Rapid provides an econocrete mixing plant

A Rapid Mix 400 manufactured by Rapid International has been used to mix econocrete for rehabilitation work on runways at JFK Airport, New York.

Econocrete is lean concrete that is made with low-cost, locally available aggregates, and is being used more and more in the US.

In the past, substantial quantities of natural aggregates and crushed stone sources have been discarded but interest in the use of econocrete has developed.

This material could be used in concrete structural elements if the proper attention was given to developing mix designs to meet the structural requirements and environmental conditions to which it will be exposed.

Federal Highway Administration and local governmental agencies are now supporting the use of econocrete.

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.

A Rapid Mix 400 continuous mixing plant has been specified to produce econocrete for JFK airport.

The Rapid Mix 400 manufactured by Rapid International is a mobile and self-contained unit, mixing up to 400 tonnes per hour, depending on the application.

It uses a hydraulic system to change the plant from travel mode into a fully operational plant in minutes.

Its self-erecting silo has a capacity of 50 tonnes and fitted with a twin shaft continuous mixer, it is also used in soil stabilisation and dam construction.

The Conti Group are producing the econocrete at JFK 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 econocrete uses 70 to 80 percent of the material from the old runway, it provides huge economic benefits to the airport.

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