Understanding Aggregates: A Comprehensive Guide to Construction Materials

Written by Nick Towens

Key Findings

• Aggregates are the backbone of the UK construction sector, providing essential materials for buildings, roads, and infrastructure
• Utilising recycled aggregates can significantly reduce landfill waste and offer sustainable alternatives to quarried materials
• The South-West of England has become a hub for innovative aggregate recycling, with companies like Towens leading the way
• Quality-certified aggregates following protocols like WRAP ensure construction projects meet rigorous industry standards
• Different aggregate types serve specific construction purposes, from fine sand for mortar to road planings for temporary surfaces

In the world of construction and infrastructure development, aggregates play a pivotal role that often goes unnoticed by the general public. Yet, these materials quite literally form the foundation of our built environment. From the roads we drive on to the buildings we live and work in, aggregates are essential components that ensure structural integrity and longevity.

At Towens, we’ve been at the heart of the aggregate industry in the South-West of England for over 25 years, witnessing firsthand the evolution of construction materials and practices. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the vital role of aggregates, the various types of materials available, and how sustainable practices are shaping the future of construction.

What Are Aggregates?

Aggregates are granular materials used in construction, typically consisting of sand, gravel, crushed stone, recycled concrete, or other mineral materials. They serve as the foundation for most construction projects in the United Kingdom, and provide essential strength, stability, and bulk to concrete, asphalt, and other building materials.

In the UK, regardless of whether you’re in Leicestershire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands, or our beloved West Country, aggregates have a long-standing tradition dating back centuries. Modern aggregate production has evolved significantly, with companies across England now employing sophisticated processing techniques to create materials that meet specific industry standards.

The aggregate industry in the UK encompasses everything from extraction and processing to distribution and recycling.

Sustainable Practices in Aggregate Industries

The construction industry has traditionally been resource-intensive, but recent years have seen a significant shift towards more sustainable practices. At Towens, we’re proud to be part of this positive change in the South-West, where we’ve implemented innovative approaches to aggregate production and recycling.

Our sophisticated recycling process transforms construction and demolition waste into high-quality recycled aggregates, diverting materials from landfill and reducing the need for quarried resources. This approach aligns with broader industry trends.

Towens WRAP Protocol Recycled Aggregate

At the heart of our sustainability efforts is our adherence to the WRAP Quality Protocol for the production of aggregates from inert waste. This strict quality protocol details how we achieve end-of-waste status, from the selection of feedstock and rigorous sampling and analysis to the finished product available for sale.

By utilising this quality protocol, we provide our customers with confidence in the grade of aggregate we produce. Our recycled aggregates offer a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to quarried materials, while dramatically reducing the amount of waste that goes unnecessarily to landfill.

Each month, we conduct thorough testing to ensure our products meet all relevant British Standards, including BS EN 13232 for civil engineering works and road construction. This commitment to quality and sustainability has established us as a leading supplier, and at the helm of recycled aggregates in the South-West of England.

Types of Aggregates and Their Uses

• Fine Sand (0-2mm): Our exceptional quality fine sand is perfect for block laying, or paving.
• Fill Sand (2-4mm): This coarse sand is ideal for trench backfilling or bedding layers.
• Grit Sand (0-4mm): Our superb quality grit sand is suitable for screeding, laying slabs, or block paving.
• Recycled 0/4 sand can be used to fill sand bags/flood prevention.
• Scalpings (20mm): Our high-quality scalpings can be used for capping sub-bases or as a base layer for paths, driveways, or patios.
• Clean (10mm, 20mm, 40mm): Our clean aggregates, free from dust, fines, and impurities, are perfect for concrete, bedding pipes, pathways, driveways, drainage, or sub-bases.
• 2A/B Cohesive Fill: This recycled clay-like material can be used as a fill material in appropriate circumstances, such as engineering work.
• 6F5 Recycled: Our graded aggregate, created by crushing recycled materials between 0-125mm, is ideal for capping sub-bases.
• Recycled Type 1: This graded aggregate, made up of crushed concrete below 40mm, is suitable for backfilling, capping, pathways, or hardcore.
• Recycled Screened Topsoil: Our meticulously screened topsoil, reclaimed from previously used sources, is perfect for creating new flower beds and landscaping projects.
• Road Plainings: Road plainings (Class 1/6F4) can be utilised for haul roads, farm tracks, hard standings, and sub bases. This makes them popular with farmers and those in agricultural industries.

Why Choose Quality Aggregates

Selecting the right aggregates for your construction project is crucial for several reasons:

1. Structural Integrity: Quality aggregates ensure the strength and durability of concrete and other building materials, particularly important in regions with varying weather conditions like the UK.
2. Compliance with Standards: Certified aggregates, like those produced by major players, meet rigorous industry standards, reducing risk in construction projects. Aggregate grading and testing is carried out monthly by UKAS accredited Testing House monthly.
3. Cost Efficiency: The right aggregate choice can significantly impact project costs, with recycled options often providing excellent value while meeting the same performance standards as virgin materials.
4. Environmental Impact: Choosing recycled aggregates reduces demand for quarried materials and diverts waste from landfill, supporting sustainable construction practices across England.
5. Local Sourcing: Using locally produced aggregates from companies in your region reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy.

Uses for Aggregates

The versatility of aggregates makes them essential in countless applications across the construction industry:

• Building Construction: From foundations to concrete structures, aggregates form the backbone of building projects in the UK, whether you’re in London, Birmingham, Leicester, Bristol, etc.
• Road Construction: Aggregates are fundamental components of asphalt and road base materials, with major highways across England relying on quality aggregates.
• Railway Ballast: The rail infrastructure depends on specific aggregates to provide drainage and stability for tracks.
• Drainage Systems: Clean aggregates are crucial for effective water management systems in construction and infrastructure projects.
• Landscaping: Decorative aggregates enhance gardens and outdoor spaces, while functional aggregates provide essential structure for landscaping projects.

Who are Towens?

At Towens, we’re proud to be a family-owned recycling, waste management, plant hire, and skip hire business with a 30-year track record in the South West of England. Based in Weston-super-Mare, with depots across Somerset, we handle well over a million tonnes of waste and recycled aggregates annually.

Our mission is to recycle or reuse as much waste as possible, minimising the amount sent to landfills. With our fleet of over 40 tippers, artics, and skip lorries, we transport and process soils, aggregates, and construction waste, recycling or reusing over 90% of the material.

As a leading provider of recycled aggregates, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable development of the construction industry in the North Somerset, Sedgemoor, BANES, West Somerset, South Somerset, Taunton Deane, and Bristol. Our aggregates are delivered by tipper, skips, grabs, or bulk bags. Contact us today to learn more about how our quality aggregates and commitment to sustainability can benefit your next project.