Residential and commercial landscaping plans often include aggregates, or types of granular materials used in driveway and walkway creation. Crushed stone, gravel, sand, and other aggregates are also used as binding materials in concrete production. Here, learn about the difference between coarse and fine versions of the versatile material to streamline your paving or hardscaping project.

Coarse Materials

Typically larger than size 4.75mm in size, coarse aggregates have less surface area than fine versions and therefore offer better economic value. They come in crushed and uncrushed gravel and stone varieties for road and highway construction.

And while coarse aggregates provide desirable concrete properties such as strength and durability, they must be mixed with fine particles to prevent surface area issues such as interlocking pieces that create arches and other problems during installation.

Uncrushed gravel and other coarse options are also used as railroad ballast to support rail structure, and as road and highway bases and subbases.

Fine Materials

Fine aggregates, or sand, crushed gravel, and crushed stone that can pass through a 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) sieve, fill voids in coarse aggregate cement to avoid structural weaknesses. Mortar, plaster, and layer filling for paving and construction projects also feature the material.

They are designed to improve concrete workability; however, their lack of surface area increases the cost because more cement, or binding material, must be utilized. Other uses for fine aggregates such as crushed stone include landscaping around drains, septic systems, and trees.

It is also used in the production of liquid slag in blast furnaces and as tracking pads, or temporary roads that keep sediment from getting on paved roads during construction projects. Materials such as crushed gravel have several uses as well, including as driveway and walkway filler. 

Discuss your aggregate needs with Musson Brothers in Rhinelander, WI, for project success. The paving contractors provide developers, business owners, and anyone else needing asphalt paving and repair with efficient services and lasting product solutions. Call (715) 365-8700 today to schedule service or learn more about paving and excavating options online.