Aggregates are available in a variety of different sizes, So, it is always good to know which aggregate is going to suit your project best. The size you need will much depend on the project you are undertaking. This is why our team at UPH Grab Hire have put together this guide on different aggregates and their sizes to help you determine which is best for your project.
Sand – Sand is a fine aggregate, and this is one of the main options for most projects. Sharp sand is often used for laying paving stones and creating dry mix mortar. It works well for added strength, with lower flexibility. Building sand works best for wet mortar and it is ideal for natural stone slabs or pieces that are laid flat on a patio or floor. The soft building sand works best in mortar meant for walls.
Ballast – This is used for making concrete. It is mostly made up of crushed stone with smaller material mixed into it. There are also ballast options with sand so they’re perfect for mixing into concrete and creating a sturdy, workable concrete option. Ballast is often used for roads and railways as it provides a sturdy base to build on.
MOT Type 1 – This is often used for raising land. It is made up of low absorbency stone, different sized graves and quarry waste. Mot type 1 can also be used to fill in dips to create a flat solid surface. If you need bulk fill or a subbase, this is the aggregate type you want.
Gravel – Large aggregates of 10-20mm are usually used for pathways. Usually, the best material for this is angular gravel that will lock into place when compressed. These stones are small enough to make walking comfortable but large enough that they won’t scatter as easily as smaller aggregates.
40mm aggregates are often used for driveways, landscaping features and water features. Large, rounded gravel can be used for drainage as well. For projects that require a large amount of concrete to be laid, large gravel will be used along with sand. It’s common to see up to 40mm aggregate used in concrete like this, as it will reduce the amount of cement and water that is required for the project.
If you need high quality aggregates delivered, then contact UPH Grab Hire today – 074328 35211