Anyone involved in the landscaping or construction industry is familiar with aggregates. They are generally found in commercial construction and building projects. This blog post looks at some of the most common construction areas in which aggregates can be used.

Top Five Aggregate Sand Uses in the Construction Sector

Architecture and Buildings 

It is unlikely that you would come across any kind of building constructed without aggregates. If you ask most people what materials are used to build houses, most will say concrete, bricks, and mortar. However, many people need to learn that aggregates are a vital ingredient in concrete. 

For example, concrete is an essential ingredient in any construction, which contains a considerable consistency of aggregates like sand. This is because aggregates provide strength and thickness to concrete. Building structures such as office blocks, houses, and shopping centers is almost impossible without aggregates.

A Vast Range of Engineering Projects

Similar to roads and buildings, various engineering projects rely heavily on aggregates. Structures we use in everyday life, such as tunnels and bridges, have aggregates at the center of their framework. 

High-range aggregates have the durability and strength that are crucial in construction. Tunnels and bridges are an essential part of the country’s transport system, and chaos happens if they are out of service for any length of time. High-grade aggregates give them longevity and stability, ensuring many years of trouble-free use.

Highways

In recent years, the number of vehicles on the road has increased, with more families possessing more than one vehicle. As a result, the strain on road networks and the number of road work activities have significantly increased. This rise in traffic, especially HGVs carrying heavy loads, indicates that road surfaces need to be more durable and stronger than ever. 

This is why aggregates are so valuable. As a durable and strong material, it creates the base layer of everything from motorways to winding country lanes. Aggregates such as crushed gravel can also be used as a surface material.

Railways

Looking at railroad tracks, you can see the gravel present to hold the wooden cross pieces and rails in place. This crushed stone and gravel is named track ballast and acts as a sub-base for the track. High-quality aggregates are used for this purpose.

Aesthetic Uses and Decoration

Aggregates and decorative stones are generally found in wall buildings and landscaping in commercial and residential properties. Decorative aggregates are small pieces of stone, usually known as chipping, gravel, or pebbles. Besides, they are also ideal for enhancing the aesthetics of gardens and driveways. Various shapes, colors, and sizes are available for your design requirements.

Final Thoughts

As you have learned in this blog post, aggregates play a significant role in all aspects of construction, from roads to buildings and railway systems. The growth of the construction industry could raise the demand for aggregates and sand. For information on small and large loads of aggregate material for your construction requirements, click here. 

Legacy Materials is an Iowa Economic Development Authority Certified TSB (Targeted Small Business). We offer cutting-edge services and the best quality products for building commercial developments and communities across Central Iowa. Do you have an upcoming bid or construction project? Contact Legacy Materials today at 515-432-7333 to get a quote.