agregaatide

Agregaatide, or aggregates, are granular inert materials that constitute the bulk of many construction products, especially concrete and asphalt. They include coarse aggregates such as crushed stone and gravel, and fine aggregates such as sand and manufactured sand. Aggregates can be natural or manufactured, and they may also be recycled, as in recycled concrete aggregate (RCA).

Key properties of agregaatide include particle size distribution (grading), density, shape and surface texture, water absorption, and resistance to degradation. They should be relatively inert and free of deleterious substances such as clay, silt, and salts that can affect bonding or durability. Quality control tests commonly cover sieve analysis, specific gravity, abrasion resistance, and cleanliness; some regions require assessments for alkali–silica reactivity and sulfate exposure.

Uses of agregaatide encompass concrete, where they provide strength and volume stability while reducing cement demand; asphalt, where they contribute load-bearing capacity and durability; and various layers in road and building construction, including road bases, drainage layers, backfill, and insulation when lightweight aggregates are used.

Standards and sustainability: Standards such as ASTM C33 and EN 12620 specify properties and testing for aggregates used in concrete and other products. Sustainability considerations include using locally sourced natural aggregates, recycling demolished concrete into RCA, and selecting appropriate lightweight or heavyweight materials to minimize environmental impact.