In the production of concrete, aggregates are one of the most essential ingredients in its formation. These small granular particles can be made up of crushed stone, gravel, or sand, and make up 60-75% of the final concrete product’s total volume. Well-mixed concrete is made up of cement and water, along with aggregates that are clean, hard, and strong, with no chemicals absorbed into them or clay coatings which could cause concrete deterioration.
The final concrete product is highly influenced by the properties of the aggregates, the overall freshly mixed concrete, and proportions of the mixture. Selecting the aggregates, which come in four categories, is a crucial process. Variation in the properties of aggregate is common and expected, but they are typically characterized by these features:
- Grade
- Particle Shape
- Surface Texture
- Durability
- Resistance to Abrasion and Skid
- Voids and Unit Weights
- Surface Moisture and Absorption
Grading Aggregates
The first on the list, grading, references the distribution of the particle size, and is used to limit maximum size of aggregate particles. These characteristics all individually affect how much aggregate, water, and cement are used. Each property affects the concretes durability and workability once mixed and set.
A proper choice of the ratio of water to cement can allow for a wider range in grade choices without affecting strength; however, choosing a gap-graded aggregate will allow some particle sizes to be omitted, as the gap-graded aggregate is typically used to create textures that are more uniform in concrete with exposed aggregate. With all concrete mixing, the proportions must be highly controlled to avoid segregation and splitting later on.
ReAgg specializes in crushing aggregates onsite for use or concrete disposal as well as the delivery of aggregates. Crushed aggregate is broken down from recycled concrete, large gravel, or quarry rock. Aggregate can be obtained for projects such as soil-cement, new concrete, and granular sub-bases.
ReAgg has the experience in the applications listed below and the delivery of aggregates in Baltimore, and can help you find the best combination for your own project.
Fine Aggregate
Size:
3/16″ or smaller, but can come in other DOT or special sizes
Designations:
Rock Powder, Rock Dust, Concrete Sand, Asphalt Sand, and Mortar Sand
Applications:
- Snow and Ice Control
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Asphalt Surface Treatments Such as Micro-Surfacing
- Agricultural Lime
- Refractors
- MSE Wall or Select Backfill
Base Aggregate
Size:
1-1/2″ or smaller, but can also be found in other DOT sizes
Designations:
Base, Base Course, Aggregate Base Course, Graded Base Course
Applications:
- Driveways
- Cement-Treated Bases
- Equipment Support Pads
- Engineered Backfill
- Stabilization for Road Shoulders or Unpaved Road
Course Aggregate
Size:
3/16″ to 4″, with other special and Dot Sizes typically available
Designations:
Designations typically numbered using AASHTO and ASTM, such as Numbers 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 56, 57, 89, 357, and 467.
Applications :
- Concrete
- Driveways
- Asphalt
- Containment Cells for Water Runoff
- Sediment Check Dams
- MSE Wall Backfill
- Construction Entrances
- Ram Aggregate Piers
Rip Rap Aggregate
Size:
4″ or more (varies by state)
Designations:
Varies, Contact ReAgg for additional information
Applications:
- Architectural Applications
- Landscaping
- Jetties
- Erosion and Channel Flow Control
- Slope Stability
- Scour Protection
- Gabion Baskets
- Shoreline Protection
Contact ReAgg for a quote on aggregates delivery or onsite mobile crushing services. We also offer the rental of material hauling dump trucks and equipment. We service and deliver Baltimore, Fairfax, Alexandria, Rockville, Washington DC metropolitan areas. Call us at (301) 336-6700 or toll-free at (888) 554-1503. You can also request a quote here.
