Why Are Aggregates So Important in Construction?

Aggregates are incredibly versatile materials that are essential for our everyday life. From being used to manufacture the concrete used to construct buildings and other structures to being vital for landscaping, providing drainage, filling voids and enhancing outdoor spaces.


As the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining shares, “The largest proportion of primary aggregates is used to manufacture concrete ( approx. 36%), with a further 10% used to manufacture the cement that is also used in the concrete. Use in roads accounts for the second largest category at just over a quarter, while a fifth of aggregates was used in other construction uses and fills. Another 2% were used for railway ballast.”

At Mainland Aggregates, we provide a vast selection of aggregates, including recycled aggregates, quarried aggregates and decorative aggregates for the public and private sectors. We have a large network of hauliers that cover the whole of the UK to source and supply the best possible aggregates for your project. 

   

What are aggregates?


The term aggregates is used to describe granular materials used in construction, building and landscaping, including sand, crushed stone, gravel and more. Different aggregates will fall into different categories depending on the type of extraction and production. The main types of aggregates include recycled, quarried and decorative aggregates.

Quarried aggregates.


When aggregates are materials produced by natural sources and then extracted from quarries, these are referred to as quarried aggregates. This includes quarried sand, SuDS aggregates, rip rap and many other types of materials. Quarried aggregates are extracted from the ground and then, crushed, screened and washed to produce the required grading. Geographical location will affect the type and grading of aggregates.

    

Recycled aggregates.


Demolition waste, such as brick, asphalt and concrete, can be recycled and then re-used for a variety of applications. By using recycled aggregates, the pressure on quarried stock can be relieved and the amount of waste sent to landfill can be reduced. We supply recycled drainage aggregates and recycled sub-base aggregates that are suitable for a wide range of projects.

Decorative aggregates.


Decorative aggregates are used for landscape projects, from creating garden pathways and driveways to enhancing plant borders and water features. These materials require little to no maintenance, being perfect for both residential and commercial outdoor applications. From gravel and slate chippings to pebbles and gabion stone, we stock a wide range of decorative stones to suit a variety of requirements.

    

Uses of aggregates in construction.

   

Buildings and Structures


The majority of aggregates are used in the construction industry. Public and private sector buildings from hospitals and schools, to banks and businesses, are all made possible by aggregates. Special finishes can result in architectural landmarks.

Housing


A new house typically uses up to 50 tonnes of aggregates to construct. Everything from roof tiles to the foundations relies on them to make a strong and lasting home. Homeowners are more commonly opting for decorative aggregates to use in gardens, as pathways, and driveways.

    

Roads


Used throughout the construction of roads, aggregates can be implemented to provide skid-resistance as well as resistance to polishing. 94% of passenger travel is handled on the UK’s road network so the need for aggregates is incredibly important.

Railways


Track ballast which forms the bed over which railway sleepers are laid is all reliant on aggregates. Some 3 million tonnes are used each year in the UK to keep our railway networks running.

     

The Water Industry


Reservoirs and sewage treatment works are all built and maintained using aggregates. They have helped assist water companies in a programme to overcome shortages, making sure that all homes and buildings have access to the water and sewage networks.

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