The essential nature of aggregates to the construction industry is no secret. They are literally the building blocks of our society. Knowing which aggregates to use, safety, and best practices for material management will help your projects run as efficiently as possible.
Material Management Planning
One of the most important steps to ensure efficient and practical aggregate use is developing a thorough material management plan. This project strategy should be developed by the Project Material Manager and as a part of the greater project plan. Involving the project management, engineering, procurement, and construction teams is ideal to make sure the roadmap meets project schedule requirements and that expectations are set.
An effective material management plan needs:
- A material list
- A material acquisition and storage strategy
- Clear deadlines
- Quality control procedures
Work with other members of the management team to put together an accurate list of the aggregates required for different areas of your project. Having a thorough understanding of what is needed throughout different stages will help create the most accurate material acquisition schedule, minimize miscommunication about material needs, and allow for efficient ordering.
It’s important to take into account the duration of the procurement process and lead time for different deliverables when ordering as well. This will ensure that unnecessary materials are not on the job site before you need them.
Perhaps the most important part of an efficient material management plan is flexibility. Many project schedules change depending on unforeseen circumstances, so always having an updated plan in place can affirm efficient use and planning for your aggregate delivery and use.
Best Practices for Construction Aggregate Efficiency
Team Communication
While team communication is unrelated to the physical efficient use of aggregates, it can be argued it is the most important practice. For efficient aggregate management, it’s crucial to ensure alignment among all teams and a working relationship with suppliers.
Quality Control
The quality assurance and quality control of materials should be accurately specified. The objective is to evaluate the life cycle of project aggregates from design to construction and reject any defective materials that fail inspection requirements. This will minimize aggregate inefficiencies when used in your on-site concrete or asphalt.
Aggregate Storage
Things to consider when planning for aggregate storage include accessibility, protection from the elements, delivery schedules, aggregate class, and proper separation of materials.
As for the accessibility, considerations include how often you will need to access the stored aggregates and how far around the site you will need to transport them for use. If a machine or vehicle is required to move the sand and aggregates around then a clear and safe pathway needs to be in place.
You should also try to ensure the aggregates you are storing are protected from the elements such as wind and rain, so a space with walls and an overhead covering is ideal. This is an easy way to avoid excess costs from damaged aggregates and excessive time used for quality control.
If you will be receiving regular deliveries of aggregates (according to your material management plan) then this is also something you will want to factor into your choice of storage space so that delivery is as easy as possible.
Different classes of aggregates should be kept well apart from each other, such as sand and decorative aggregates. Wall dividers will help prevent different aggregates from getting mixed in with each other if they must be stored close by, though any kind of solid separation will generally suffice. This minimizes confusion and chances of contamination. At a minimum, it is good practice to keep fine aggregates and coarse aggregates a distance away from each other.
Read the Specifications
Lastly, with the many different variations of aggregates used during construction it’s important to note the different specifications of each type. This is information easily obtainable from your supplier or vendor that can prevent significant delay down the road due to misuse. This also ensures you’re prepared to assist your team with any use related questions.
Safety
Tucker Trucking has been in the business of hauling aggregates for over 12 years. Along the way we’ve learned a thing or two about the importance safety plays in the efficiency of a project. Read our blog How to Haul Aggregates Safely on best practices during the procurement process and on-site.
The Cost of Inefficiency
Whether it be a lack of communication, compromised aggregates, or lax safety procedures, these shortcomings can have a great impact on your overall results. This inefficient planning can lead to delays in your project schedule, avoidable product shortages, minimal staff, and increased costs.
Aggregates are an essential part of any construction plan. Efficient planning for your aggregates helps streamline the project as a whole. Taking the necessary steps for effective aggregate preparation and management is crucial to your team’s success.
Work with Trusted Professionals
Tucker Trucking has been assisting with hauling and aggregate needs in the Des Moines Metro area for over a decade. Working with the right vendors can make all the difference in results. Contact us today to ensure your next project goes as smoothly as possible.
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