Effective mixing of different-sized aggregates in mobile asphalt plant dryers is crucial for ensuring high-quality, consistent asphalt production. This study explores the application of spatial analysis techniques, particularly the Discrete Element Method (DEM), to understand and optimize the mixing process of aggregates in drum dryers. The research emphasizes the importance of proper mixing to achieve uniform moisture removal and heating across various aggregate sizes. Larger aggregates heat more slowly, while finer particles risk overheating or being carried away by air currents, necessitating careful management of the mixing process. Using LIGGGHTS, an open-source simulation framework, we conducted DEM simulations to analyze the spatial distribution and behavior of aggregates within a 3D model of a drum dryer. The study considered multiple factors affecting mixing efficiency, including drum inclination, rotational speed, and aggregate feeding frequency. Results indicate that the rotational speed of the drum dryer has the most significant impact on mixing effectiveness. The DEM simulations provided valuable insights into particle movement, heat transfer, and potential segregation issues within the dryer. Further investigations into additional factors that may influence aggregate mixing in drum dryers is recommended, paving the way for improved efficiency and quality in asphalt manufacturing.

Due to the rapid advancements in power distribution, television, and telecommunication, aerial cables have been rampant in urban cities. Aerial cables, while cost-effective, contribute to visual pollution, pose safety hazards, and complicate urban planning. To solve these challenges, many cities are exploring new ways to construct these cables without the use of high poles and one of the solutions is transitioning to underground cable by minitrenching method. Minitrenching offers a less invasive, more efficient solution for underground cable deployment. This study highlights the potential of innovative minitrenching materials to enhance underground cable protection while addressing the limitations of aerial cable installations in urban settings. Three minitrenching materials were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in protecting underground cables from heavy truck loads using finite element method (FEM). The materials tested were: (1) sand backfill with asphalt concrete surface, (2) cement mortar backfill with self-compacting mastic asphalt surface, and (3) cement mortar backfill with asphalt concrete surface. Results showed that the proposed materials (cement mortar and self-compacting mastic asphalt) significantly reduced strain on the underground cable compared to traditional materials (sand and asphalt concrete). The strain values decreased from 713 microstrains with traditional materials to 333 microstrains with the proposed materials, representing a reduction of approximately 53%. The third combination, intended as a maintenance material, yielded an intermediate strain value of 413 microstrains, demonstrating its acceptability as a minitrenching material.