Aggregates are important in construction; find out why.
There are few aspects of the construction industry that are as necessary, and that are as irreplaceable, as aggregates. With Tucker Paving’s earthworks, paving, and hauling services, aggregates are at the heart of most of what we do! Find out everything you ever wanted to know aggregates.
Aggregates Defined
Aggregates are materials used to form the base of most structures—from roads to buildings—such as crushed stone, gravel, sand, and recycled asphalt and concrete. Each different type of aggregate has its own characteristics and properties, and each has different applications that it is most suited for.
What they all have in common is their durability and strength. Since aggregates work as a base in most applications, they need to be strong and durable in order to create a strong foundation. They are all also versatile as they can be used in a variety of applications.
Types of Aggregates
There are many different kinds of aggregates that are used for a wide array of applications. These include:
- Sand: Sand is one of the most often used aggregates; it is a major part of concrete, mortar, and more.
- Gravel: Gravel is another commonly used aggregate, and it comes in a variety of sizes—from pebbles to larger stones—and it also is used in an array of ways in construction.
- Crushed Stone Aggregates: Limestone and granite are popular aggregates used in road construction, driveways, and ballast for railroads.
- Recycled Aggregates: Reclaimed/recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled asphalt aggregate (RAA) have been taken from demolished roadways, walkways, and other structures made of concrete or asphalt, broken up, and repurposed as aggregate in new construction.
- Specialized Aggregates. These aggregates are used for specific projects due to their unique characteristics, such as lightweight aggregates or aggregates made from the ocean floor to be used in marine or coastal projects.
Uses for Aggregates
Aggregates are used in a variety of construction projects. These include:
- Road construction. Aggregates are used to create a sub-base and base that are the foundation of the road. Crushed stone and sand are the most-used aggregates for road construction.
- Asphalt and concrete production. Both asphalt and concrete utilize aggregates; oftentimes, reclaimed materials—RCA and RAA—are often used in the production of concrete and asphalt.
- Structural base fill. Aggregates often are used to provide strength and stability at the base of a structure and landscape features, such as for building foundations, under retaining walls, and as a base for embankments.
- To control the landscape. Aggregates are often utilized in a landscape to control erosion and provide drainage, and to create hardscaping like patios and walkways.
Tucker Paving offers many site construction services; our Earthwork services include site clearing, site grading, stabilized subgrade, base work, and underground utilities! It’s in addition to our 30 years in the asphalt and concrete paving industry. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online, to let us help you with your next Earthworks project!