A Guide to Aggregate Selection

Aggregates play a critical role in the construction industry as they are an integral construction material. They come in different sizes, textures, and grades, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications in construction projects. However, this can make it challenging to choose the right aggregates for your project.

That’s why it’s essential to understand and consider each type of aggregate, its properties and its relevant applications. This will help you make informed decisions during the process of aggregate selection.

With this guide on aggregate selection, we are determined to help you understand the 4 essential factors that you need to consider when choosing aggregates for your project.

Let’s get started.

1. Aggregate Size and Grading

Aggregate size and grading can play a pivotal role in determining its application. Since each aggregate has distinct properties, it makes certain aggregates better suited to certain applications.

This is most evident when using aggregates in concrete, where the choice of your aggregate plays a significant role in the consistency, colour and quality of the concrete mix. 

While rounded aggregates improve workability and are suitable for general construction, angular aggregates offer better interlocking and are preferred for structural concrete where higher strength is required. These aggregates are classified as coarse aggregates according to standard grading systems.

However, in decorative applications like garden landscaping, there is a wide variety of aggregates that can be used from large statement stones to smaller size granite and gravel.

On the other hand, road projects typically require denser aggregates that have interlocking properties to improve strength and create more stability. These aggregates are also larger, often ranging from 20mm to 40mm. This way, aggregate grading and size greatly influence the structural integrity of construction materials and are vital in creating stable mixes.   

2. Material Strength and Durability

While it’s important to get the size right, you also need to consider strength and durability. This can help you segregate aggregates based on structural and decorative use.

For the structural aspects of your build, you need to choose durable aggregates that meet standardised testing requirements (such as ASTM C33 or BS EN 12620) to ensure they can withstand tough environmental conditions.

Primary aggregates are typically the best choice for this, as they are readily available and are consistent and reliable. However, while virgin aggregates often provide consistent quality and reliability, certified recycled aggregates can also meet structural requirements when properly graded. This helps you remain compliant with industry standards while boosting the long-term durability of your building.

3. Workability and Handling

Workability refers to how aggregates can be used to achieve the desired material consistency and their suitability for an application. Aside from considering aggregate size and grading, you’ll also need to consider its moisture content. This is especially important when it comes to concrete, where too little moisture can make the mixture harder to work with. 

Similarly, when a concrete mixture has the right aggregates, its workability is greatly improved. This determines how well it can be used in compacting and finishing applications.   

Another aspect to consider while making your aggregate selection is how you manage onsite aggregate storage. Ensuring their proper transportation and storage onsite can minimise potential contamination and lower wastage. 

4. Compatibility with Other Materials

Aggregates can improve the structural integrity of other building materials, but that doesn’t mean they’re compatible with all the materials you plan to use in your construction. 

If your aggregates aren’t compatible with other materials, the composite mix may crack or expand. This can impact aggregate performance and potentially even lead to property damage when the aggregate is exposed to different weather conditions.

That’s why when ordering aggregates, you need to ensure they’re compatible with other materials. Ideally, letting your supplier know how you plan to use the aggregates should help them deliver the most suitable aggregates for you. 

By prioritising material compatibility from the start, you’ll not only prevent costly failures but also ensure your construction stands the test of time regardless of the weather or load demands.

5. Compliance with Industry Standards

Finally, you also need to ensure your aggregates meet all legal industry standards. Material efficiency of building materials like concrete is directly impacted by aggregate quality, as aggregates add bulk, stability, and strength to concrete mixes.

That’s why you need to prioritise quality over everything else. High-quality aggregates are clean, durable, sustainable, and consistent. They should have consistent size, shape, and texture, meeting grading standards. 

By ensuring compliance with industry standards, you not only avoid potential legal issues in the future but also save a lot of time and money.

Contact Middleton Aggregates for High-Quality Aggregates

Now that you know the factors to consider during the aggregate selection process, you can confidently choose the most suitable aggregates for your project.

At Middleton Aggregates, we remove the guess work from choosing the right aggregates, by offering high-quality aggregates that undergo rigorous testing to ensure the structural integrity, durability, and stability of your building materials. Our team of aggregate experts, can help you choose the best aggregates for your specific needs.  

Located in Blackborough End, King’s Lynn, we serve Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire andSuffolk. You can trust our friendly staff and reliable services for your bulk aggregate orders.

For more information on our products and services, visit our website or contact us to find out more.