Introduction to Types of Aggregates and Sub-base materials in the UK

• Building Sand: Often used in bricklaying and masonry work. It's typically finer and softer compared to other types of sand. 
  
• Sharp Sand: Also known as 'concrete sand', it's used for concrete, screeding, and paving due to its coarser and more angular texture. 
• Ballast: A mixture of sand and gravel, used to make concrete for foundations and footings. 
• Type 1 MOT: A crushed stone used as a sub-base for roadways and buildings. It's known for its good compaction and load-bearing properties. 
• Gravel: Available in various sizes, used for driveways, garden paths, and as a decorative aggregate. 
• Shingle: Similar to gravel but typically more rounded. Used in landscaping, driveways, and sometimes in concrete mixes. 
• Crushed Concrete: Recycled concrete that's often used as a sub-base material for construction projects. 
• Tarmac: Also known as Road Planings or Scalpings. Widely used in construction for its durability - spread out to create a temporary hard standing, road bases and fill material. 
• Slate: Mainly used as a decorative aggregate in gardens and landscaping projects.

We also sell Sub-base materials, here the typical sizes of materials for each aggregate type vary, and they are crucial for determining their appropriate applications for compaction, drainage, and load-bearing capacity.

• Type 1 Aggregate: This is the most commonly used sub-base aggregate. It's made from crushed rock and concrete, and it's used for road building and driveways. Type 1 MOT (Ministry of Transport) is the most common form, meeting specific particle size and strength requirements set by the UK Department of Transport. This typically has a maximum particle size of 63mm, with a range of sizes from dust up to this maximum. This variation in size helps with compaction and load-bearing.  
• Type 2 Aggregate: Similar to Type 1, but typically contains more varied aggregate sizes and may have slightly lower load-bearing capacity. It's often used in less demanding applications like paths or base layers under Type 1. Similar to Type 1, it has a maximum particle size of 63mm. However, Type 2 aggregates may have a wider range of particle sizes and potentially less consistency in grading. 
• Type 3 Aggregate: This type is designed for more open-graded uses, allowing better water permeability. It's often used in sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and for areas where drainage is a critical factor. This is typically more uniformly sized with a reduced fine content, often around 37.5mm or 50mm as maximum particle size. Its open-graded nature is designed for better drainage. 
• Type 4 Aggregate: This designation is for aggregates used in sub-bases where a lower strength is acceptable. It's often made from recycled materials and is used in projects with less stringent load-bearing requirements. The sizes can be variable, but they are generally less rigidly defined compared to Types 1 and 3. The focus here is more on the material's ability to serve as a stable yet less robust sub-base. 
• Type 5 Aggregate: Less commonly used, this designation is for specialised applications, often with specific grading or composition requirements. The size specifications for Type 5 can be quite specialised and may vary significantly based on the specific application and regional standards. 
• Type 6F Aggregate: This category includes materials like crushed concrete, brick, and asphalt, and is often used in capping layers and embankments. There are different classifications within Type 6F, like 6F1 and 6F2, which indicate the composition and particle size.  
• 6F1: Often contains finer particles, with a maximum size of around 75mm. 
• 6F2: Coarser, with a maximum size typically around 125mm. 
• It's crucial to highlight that these aggregate designations can vary regionally within the UK, and the specifications for each type might differ slightly based on local guidelines and standards. These aggregate sizes are representative but can fluctuate depending on regional standards and specific project requirements. For precise information tailored to your location and project needs, don't hesitate to contact us who can provide expert guidance and assistance.