Aggregates

Aggregates are inert granular materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone that, along with water and Portland cement, form the necessary ingredients in concrete. Aggregates need to be clean, hard, strong particles free of absorbed chemicals or coatings of fine materials that could cause the deterioration of concrete. Aggregates account for 60% to 75% of the total volume of concrete and are divided into fine and coarse categories. Fine aggregates generally consist of natural sand or crushed stone with most particles passing through a 3/8-inch sieve. Coarse aggregates are any particles greater than 0.19 inch, but generally range between 3/8 and 1.5 inches in diameter. Gravels constitute the majority of coarse aggregate used in concrete with crushed stone making up most of the remainder.

From our granite quarry in Northern New Jersey, US Concrete produces crushed stone aggregates for use in commercial, residential, and public works projects primarily in the New Jersey/New York region. In 2005 and 2006 we also acquired 3 sand and gravel plants in North Texas, bringing our total to 8 aggregates facilities with approximately 88 million tons of proven reserves.