There are many different types of aggregates, and each of them applies to various jobs. For example, aggregates for establishments include sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled concrete or fill.
Each of these building aggregates has a different purpose. Sand is often used as a filler in concrete; crushed stone and recycled concrete are used in making building foundations, while gravel is used to stabilise a roadbed or slope.
What Are Aggregates?
Aggregates are the various sizes of rock and minerals used to create asphalt, concrete, and fill and engineer roads, railways, and buildings. They are a combination of sand and gravel. While sand is a natural material, gravel is crushed rock and minerals.
Aggregates are used to create an array of construction projects and other infrastructure projects. There are many different sizes of aggregates available, depending on the given project.
What Can Aggregates Be Used For?
There are many different types of aggregate used in construction and other industries. Here are a few possible uses for aggregates:
Building and Road Construction
Aggregates are used to create a roadbed. They stabilise the road and provide the base for asphalt and other types of asphalt or rubber.
Applying asphalt is determined by the type and width of the road. If a road is smaller, it will only have to be surfaced with a few layers of asphalt.
Railway Construction
If you ever need to go to the station to catch a train, you will notice a big mound of aggregate at the base of the train track. It is there to make sure the tracks run smoothly, and any trains passing by will do so without any hiccups.
Recycling
Recycled aggregates are used in making new concrete and other building projects. As new establishments and other construction projects are made, the debris is taken to be recycled into new aggregates.
Why Should You Use Aggregates?
Here are some of the best qualities of aggregates that make them useful for construction:
1) Strong and Durable
Aggregates are crucial for building roads and areas that get a lot of traffic. They are also used to create a base for houses and other structures. The base has to be strong enough to make sure the establishments don’t crumble and harm the people around them.
Aggregates are incredibly durable and can handle a great deal of pressure. They can take on a lot of stress and hold up to different types of traffic. If a road is made out of aggregate, you can be sure that it will handle just about anything.
2) Aesthetic-Enhancing
Aggregates are often used on a surface or structure to enhance its look. Many roads are surfaced with aggregates to make them seem more appealing. This is especially true for smaller streets that don’t get a lot of use.
As we mentioned above, aggregates are used to make concrete. With concrete, the aggregate gives colour, texture, and a glow. This is one of the main reasons why concrete is so popular. Aggregates are used to create a surface that looks sturdy and attractive.
3) Low Maintenance
Aggregates make construction easy to maintain. Roadways made out of aggregates are less likely to need repairs.
As we mentioned before, aggregates are pretty sturdy and can withstand great amounts of pressure. As such, they are perfect for use if you want to save resources on your construction projects.
4) Accessible
Aggregates are much more accessible than other building materials because of the many different types of aggregates available that offer easy application and reliable solutions.
They can be found in a variety of environments and in about every country in the world. For example, concrete is a product that is abundant because it is so easy to make. With it, all that a country needs is water and gravel to accomplish the project.
5) Cost-Effective
Aggregates are more cost-effective than other building materials. Thanks to their range of sizes, you can use them to create a variety of projects, such as roads, buildings, and houses.
If you need a lot of aggregate, it may be cheaper to buy a huge pile than to purchase smaller amounts of each kind. If you do not have the money to spend on building materials, aggregates can help keep costs under control.
What Are Some of the Different Types of Aggregates?
There are many different types of aggregates used in construction and other industries. Here are some of the most popular options:
1) Sand
Sand is used as a filler in many concrete, mortar, and masonry projects.
It is a natural material you can usually find in dry riverbeds or dunes. You might be surprised to learn that sand is typically a mixture of minerals, silt, and clay.
Sand is used in highway construction and building foundations, as well as many other uses.
2) Gravel
Gravel is a natural aggregate that has been crushed. You can find gravel in a number of
different sizes, depending on the project that you are working on. Gravel is available in a wide variety of types and sizes, so there will definitely be a type that is suitable for your project.
Gravel is often used in temporary roadways. Since it doesn’t have to be stable or durable, it can be applicable for building highways and other structures that don’t need to be strong.
3) Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is usually a mixture of different sizes of rock, ranging from gravel to boulders. If you need something heavy, the crushed stone may help you out. It is often used to turn a sloped road into a stable and safe driveway.
Crushed stone is a great road stabiliser to think of utilising, which makes it ideal for creating a good roadbed.
Conclusion
Aggregates are a great material used to make many different structures and products. They help construct roads, railways, buildings, and more. They are also used to create concrete, which is one of the most popular building materials.
If you need resources for your construction in Staffordshire or Cheshire, Enviro Skip Hire has everything you might need. Get in touch with us to buy builders’ sand in bulk today.
