A New York-based paving contractor is currently running a Rapid Mix 400, made by United Kingdom-based Rapid International, to perform rehabilitation work on runways at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City. The work is being performed so the runway can accommodate the Airbus 380, the world’s largest commercial airliner with a wingspan of 262 feet. The Conti Group, New York, is using the Rapid Mix machine to make “econocrete,” which Rapid International describes in a news release as “a lean concrete that may be made with low-cost, locally available aggregates that do not meet conventional specifications.” In the case of the JFK runway, The Conti Group is producing the econocrete by milling asphalt recovered from the demolition of old runways, screening it, and then mixing it in the Rapid Mix 400 with cement and water. Because the econocrete uses 70 to 80 percent of the material from the old runway, it provides economic benefits as well as being environmentally friendly, according to Rapid International. The project at JFK Airport is likely to be replicated at several other airports around the United States that will need to accommodate the Airbus 380, according to the news release. Rapid International says, “Interest in the use of econocrete has developed in the last few years due to the high cost, and dwindling supplies of high-quality virgin aggregates in some areas of the U.S. “ It adds that the “Federal Highway Administration, together with local governmental agencies, [is] now supporting the movement of the econocrete concept from the laboratories into the field. The mixes are based on laboratory tests and are designed for specific strength and durability levels in accordance with their intended use. The possible applications of econocrete are as varied as the many structural elements of modern highway paving systems as it is a durable concrete, with a well-distributed air void system. Water reducing admixtures are often included in the mix to improve work ability at the low slump ranges that result in higher strengths.” The project undertaken by The Conti Group is the largest asphalt contract for JFK airport in 20 years, according to the company. A key tool in the successful undertaking of this project has been the Rapid Mix 400 continuous mixing plant made by Rapid International Ltd., based in Northern Ireland. The plant is capable of mixing up to 400 metric tons per hour. It uses a hydraulic system to change the plant from its travel mode into a fully operational plant in minutes, according to the Rapid International news release. The Rapid Mix 400 possesses a self-erecting silo that has a capacity of up to 50 metric tons and that is fitted with a twin-shaft continuous mixer. More information on the company’s product line can be found at www.rapidinternational.com.
JFK Project Involves New Material
U.K.’s Rapid International works with New York contractor on recycled asphalt technique.