Killustik

Killustik is the Estonian term for crushed stone aggregate, a granular material used in construction. It consists of broken rock particles and often includes small amounts of natural sand. It is produced by crushing quarried rock, typically limestone, granite or basalt, and is differentiated from natural gravel by being manufactured to a specified size distribution.

Production and properties: The production process includes crushing, screening and washing. The material is graded into defined size fractions to meet the requirements of its intended use. Properties of killustik include particle size distribution (gradation), bulk density, water absorption, and resistance to weathering and abrasion. Depending on the application, fractions range from fine (below 4 mm) to coarse (up to 32 mm) or larger. Quality control involves tests for gradation, density, abrasion resistance, and freeze-thaw durability.

Applications: It is used as base and sub-base layers for roads and railways, as wear course or asphalt aggregate, as aggregate in concrete, and for drainage and backfill in foundations. It is also employed in landscaping and as ballast in railways.

Standards and regulation: Kilustik production in Estonia and elsewhere adheres to national specifications and to European standards for aggregates, such as EN 12620 (aggregates for concrete) and EN 13242 (aggregates for unbound and bound road construction).

Environmental and economic aspects: Quarrying of rock for killustik can have environmental impacts, managed by dust suppression, water management and site rehabilitation. Recycled or secondary aggregates can supplement primary killustik, reducing waste and conserving natural resources.