix designs without requiring extensive manual intervention. The computer system independently performs calculations based on established formulas, reducing operator time consumption while maintaining adaptability through programmable parameters.
3Ease of manufacture
If empirical methods are used for determining mix composition, then the process is straightforward, but the quality consistency and optimization capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by using actual measured parameters (penetration depth, softening temperature) of the reclaimed bituminous material to adjust and optimize the regeneration additive calculation. This feedback loop ensures quality consistency while maintaining process straightforwardness through automated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal calculation system that can handle different types of reclaimed bituminous materials and regeneration additives through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach maintains process simplicity while improving quality consistency through standardized yet adaptable calculation methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system (1) for generating mixes for making bituminous macadam starting from basic ingredients, the system (1) being characterised in that it comprises, in combination: - a user interface (2), configured to provide displays of information relating to said mixes and allow the entering or modification of one or more of said items of information relating to the mixes; - a calculation module (3), configured for calculating a percentage of regeneration additive for regenerating the reclaimed bituminous-based material (RAP) on the basis of at least one formula, said formula determining a mathematical relationship between: - reclaimed bituminous-based material; - virgin bituminous conglomerate; - final product obtained from the mix through a characteristic size of the bitumen.