Cement and Aggregates

Aggregates are a group of inert granular materials such as gravel, sand or crushed stone that are used in a range of building and decorative applications. Aggregates are added to cement with water to produce concrete, in order to increase volume stability and prevent the shrinkage that might happen with concrete made from pure cement paste. Coarse aggregates are used as a cost-effective hard-core layer when laying foundations for roads and buildings, as a base material or for drainage. This natural sand and gravel is mined in large quarries. Recycled aggregate is also available, mainly from blast furnace and steel furnace slag. Different types of cement include; low heat cement, quick setting cement, blast furnace slag cement, white cement and coloured cement. Aggregates and cement have many applications in the construction industry, they are an essential product to ensure strong structural foundations and adequate drainage.