The three main types of equipment are jaw, impact, and rolling crushers. Jaw crushers are best suited to reduce large or odd-shaped debris quickly from construction/demolition projects to a manageable size. Impact crushers are more effective than jaw crushers at freeing rebar encased in rubble. A rolling crusher is composed of two heavy cylindrical rollers and is used for econdary crushing.

Crushed concrete and asphalt can be reused in new construction as road and railroad base material, fill, or pavement constituents. In some applications, recycled concrete may be used in place of aggregate for drainage layers and sub-bases. Other potential uses include ballast, sub-ballast, and trickling filter media for wastewater treatment plants. Finely crushed concrete also can be used as a neutralizing agent in a variety of applications.

Construction work at an installation is usually performed for a specific project and may not require year-round use of a crusher. In addition, it is possible to stockpile the material for extended periods of time, provided land is available for stockpiling. Therefore, it may be appropriate to lease a unit as required. There also are companies that will bring portable crushers on site, crush the material, and leave it for use at the base. The fees will vary based on the contractor and the distance to the site.

This process produces no new waste streams. With ferrous recovery, the process produces a second recyclable commodity. The effect of this technology is to reduce the amount of construction debris to be landfilled.

The concrete/asphalt crusher may increase fuel usage on site which may increase a facility’s need to comply with SARA (40 CFR 355 and EO 12856) reporting requirements and SPCC (40 CFR 112) issues.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.

Safety issues for using crushers concern the operation of power equipment and respiratory protection. Operators should be specifically trained to use the crusher. Machinery should not be used if workers are on medication.

Consult the base safety office concerning proper protective gear and training prior to using mechanized equipment. Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology.

• Reduction in a significant component of landfilled waste.
• Crushed concrete/asphalt may be used in other construction applications, reducing the need to purchase aggregate materials.
• Crushed material can be used on site, eliminating the need to transport and haul waste and new material.

• High cost if purchasing equipment.

Assumptions:

• 1,000 tons/yr. demolition asphalt and concrete generated.
• $25/ton to haul and dispose.
• Processes 10-15 tons/hr of 12" to 14" concrete chunks.
• All of the 1,000 tons/yr can be crushed and reused on site so there is an avoided purchase of 1,000 tons/yr. of new material.
• New fill material costs: $15/ton
• Operating cost (including labor and maintenance): $6/ton

Economic Analysis Summary

Annual Savings for Concrete and Asphalt Crusher: $33,500
Capital Cost for Diversion Equipment/Process: $55,000
Payback Period for Investment in Equipment/Process: < 2 years

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