bergmaterialers

Bergmaterialer, or rock materials, are natural rock-based materials used in construction and infrastructure projects. They include sands, gravels, crushed stones, ballast, and related aggregates derived from quarries and open-pit mines.

They are typically categorized by particle size into fine aggregates (sand and fines) and coarse aggregates (gravel and crushed stone). Some bergmaterialer are natural, while others are manufactured by crushing larger rock blocks to meet specific size distributions.

Extraction and processing involve quarrying, blasting, crushing, screening, and washing. Quality control focuses on particle size distribution, cleanliness, bulk density, and resistance to weathering, chosen according to the intended use and performance requirements.

Applications include concrete production, asphalt and road construction, unbound road bases, drainage layers, and railway ballast, where angular particles improve interlock and stability.

Environmental and regulatory aspects cover landscape changes, dust, noise, water management, and site rehabilitation. Many regions maintain standards for grading, cleanliness, and physical properties, such as EN specifications in Europe and ASTM standards in North America.