Aggregates are granular materials, such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, crushed hydraulic cement concrete, or iron blast furnace slag, that are used with a hydraulic cementing medium to produce concrete or mortar. Aggregates can be divided into two main categories: coarse-grained and fine-grained. Coarse-grained aggregates are typically obtained from quarries, wells, and even materials extracted from the sea in some countries. Fine-grained aggregates are usually produced by crushing suitable rock types.
The sieve analysis technique is used to determine the gradation of aggregates for use in various applications. Aggregates are an essential component of a wide range of construction projects, both domestic and commercial. Ready-mix concrete is made up of approximately 80% aggregates, while asphalt consists of 95% aggregates. The most common types of aggregate include gravel, sand, recycled concrete, slag, topsoil, ballast, type 1 MOT, and geosynthetic aggregates (synthetic products commonly used in civil engineering projects to stabilize terrain).
Each type of aggregate has its own purpose when it comes to landscaping projects. Haynes can provide you with the right types of aggregates to meet your needs. It is important to note that the alkali content and type of aggregate in the system may be unknown. Therefore, if mixed with unsuitable materials, there is a risk of alkali-silica reaction. This type of aggregate is one of the most used in road construction and reinforced concrete, in addition to granite and gravel.
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