Many new buildings and project sites require a supply of aggregates for various construction purposes. From creating foundational layers to decorating surfaces, aggregates play an essential role in all types of construction and landscaping projects.
For the success of any project, you’ll need to ensure you properly store and manage your aggregates.
Aggregates such as sand, gravel and crushed gravel are useful for various construction applications. They can be easily damaged, and that’s why proper storage and handling are essential.
If you don’t handle and store your aggregates properly, it could result in waste and loss of materials. This can negatively impact your project timelines and costs.
In this article, we’ll examine some key tips you need to remember to manage on-site aggregates and ensure effective aggregate storage.
1) Check Space and Accessibility
Space and accessibility are some of the first things you need to think about for your aggregate storage areas. You’ll need to choose a space that’s large enough for your requirements and separate from work areas in your construction site while still being accessible.
For effective aggregate storage, you’ll need to protect your aggregate materials from the wind and rain. For this reason, a space with walls and a covering is ideal. If your project is on the smaller side, consider using storage bins or hoppers to prevent your aggregates from blowing away or spilling out.
When it comes to accessibility, you’ll need to think about how often you’ll need to access the stored aggregates. Also, consider the distance you’ll need to transport them for use during construction. If you need to use a vehicle or machine to move your aggregates, then you should create a safe pathway on-site.
If your project will require regular deliveries of aggregates, you’ll need to choose a more accessible aggregate storage option to make deliveries easier.
2) Use Hard and Flat Ground
All types of aggregate need to be stored on hard and level ground, which should be clean and dry.
If you’re working with multiple types of aggregates, you may have to use retaining walls to separate different aggregates. If hard and flat ground isn’t available in your storage space, construct a low platform to store the aggregates on.
3) Keep Aggregates Separated
Many construction and landscaping projects use different types of aggregates. From building sand to topsoil and decorative aggregates, there are several types of materials you might need to store on-site at the same time. In this case, you’ll need to keep the aggregates separated to reduce the risk of contamination.
Aggregate stockpiles can become contaminated by cross-contamination between different types and even from plant material, like weeds or leaves mixing in with the aggregate.
Different classes of aggregates, such as decorative aggregates and sand, need to be kept far apart from each other. You can use wall dividers to prevent different types of aggregates from mixing with each other.
Always keep fine aggregates a good distance away from coarse aggregates. And on that note, when you’re working with finer aggregates, you need to give them wind protection. If you need to stack multiple piles of the same aggregate, build a pyramid shape, which offers greater structural stability.
4) Monitor Moisture Levels
The amount of moisture your aggregates acquire over time is an incredibly important aspect you need to consider when storing aggregates on-site.
The key to preventing your aggregates from getting too damp is, predictably, to store them in a dry location. Wet aggregate materials can prove challenging to work with and face a higher risk of compaction and segregation. For effective aggregate storage, store your materials beneath a canopy or in a covered area to protect them from bad weather.
It’s also a good idea to conduct regular moisture checks to keep a close eye on aggregate moisture levels on-site. If you notice too much moisture gathering, your stack may need to be separated and moved further apart.
Contact Middleton Aggregates for High-Quality Aggregates
Proper aggregate storage and management can help you reduce material loss, improve on-site efficiency, and keep your project on track. By keeping these tips in mind, you can store your aggregates effectively and ensure the success of your project.
If you require high-quality aggregates for your next project, we can assist you.
At Middleton Aggregates, we offer various aggregates, plant hire services, and fill materials for different construction and building applications. We supply top-quality products with friendly and professional service.
Located in Blackborough End, King’s Lynn, our team of industry professionals serve the Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk areas.
When you choose us as your aggregate supplier, you’re not just buying materials; you’re investing in the success and longevity of your project.
For more information on our products and services, visit our website or contact us to find out more.
