What Asphalt Mixing Capacity Is Needed for 50,000 m² of Pavement with 10 cm Thickness?

When planning a large-scale paving project, one of the most crucial questions contractors ask is: what asphalt mixing plant capacity do I need? If you're paving 50,000 square meters with a 10 cm (0.1 m) thick layer of asphalt, making the right decision is essential. It affects not only your schedule, but also your costs, equipment selection, and overall project success.

Why Capacity Planning Matters for Asphalt Projects

Choosing the right asphalt plant capacity is not just a technical matter — it’s a business decision. If your mixing plant is too small, you fall behind schedule and increase labor costs. If it’s too large, you may end up overspending or operating inefficiently. That’s why calculating the right capacity for your target output is key before buying or renting equipment.

Let’s break it down by volume and production goals to help you determine the best-fit asphalt plant for sale for your project.

Step 1: Calculate the Required Asphalt Volume

Start by converting the area and thickness into volume. Here’s the basic formula:

Volume = Area × Thickness

So for a 50,000 m² surface with a 0.1 m layer thickness:

50,000 m² × 0.1 m = 5,000 m³

Now, convert cubic meters to tons. On average, 1 m³ of asphalt weighs around 2.3–2.4 tons depending on the mix type and aggregate. Using a conservative estimate of 2.4:

5,000 m³ × 2.4 = 12,000 tons of asphalt required

Step 2: Match the Required Output with Asphalt Mixing Capacity

Now that you know the project needs around 12,000 tons of asphalt, the next step is to determine how fast you want to complete the paving work. This determines your required asphalt plant capacity.

Let’s assume different timelines and see what capacity each would require:

10-day project: 12,000 tons ÷ 10 days = 1,200 tons/day

15-day project: 12,000 tons ÷ 15 days = 800 tons/day

20-day project: 12,000 tons ÷ 20 days = 600 tons/day

From this, you can see that an asphalt mixing plant with a capacity of 80–120 tons per hour (tph), operating for 8–10 hours per day, would meet the needs of most schedules.

Step 3: Choose the Right Type of Asphalt Mixing Plant

After estimating the required daily tonnage, you’ll want to select the right plant type. Asphalt plants come in two main types: batch mix and drum mix. Each has its own advantages depending on your project needs.

Batch Mix Plant

Ideal for high-quality, small-batch production and projects that need frequent mix changes. For 600–1,200 tons/day, a 80–120 tph asphalt batch plant for sale will work well, especially for road contractors handling multiple pavement types.

Drum Mix Plant

Better suited for large continuous production with lower mix variability. A drum plant with 100–120 tph capacity will handle a 12,000-ton project efficiently within 10–15 days, making it a cost-effective choice for highway or urban roadwork.

Consider Site Conditions and Logistics

Besides plant capacity, don’t overlook the site conditions. Think about how far your plant will be from the paving location. Longer distances mean more transport time and higher costs. If your project is in a remote area, a mobile asphalt plant might be a smarter option. It brings production closer to the jobsite and shortens truck cycles.

Also factor in:

Available storage for aggregates and bitumen

Access to electricity or fuel

Weather conditions (especially rainfall, which affects paving)

Conclusion: What Capacity Do You Really Need?

For a 50,000 m² pavement project with 10 cm thickness, you will need approximately 12,000 tons of asphalt. An asphalt plant with a capacity between 80–120 tph is generally sufficient, depending on your timeline. For faster completion, consider higher capacity or dual-shift operations.

It’s not just about buying the biggest machine. It’s about choosing the right one that aligns with your project size, location, and budget.

Need Help Choosing the Right Asphalt Plant?

At PT. AIMIX GROUP INDONESIA, we help contractors like you find the ideal asphalt mixing plant for every project size — from local road upgrades to large government infrastructure. We offer both stationary and mobile drum/batch plants from 20–160 tph, and our local team in Indonesia supports you with installation, training, and after-sales service.

Contact us today to get a tailored asphalt plant recommendation and a free quote based on your specific project size and schedule. Learn about the asphalt plant price at right!