Vibro-mechanical energy modeling of limestone screenings grinding for transport materials

Limestone screenings generated during crushed stone production account for up to 25 % of processed raw material and are typically classified as low-value by-products despite their high CaCO 3 content and favorable particle size distribution. This study develops a vibro-mechanical energy model for the grinding-based processing of limestone screenings into mineral powder, limestone flour, and microfiller for transport applications. The model integrates fraction distribution analysis, total energy balance, dynamic grinding effects, logarithmic strength prediction, and CO₂ emission assessment within a unified analytical framework. Grinding is interpreted as a vibro-mechanical process governed by impact and cyclic loading mechanisms affecting particle fragmentation efficiency. The proposed processing scheme reduces specific energy consumption from 120-130 kWh/t to 92-95 kWh/t (25-30 % reduction). Strength development of cement composites, described by a logarithmic function of specific surface area, shows a 12-15 % increase at 6000-7000 cm 2 /g. The associated CO₂ emission reduction reaches 30.3 kg per ton of processed material. The model provides a predictive engineering tool for optimizing vibro-mechanical grinding systems in sustainable transport material production