6 Different Types of Aggregates
Aggregates play a vital role in construction applications throughout the Philippines. These materials have been instrumental in numerous building and infrastructure projects, including the National Government’s Build, Build, Build program initiated six years ago.
With different types of aggregates available, each possessing unique properties, it becomes crucial to comprehend their distinctions and characteristics. This understanding is essential for selecting the appropriate construction materials that will meet the quality requirements of future projects.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone, as the name implies, is an aggregate that is obtained by extracting and crushing rocks or recycled materials. Typically sourced from demolished sites, crushed stone is commonly found in quarries where large stones are fragmented into smaller fragments using stone crushers.
One of the primary applications of crushed stone is its use in filling jobs such as backfills, over-site fills, and trenches. However, its versatility extends beyond construction projects. In residential settings, crushed stone can be utilized to create beautiful garden paths or to raise garden beds, adding a touch of aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces.
In addition to its practical uses, crushed stone also offers cost-effective advantages for construction and landscaping projects in the Philippines. Its availability and affordability make it a popular choice for various applications, ensuring efficient utilization of resources without compromising on quality.
Gravel
This aggregate consists of small, rounded stones that typically range in size from 2mm to 64mm. It is composed of a variety of materials, including granite, limestone, sandstone, or basalt. Natural sources of gravel can be found close to geographical formations such as streams and rivers. However, it can also be artificially produced by crushing large rock formations into irregular fragments.
In addition to its widespread use in construction projects, gravel is highly suitable for applications such as roads, driveways, and pathways. Its notable characteristics include excellent drainage capabilities and the ability to provide stability when utilized in these types of projects. The use of gravel in such applications ensures optimal functionality and durability.
Sand
Sand is an essential granular material comprising finely crushed rocks, minerals, or shells. Its wide range of applications encompasses various construction endeavors, including the production of concrete, asphalt, and masonry. Sand is also utilized in landscaping projects, brick manufacturing, water filtration, agriculture, and numerous outdoor undertakings.
The sourcing of sand spans different locations across the country, encompassing rivers, beaches, and quarries. Among these sources, river sand emerges as the predominant and favored choice. Renowned for its strength, smoothness, bulkiness, and rounded texture, river sand is highly preferred by many stakeholders.
In contrast to gravel, sand exhibits a significantly finer composition, rendering it particularly suitable as a base layer in building construction. Its utilization contributes to the creation of a clean and level surface, ensuring a robust foundation for erecting buildings and other structures.
Concrete
Concrete is a composite material formed by combining cement, water, and additional aggregates, such as sand and gravel, in precise proportions. This versatile construction material has witnessed the integration of diverse technologies and innovations within the Philippines’ construction industry.
The incorporation of additives and admixtures has played a pivotal role in enhancing the properties of concrete. These advancements contribute to augmenting concrete’s strength, durability, workability, and other crucial characteristics, thereby expanding its suitability for a wide spectrum of applications.
In the realm of construction, concrete finds extensive utilization in the construction of building foundations, walls, floors, bridges, roads, platforms, and various other vital infrastructure projects across the country. Its versatility, reliability, and robustness make concrete a preferred choice for these diverse applications, enabling the construction industry to meet the demands of modern infrastructure development.
Clay
This lightweight material is commonly found in regions abundant in clay, notably in the Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions of the Philippines. The production process involves subjecting clay to high temperatures, resulting in the formation of small, lightweight pellets. These pellets are especially advantageous for manufacturing lightweight concrete blocks, contributing to the construction of structures with reduced weight.
Characterized by its porous structure, clay exhibits exceptional water absorption capabilities while retaining its inherent properties. As a consequence, clay aggregates find particular suitability in horticulture and agriculture applications. Their ability to effectively absorb water proves advantageous in these domains, facilitating optimal plant growth and cultivation.
Quartz
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals found in the earth’s crust. It is a naturally occurring type of aggregate that is widespread in the Philippines. It’s a compound made up of silicon and oxygen atoms that have a distinctive crystal shape and exists in the form of silica sand.
Due to it being made up of silica sand, quartz has a high level of purity, making it a highly sought-after raw material used by various industries. Moreover, it is appreciated by many because of its aesthetically appealing look, which is why it’s used in jewelry-making as well and is believed to possess healing properties in crystal therapy.
Multico’s Vibrating Screens by KLEEMANN
A vibrating screen is specifically designed to separate and identify several particles of aggregates by their sizes. It transfers vibrations to a screen to sort the particles of aggregates and separate them by size.
Multico Prime Power, Inc. is a leading distributor of KLEEMANN’s vibrating screens in the Philippines. We supply our clients with the brand’s mobile crushing and screening solutions. Rest assured that KLEEMANN’s vibrating screens are easy to use, transport, and safe to use for various industries.
Key Takeaway
The different types of aggregates available in the Philippines play a fundamental role in the construction industry and various other sectors. From crushed stone and gravel to sand, clay, and more, each type of aggregate offers unique properties and applications that contribute to the development of infrastructure projects and beyond.
These aggregates serve as the building blocks of construction, enabling the creation of sturdy foundations, resilient structures, and efficient transportation networks. Moreover, they find utility in landscaping, agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries, further highlighting their versatility and significance.
Got more questions? Contact Multico Prime Power, Inc. today. We stock a list of top-notch vibrating screens from KLEEMANN to cater to your specific requirements.
