Natural sand and gravel is usually dug or dredged from a pit, bank, river, lake or seabed. In most cases, minimal processing is needed beyond washing and screening the material to separate it by particle size. While they share common uses and applications, crushed stone and sand and gravel differ in their physical properties and production.
Sand and gravel are naturally occurring materials shaped by the water in which it is formed and transported. Erosion and weathering render the stone round instead of angular. This shape is the principle difference between crushed stone and sand and gravel.
About 44% of construction sand and gravel is used as concrete aggregates, 25% for road base, and 13% as aggregate for asphalt. The remainder is used for base, fill and other applications.
Fine
Fine aggregates consist of natural sand. Particle sizes are usually less than 3/8-inch (9 mm). Typical uses include in concrete, mortar, asphalt, backfill and construction applications.
Common Uses
• Concrete
• Mortar sand
• Asphalt
• Drainage courses under pavements
• Filter courses
• Backfill and bedding materials
• Skid resistance on ice or snow
• Stabilized earth or reinforced soils
Sizes and Designations
ASTM, AASHTO & DOT products available.
Common designations include, but are not limited to: Concrete Sand, Asphalt Sand, Masonry Sand and Fill Sand
Coarse
Natural Coarse aggregates consist of particle sizes of ranging from 3/8-inch to 1.5 inches. Natural coarse aggregates are used in construction applications, notably in concrete and asphalt mixes.
Common Uses
• Concrete aggregate
• Asphalt aggregate
• Drainage stone
• Pea gravel
• Seal coat for roadways
• Backfill
Sizes and Designations
ASTM, AASHTO & DOT products available.
Common designations include, but are not limited to: #4, #467, #5, #56, #57, #6, #67, #7, #8, #89, #9
Base Course
Dense-graded base course refers to aggregates with a range of particle sizes, usually 1-1/2-inch and smaller, that produce a dense layer of stone with a minimum amount of voids. Primarily uses include pavement and construction applications.
Common Uses
• Foundation for asphalt pavement
• Foundation for concrete pads and pavements
• Unpaved roads and shoulders
• Backfill for pipe and underground utilities
• Cement-treated base
Sizes and Designations
Sizes and designations vary by location due to governing agency requirements.
Common designations include, but are not limited to: Base, Subbase, Dense Graded Base
Specialty Products
Aggregates fulfill specialized functions outside of construction, such as industrial processes and household and landscaping uses.
Common Uses
• Landscaping stones
• Baseball infield sand
• Sports and recreation fields
• Golf course sand for bunkers
• Playground sand
• Roofing gravel
• Metallurgical gravel
• Thermal backfill
• Filter courses for septic systems
Sizes and Designations
Sizes and designations vary by location due to governing agency requirements and/or application. Contact a sales representative for more information.
Locations
Our specialty sands for sports and recreation facilities are conveniently located in New Jersey. For more information, click here.