Aggregate refers to a material used in construction, building, and landscaping that includes various types of stone and loose substances such as gravel, granite, and more. Aggregate sizes can range from coarse to fine and are a critical part of a variety of projects. Here’s what you should know about this material.

How Are Aggregates Used?

Aggregates encompass a range of stone materials for different projects. Typically, aggregates are used as a bulking agent for other materials like concrete and asphalt for construction and paving projects. The stone increases mass, strength, and durability for a better result. Aggregates can also mix with water to act as a binding agent for foundations, drains, and to fill holes.

Many landscape designers will use these materials as a decorative element in their yards. Anything from river rocks to gravel can be incorporated into gardens, walkways, patios, and more. The stones add texture to balance out plants, flowers, trees, and other vegetation.

What Types of Aggregates Are Available?

Most aggregates are taken from quarries, mines, or riverbeds. Popular varieties include marble, granite, limestone, and sand.

When choosing what you need, size matters. Fine aggregate ranges from 0.15mm up to 5mm, and can pass through a sieve. Sand and other finer choices are often used to fill holes and to help workability in concrete mixes. On the other hand, gravel is considered coarse and can range from 5mm up to 9.5mm. Many of these are used when weight-bearing is necessary, like in roads or foundations.

Natural aggregates are found in quarries, mines, and riverbeds. They can be angular, rounded, or irregularly shaped. There are also secondary aggregates, which are crushed concrete, bricks, asphalt, and other materials left over from construction sites. While not as strong as natural versions, they’re useful as road filler or for maintenance on asphalt and sidewalks.

From aggregates and ready-mix concrete to blacktop paving, Prefer Paving & Ready-Mix in Rush City, MN, has you covered. For more than 20 years, this paving company has been the top choice for residential and commercial customers in the area. Besides paving services for driveways and parking lots, they also provide efficient delivery services, so you have the materials and equipment you need for your project. For an estimate and appointment, call (651) 464-6883. For more information on their products and services, head to their website.