Materials

Astec Industries is now offering its Silobot inspection service for materials storage silos. The Silobot is a sophisticated tool that Astec’s parts department can use to carry out thorough visual inspection and metal thickness testing inside hot mix storage silos. The remote control capabilities of the Silobot inspection device ensure that personnel stay out of the confined space of the silos. The firm says that the unit can carry out inspections quicker, safer, and more thoroughly. The inspection record pr

US demand for asphalt for use in paving roads and highways looks set to grow and will reach 13.7 million tonnes/year by 2021.

AkzoNobel is expanding its operations and portfolio with the acquisition of UK-based concrete repair and protection manufacturer Flexcrete Technologies. As part of the deal, 100% of the shares in Flexcrete Technologies have been acquired by AkzoNobel.

Earthquake damage to concrete structures can be reduced by using rubber from waste tyres, according to new research at The University of Sheffield. The research team claims that using recycled tyre rubber in concrete can make it five times more resistant to earthquakes.

Developments in asphalt plant technology are seeing major gains in energy efficiency and the use of RAP but some manufacturers are moving in different directions - Mike Woof writes. Asphalt Drum Mixers is offering its EX120 asphalt plant as a solution for producers needing a portable counterflow plant that can process high percentages of RAP. The plant features single-drum counterflow technology and is said to be compact, with a capacity of 120tonnes/hour, while the firm says that the machine meets all fede

Asphalt plant builders continue to develop new technologies to meet different demands from clients. Marini says that in addition to developing new and more sophisticated asphalt plants, the firm is also meeting demands from customers looking to upgrade existing asphalt plants with the addition of new systems. These can be used to boost output and material quality, while also delivering new grades of mixes. At the same time, plant upgrades can reduce the environmental profile of a plant, while improving its