What are Aggregates in Concrete and How Do They Affect Quality?

Concrete is a composite material made up of a variety of components, including gravel, sand, and crushed rock. These materials are known as aggregates, and they come in both coarse-grained and fine varieties. Depending on the application, the resulting concrete can be used in its natural state or crushed. Aggregates are a collection of granular building materials used to create concrete slabs and form surfaces and substrates.

They are commonly used in residential and commercial projects. The aggregate is an essential component of concrete, as it provides much of the strength, thermal and elastic properties, as well as dimensional and volumetric stability. The size, weight, moisture content, and gradation of each aggregate can affect the characteristics of concrete. Well-graded aggregates are best for strength, while maximum density aggregates can give concrete a rough texture.

When considering exposed aggregate for a garden, it is important to pay attention to the materials used to create the aggregate mix. It can be a single size material or a graded aggregate consisting of a single size aggregate mixture. Concrete aggregates are produced to Australian standards (AS 275) or to more specific customer requirements. Recycled concrete is also a viable source of aggregate and has been successfully used in granular subbases, soil cement, and new concrete.