Role of Aggregates Used in Road Construction and Maintenance

When you’re driving, do you ever consider how are roads constructed? Probably not unless you find yourself on a road riddled with potholes, resulting in a bumpy ride. And yet roads are absolutely vital for any country, connecting remote places, bringing people closer, and helping in the development of commerce. 

If roads aren’t constructed and maintained properly, the connectivity of the region can be affected. In a country like the UK, which experiences anywhere between 800-1400mm of rainfall annually, roads need stability to prevent skidding, properly drain rainwater, and be resistant to erosion to increase their longevity. 

Commonly used aggregates in civil engineering projects, like sand and gravel, are like the unsung heroes that make safe road travel possible. Aggregates used in road construction are used to produce concrete (a primary ingredient) and asphalt (uses aggregates along with bitumen). Aggregates are also used in their original form (sand, gravel or crushed stone) for road surfacing.

Storefield Aggregates is among the top suppliers of high-quality aggregates and related construction materials in the Midlands and Northamptonshire. Since 1996, we have been supplying a variety of aggregates used in road construction, such as limestone, granite, gravel, and sand.  

Role of Aggregates Used in Road Construction and Maintenance

Aggregates are often the fundamental component of road construction. The most commonly used aggregates in civil engineering are:

• Sand
• Crushed rock
• Gravel
• Recycled concrete

One of the most aggregate-intense activities in construction, requiring almost 36% of all aggregates, is concrete manufacturing. 10% of all aggregates are used in producing cement.

4 Benefits of Aggregates Used in Road Construction and Maintenance

Aggregates are widely used in road construction and maintenance because of the following reasons.

Stability of Roads

One of the primary reasons for using aggregates in road construction and maintenance is that they help with stability. Hundreds of vehicles travel on roads every day, from lorries to passenger cars. Aggregates help to distribute the load, rather than concentrating it on one single point. This reduces the stress on the road and increases its longevity.

When varying aggregates used in road construction are packed together, it makes the sub-layer more compact and reduces the space through which water seeps in and expands, forming cracks (which can cause massive damage, especially during winter). Stability in roads helps to increase the material’s lifespan and reduces maintenance requirements.

Improve Drainage

The UK experiences rainfall across the year, and one of the main roles of aggregates used in road construction is to allow for proper drainage. Water accumulation on roads can lead to accidents and structural damage. Using different sizes of aggregates used in road construction placed in different layers allows for easy flow of water due to increased porosity and permeability.

Stone layers prevent the water from saturating at the soil level. If this happens, it can weaken the foundation of the road and, in a worst-case scenario, lead to fatal accidents like road collapse or landslides, especially in hilly areas.

Reduce Erosion

Road erosion is a very common problem because roads are used constantly and exposed to natural elements such as rain, snow, and harsh sunlight. Aggregates, whether tar and chip construction or asphalt, can help prevent surface erosion and increase the longevity of roads. 

Aggregates protect the subdural layer and prevent water from accumulating. They can also prevent the water from flowing down at a rapid rate across the road gradient, which can erode away the top layer. Aggregates contribute to stabilising the bottom layers and preventing soil loss.

Skid Resistance

Smooth movement of traffic is essential, not just because nobody enjoys a bumpy ride. Without proper resistance and binding, cars are at risk of slipping off the road, leading to potentially fatal accidents. Aggregates used in the construction of roads can help to increase the grip of the road surface and provide more contact points for the tyres, leading to better traction. Roads constructed with quality aggregates also offer more friction between the surface and the tyres, which can lead to a safer driving experience.

Proper water drainage, especially during winters and periods of heavy rainfall, allows cars to move on roads without the fear of skidding.

Choose Storefield for All Your Aggregate Requirements

You’ll find all kinds of aggregates used in road construction at Storefield Aggregates. We’ve been serving the construction industry for close to three decades. We also provide other services such as bulk waste removal and offer construction vehicles for hire. 

When you choose us as your supplier, you can be certain that you’ll receive expert guidance and top-quality materials, making us the right choice for all your civil engineering projects. Our large network of quarries can help you meet the requirements of projects of any size. 

Contact us with your requirements today at 01536 418121 or email our sales team at orders@storefield.co.uk.