Abstract

Asphalt and concrete reclamation machines are used to cut roadways when a repair is required. The performance of these machines can affect the quality of road repairs, and cost/profitability for both contractors and governments. We believe that several performance characteristics in reclamation machines are governed by the placement and pattern of cutting picks on the cutter head. Previous studies, focused on mining and excavation applications, have shown strong correlation between placement and wear. The following study employs a screening experiment (observational study) to find significant contributors to tool wear, in applications of asphalt milling or reclamation. We have found that picks fail by two primary modes: tip breakage, and body abrasive wear. Results indicate that the circumferential spacing of a bit, relative to neighboring bits, has the strongest effect on tip breakage. We have also shown that bit skew angle has a large positive effect on body abrasive wear.

Degree

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Mechanical Engineering

Rights

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