What are Aggregates?

If you are a part of any kind of large-scale construction project you’re likely dealing with aggregates. Aggregates are raw, typically medium-grained material used to add strength to composite materials. Due to its high hydraulic conductivity value, or the ease in which water can pass through, aggregates are also used for drainage solutions.

Aggregates have a wide array of uses in the industrial world, because it is the most mined material in the world. You’ll find that every large-scale renovation or building project will have some type of aggregate on the field. However, with any large project comes its risks, no matter what you are hauling. 

Tucker Trucking has been in the business of hauling aggregates for over 12 years. Over the years Tucker Trucking has learned best practices to make sure every project goes safely and smoothly.

Hazards in Transporting Aggregates

When handling large amounts of loose material such as aggregates there is a lot of room for error. Here are some common hazard areas to look out for:

Loading Materials

Opportunities for things to go wrong begin as early as a project’s starting point. This can mean overloading or improperly securing the vehicles, leading to an increased chance of material spillage when in route. Improperly maintaining the vehicles themselves can lead to an increased probability of an accident while in route and while loading. 

En Route with the Aggregates

An area of the journey you may expect the most problems is en route, but there are some  hazards that are commonly overlooked like poorly maintained haulage roadways, contact with power lines, and unexpected weather conditions.

Tips for Hauling Aggregates Safely

Before Loading Materials

A thorough inspection of the transportation vehicle should be performed before any aggregates are loaded. This inspection should include a tire check, suspension check, and any parts that require lubrication should be assessed.

Properly inflated tires provide a stable base which is important during loading and unloading. An unstable truck will tip more easily causing potential injury or damage.

After the dump truck has been thoroughly inspected, the loader itself should also be examined.  The dump gate should be secured and locked with all chains and lock bars in place. Look for defects in the machinery. There are many different kinds of dump trucks used in construction, so be sure to follow all precautions defined in the manual to ensure everything is as it should be. 

Tucker Trucking is proud to hire qualified mechanics to ensure our machinery is working at its highest capacity.

Loading & Traveling with Materials

During loading, it’s important to take extra precaution when putting the aggregates into the loader. The loader bucket should do its best to load the aggregates centered with the loader itself, and at a slow steady pace. An even load can help ensure the stability of the transportation vehicle. The slow, centered pace prevents any complications that can arise from the initial weight of the load.

Operators should know the load capacity of the dump truck and keep track of the weight of the material that has been loaded. This is important for preventing overload. Many dump trucks have on-board warning systems that will alert operators when a dump truck load is close to capacity. This takes the guesswork out of the equation. But these systems are never a substitute for operator vigilance.

The most important safety measure to use during loading any dump truck is attention. Distraction is often the cause of dangerous accidents. The operators of both the dump truck and loader should be aware and alert at all times.

Upon Arrival at the Dump Site

Before dumping the aggregate in its final resting place onsite, inspect the surface where the dump truck will park near the material to be loaded. The ground should be leveled since uneven ground creates instability. There should be no opportunity for the truck to slide or shift during unloading. After moving the truck into position, the operator needs to engage the vehicle’s parking brake and ensure that the truck’s dump bed is in its correct position.

Work with Trusted Professionals

The best way to ensure you are taking all necessary precautions when transporting aggregates for your project is to partner with professionals that you can trust. Tucker Trucking has been assisting with hauling needs in the Des Moines Metro area for over a decade. Contact us to ensure your next project goes as smoothly as possible.