Building construction requires a great deal of specialized equipment, most notably an excavator. Along with that, the kit comes in a variety of specialized attachments such as boom trucks for digging, loaders for levelling, chippers for breaking up large pieces of concrete, and pressure washers for cleaning up materials like gravel, sand, crushed rocks, etc. The need for specialized construction equipment like this is quickly compounded by the sheer number of projects that must be handled daily.
Construction aggregates consist of a host of various particulate materials – ranging in size from fine to coarse grains – which include sand, gravel, crushed rocks, and even recycled concrete. The materials that make up this aggregate are of various shapes and sizes, which allow them to nest together tightly. Because of this, when concrete is being used to build a structure, there is typically a great deal of traffic, dust, debris, and debris present in the area. This, combined with the normal wear and tear on any construction material – such as when concrete is used to build a home or remodel an old building – can greatly compromise the strength of a structure and the longevity of any natural resources being utilized.
By using recycled concrete aggregate, these problems can be greatly minimized. Unlike natural resources, such as sand and gravel, this aggregate can expand to fill in those spaces that would traditionally be empty. Furthermore, the properties of recycled LEED Concrete aggregate allow it to expand without causing structural damage and the associated costs. Because it does not have to maintain its elasticity to account for wear and tear, the resulting product is much stronger than natural resources would be. As a result, it reduces the environmental impact that the construction process has on natural resources.
While concrete may seem like a natural resource that has been over-harvested and is severely under-utilized, the opposite is true. Recycled concrete is often much stronger and more durable than natural aggregate materials. Many homeowners and builders find that the finished product is stronger and more resilient than natural aggregate due to recycled aggregate’s ability to fill in gaps and small cracks. Furthermore, it requires far less maintenance and can endure much greater stress and wear. Furthermore, because it is typically comprised of crushed rocks and other natural aggregates, it can add aesthetic value to any structure and its overall beauty and desirability.
There are several uses for recycled aggregates, especially when it comes to the pavement. One of the most common uses for recycled concrete aggregates is road paving, especially in areas where pavement is subject to heavy vehicle traffic. Road paving is one of the most effective ways to beautify a roadway, but it can be costly. The process of paving involves grinding the surface to create a smooth and level surface, which is then covered with aggregate. This prevents water from penetrating the surface, which can cause potholes and damage to the asphalt beneath.
However, another potential use for recycled concrete aggregates is in the manufacturing of new roads and highways. Road repair and the maintenance of existing roads involve the employment of concrete and asphalt, both of which must withstand heavy wear and tear. Unfortunately, not all roads are suitable for this use, as some contain cracks or deeply pitted surfaces that are difficult to seal and straighten. In such cases, the incorporation of aggregate into the soil is used to straighten the roads and prevent cracking and potholes from occurring. By straightening out these potentially dangerous surfaces, road repairs and maintenance can proceed without completely replacing the existing road.
There are several benefits to using recycled concrete and aggregates in constructing and repairing roads, including cost savings. When concrete is used for construction, it takes several more years to break apart and properly dry, unlike when using a Concrete Restoring aggregate mixture. Additionally, conventional concrete contains many petroleum by-products such as hydrogen sulfide, which is extremely harmful to the environment and must be avoided at all costs. In addition, regular asphalt pavement does not bear any resemblance to its natural appearance after several years of heavy use, as its color changes from dark grey to reddish-brown due to the buildup of petroleum-based chemicals and additives. With an asphalt pavement, the pavement breaks down quickly, fades in color and becomes very crack-prone.
One of the most common uses of recycled concrete via LEED Concrete Certification is to create new walkways and driveways and the foundations of roads and parking lots. By using a mixture of recycled aggregates, such as broken pieces of crushed stone, concrete can resemble natural stone, giving the structure a more attractive appearance and the benefit of lasting for many years. In addition to its appealing appearance, Recycled concrete also has several beneficial properties, such as fire retardant, non-allergenic, and non-toxic. Another great benefit of using recycled concrete is that it requires very little maintenance, is less expensive than other LEED Concrete forms, and is environmentally sound. Because of these benefits, more individuals and businesses are opting to use this form of material in both indoor and outdoor projects and commercial and residential landscaping projects.