When you think of aggregates, your first thoughts might drift to statistical or mathematical equations, but the aggregates we’re going to be discussing are rocks. We know that discussing aggregates (rocks) might not be the most exciting topic, but it is essential to learn more about aggregates, especially if you’re involved in the construction industry.
Some might say that the arts or ancient languages are the building blocks of society. Well, we agree to disagree because, without aggregates, there would be no foundation for a society to be built upon. Aggregates might be one of the most basic materials used in the construction industry, but they are the material that provides the foundation for bridges, roads, and buildings.
Should you be intrigued and interested in learning more about what aggregates are and why they are essential, you have stumbled upon (or cleverly researched) the right topic. In our article, we will discuss the vital information you need to know about aggregates. Should you decide that you need a specific type of aggregate, you can find it at Delta Aggregate.
What Exactly Are Aggregates?
So what exactly are aggregates? Simply put, aggregates are various raw materials (gravel, sand, crushed stone) that are made from natural sources. These raw materials are extracted from quarries and pits. Interestingly, every state in America has an aggregate operation, with the combined operations producing a whopping estimated 2.4 billion tons of material each year.
In the US, a 2018 survey concluded that one of the most used aggregates in America is crushed stone. According to the survey, most crushed stone is used in the construction of housing and buildings, with road construction being the second biggest industry using this aggregate.
This is unsurprising considering that data has shown that, on average, 38,000 tons of aggregates are needed to build a mile-long single lane on an interstate highway, and 400 tons of aggregates are required to construct a home.
How Will You Know An Aggregate Is A Good Aggregate?
A common question those needing to use aggregates ask is how they will know if an aggregate is of good quality. Often you can tell if an aggregate is of high quality, if it has a uniform, predictable, and consistent material properties and if it is dry and clean.
The best way to know if it has these properties is if they are processed correctly (mined, crushed, washed, separated). How successfully an aggregate is processed will depend on how well each step has been completed.
Why Are Aggregates Important
Now that you know what an aggregate is and how to determine if it is of good quality, we can discuss why aggregates are important. However, at this point in our article, you likely have a solid idea why we need aggregates in society.
Besides building homes, roads, bridges, and buildings, aggregates are also used to make the glassware we drink out of, the pennies we use to pay for products, the calcium carbonate we need for antacids, and the silica we need for computer parts.
Additionally, aggregates are also used in air and water purification and filtration. As can be evidenced, we would not have a world functioning like it is without aggregates.
Consider Delta Aggregates For All Your Aggregate Needs
If you need aggregates for your next project, you should speak with a professional from Delta Aggregate. We understand how vital aggregates are and can guarantee that the aggregates we supply are of premium quality. To find out how our expert aggregate team can help you, give us a call at (815) 791-8377 or visit us at 9025 S Church Road Immokalee, Florida.