What Capacity of Asphalt Mixing Plant Is Suitable for a 10 km Rural Road Construction Project?

Choosing the right asphalt mixing plant is a critical decision for any rural road construction project. For a 10 km stretch, especially in remote or semi-urban areas, the asphalt mixing plant’s capacity must align with the daily production goals, site conditions, and project timeline. In this article, we’ll explore how to select the most suitable asphalt plant capacity based on actual project requirements, with practical examples and helpful guidance.

Understanding the Asphalt Demand for a 10 km Rural Road

Before selecting an asphalt plant, it’s essential to understand the total asphalt volume required for the project. The asphalt layer’s thickness and road width significantly influence this.

Common Rural Road Specifications

Typically, a two-lane rural road has a width of around 6–7 meters. With an average asphalt thickness of 5–7 cm, the estimated volume of asphalt required for a 10 km road is roughly between 3,500 to 4,500 tons.

Breaking It Down by Project Duration

Assuming the construction schedule spans 20–25 working days, the daily production requirement will be around 180 to 220 tons. This estimate helps us match the production needs with the asphalt plant’s capacity.

Which Asphalt Plant Capacity Matches These Needs?

Now that we’ve estimated the daily requirement, we can evaluate what size of asphalt mixing plant is a practical fit. It’s important to balance production efficiency, equipment investment, and transport logistics.

Ideal Capacity Range: 60–80 TPH

A 60–80 TPH (tons per hour) asphalt mixing plant is generally the most suitable for rural road projects of this scale. This capacity range allows for continuous and stable asphalt production, helping contractors meet daily targets without overloading the equipment.

Why Not Go Higher or Lower?

Choosing a smaller plant (e.g., 40 TPH) may result in delays and extended fuel and labor costs. On the other hand, opting for a 100+ TPH plant could be excessive for such a project, leading to higher initial investment and underutilization of resources. Therefore, 60–80 TPH offers the best balance between productivity and cost-efficiency.

Other Key Factors to Consider Beyond Capacity

While capacity is a major factor, successful asphalt production also depends on mobility, installation time, and fuel type. These elements directly impact on-site efficiency and project outcomes.

Stationary vs. Mobile Asphalt Plants

For remote rural projects, the mobile asphalt plant for sale can offer great advantages. They reduce transportation time, require less civil foundation work, and can be relocated easily if needed for future jobs. A 60–80 TPH mobile drum mix plant is often the preferred choice for rural road contractors.

Fuel Options and Local Availability

Consider whether the site has easy access to diesel, coal, or heavy oil. Choosing a plant that matches locally available fuel helps lower operating costs. For example, many rural Indonesian clients prefer coal-fired drying systems for long-term savings.

Mixing Type: Batch Mix vs. Drum Mix

Drum mix plants are ideal for long, continuous paving projects like rural roads. They offer steady output, simpler operation, and faster start-up. In contrast, batch mix plants suit projects requiring frequent mix changes or higher precision.

Real-World Use Case: A Contractor in Central Java

One of our clients in Central Java recently completed a 10 km rural access road using a 60 TPH mobile drum mix asphalt plant. With an average output of 200 tons per day, they finished the paving work in just over three weeks. The mobility of the plant allowed them to install and commission the equipment in less than a week, saving valuable time and labor.

Final Thoughts: Choose Based on Real Needs, Not Just Specs

Selecting an asphalt mixing plant should be based on more than just its maximum hourly output. You need to consider the entire project’s needs, expected timeline, crew size, fuel access, and future jobs. For a 10 km rural road, a 60–80 TPH mobile drum mix asphalt plant delivers the best results in terms of practicality, speed, and investment.

Looking for the Right Asphalt Plant? Let’s Talk

At AIMIX, we help contractors across Indonesia and beyond choose the right asphalt plant for their projects. Whether you're building a rural road, paving in mountainous areas, or setting up a municipal road maintenance program, we offer reliable, locally-supported solutions tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to discuss your project and get expert guidance on the best plant configuration. Let’s make your road projects smoother, faster, and more cost-effective with the right equipment and support. Learn more about the asphalt plant price if you want to start an asphalt mixing business.