In the construction and landscaping sectors, aggregates are essential components used to form the base and structure of most projects. These materials include sand, gravel, crushed stone and recycled products, each offering unique properties suited to various applications.
Recycled and Specialised Aggregates
With sustainability a growing focus, recycled aggregates, made from construction and demolition waste, are gaining popularity. These can be repurposed as road bases or drainage material. Recycled glass aggregate is prized for its aesthetic use in decorative concrete, while plastic aggregate, made from waste plastic, offers lightweight and thermally efficient solutions.
Specialised aggregates meet unique needs. Lightweight options like expanded clay are used in internal walls, while high-density materials such as barite and magnetite shield against radiation in medical and industrial facilities. For visual impact, decorative aggregates, including polished stones and coloured glass, are used in pathways and landscape features.
Opportunities within the sector are growing, as reflected by the increasing number of builders merchants jobs across the UK. As demand rises for sustainable and versatile materials, expect to see even more innovations in aggregate use.
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Natural and Manufactured Aggregates Explained
Natural aggregates come from sources like rivers, pits or quarries. River sand, with its fine grains and salt-free nature, is commonly used in concrete and masonry for strong bonding. Pit sand, rougher in texture, provides excellent grip in cement mixtures, making it ideal for structural works.
Crushed stone gravel, made by breaking down large rocks, is widely used in asphalt, concrete and foundational layers due to its strength. Pea gravel, known for its smooth, rounded appearance and drainage ability, is preferred for landscaping and decorative uses.
Manufactured options include crushed limestone, favoured in road bases and pH balancing in agriculture, and granite, prized for its weather resistance and durability in high-traffic areas. Industrial by-products like steel slag and copper slag also serve as valuable alternatives. Steel slag is dense and angular, perfect for road bases, while copper slag works well in abrasive applications and concrete fillers.