What Are The 4 Main Types of Aggregates?

Why Use Aggregates In Construction?

Strength and Durability

“Aggregates are used to strengthen concrete. It’s possible for the final product to reach its full potential. Without aggregates the material might not be able to handle the weight placed on top of it or be able to last in high traffic areas without cracking.”

Aesthetics

Aggregates can be used to make the final product look better. Aggregates come in a variety of colors, which can be chosen to match the environment.

Availability

Aggregates tend to be readily available in most parts of the country, making them accessible to contractors. Moreover, there are several aggregate suppliers available who can provide material to projects if required.

Environmentally Friendly

Chunks break off larger rocks when they weather away. It is a natural element that requires less energy to produce than steel or plastic.

Cost-Effectiveness

Aggregates are cheap and last a long time in a lot of cases. That saves money for both contractors and clients.

The 4 Main Types Of Aggregates and Their Different Properties

Sand

Sand is a common fine-grained sedimentary material made from fragments of rocks or minerals, including quartz. But Sand is typically used in mortar and concrete mixes due to its round particles that are easy to mix. And Sand comes in different forms, including ordinary sand, coarse sand, and fine sand.

Gravel

The Gravel is a common coarse-grained sedimentary material with a particle size ranging from 0.4 inches to 2 inches in diameter. And Gravel is typically used for medium to large-sized aggregates in the construction industry.

Gravel can be found in two forms: pea gravel and crushed stone. They have an even shape, and they are suitable for heavy-duty projects, including driveways or roads that will need to handle high traffic volume or heavier loads.

Crushed Stone

Crushed stone is a more processed (version of gravel) aggregates comprising of angular or subrounded particles. It is mainly used for medium to large-scale projects and is often found in major commercial building sites since it can handle heavy traffic.

There are different shapes of crushed stone, from bowling balls to round rocks.

Concrete

Ready Mix Concrete Essex is a mixture of cement, aggregates, sand, and water forming solid materials suitable for building roads, buildings, or pavements. Moreover, concrete is formed under high pressure by mixing the ingredients, which explains its excellent texture.

In landscaping projects, concrete can be used in various forms; ready mix, bagged concrete, and unbagged concrete.

Which Types of Aggregate Are Right for Your Project?

“Depending on your project’s purpose, intended outcome and expected lifespan, you can choose the ideal aggregate. Ordinary sand or pea gravel can be used for a short-term project.”

For long-term projects, crushed stones are the best choice. They are designed for heavy use.