The world of construction can be confusing, especially when it comes to the materials that are used. One of the most important materials used in construction projects are called aggregates. Aggregates can have different definitions depending on the context. In this blog, we will focus on geological aggregates used for construction and landscaping purposes.
What are Aggregates used in Construction?
Aggregates are the rock stars of the construction industry. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, “Aggregates are raw materials that are produced from natural sources and extracted from pits and quarries, including gravel, crushed stone, and sand. When used with a binding medium, like water, cement, and asphalt, they are used to form compound materials, such as asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete.” The most common aggregates used in construction projects are limestone, sand, and gravel.
What Types of Projects Use Aggregates?
Aggregates are used in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Landscaping, creating concrete, cement, mortar, construction, and erosion mitigation all use aggregates. Residential projects use aggregates for driveways, paths, and in their gardens. Aggregates are used in industrial and commercial settings for building bridges, roads, and buildings.
Types of Aggregates and Their Uses
Gravel
- Gravel is great for landscaping projects since it is aesthetically pleasing and is low maintenance.
- Gravel’s rough texture makes it one of the best bonding agents for concrete paste.
- Due to its coarse nature, gravel makes for great driveway and road material. A downside of gravel is that it makes snow removal hard during the winter due to gravel being very difficult to separate from snow.
- The cracks in gravel provide space to drain water, making it a great material for drainage areas in professional and home projects.
- Gravel can be used as a substitute for mulch since it prevents water evaporation in the soil. Gravel is less likely to get blown away compared to mulch.
Sand
- Sand is the main ingredient in concrete, mortar, plaster, and cement.
- One of the benefits of mixing sand with concrete is its skid resistance, cost, and texture.
- Bags of sand are used to protect buildings from flooding.
- Sand is mixed with lime to create a layer of concrete for flooring.
- Due to its abrasive nature, sand can be used in the winter on icy roads and driveways to prevent slipping. Sand can be a replacement for rock salt, which is ineffective in extreme cold and can cause damage. Sand does not melt ice, and it’s only effective if it stays on the ice.
Limestone
- Limestone is great for home driveways due to its durability and variety of colors.
- Concrete with limestone tends to stay cooler than other types of concrete since limestone does not conduct heat well.
- Limestone infused slabs of concrete expand less during temperature changes.
- Limestone is great for underground pipe bedding due to its insulation properties.
- Limestone’s alkaline nature neutralizes acidic soil when applied. A neutral PH level of soil makes it easier for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. Many landscapers spread crushed limestone before they lay down sod.
- Layers of crushed limestone are used to prevent soil erosion in drainage ditches, sidewalk edges, roads, and shorelines.
- Using limestone as a base under a concrete slab is a great way to prevent cracking and allow drainage.
- Crushed limestone can be used as a coating on asphalt-infused shingles to protect roofs from heat.
Call Tucker Trucking to Purchase Aggregates
At Tucker Trucking we are a leading material supplier of recycled materials, including 1″ Clean Recycled, Special Backfill, and Concrete Fines. Check out our wide selection of aggregates for sale and our trucks used to haul them. Give us a call at 515-331-6501.
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