Main Raw Material
Aggregates—including sand, gravel, and crushed stones—are critical components of both concrete and asphalt, which are foundational to modern construction. However, they are not the sole materials used. Construction also significantly relies on other materials like cement and water, especially in the creation of concrete.
Origin of Aggregates
Today, most aggregates used have their origin from the last Ice Age, especially in places like British Columbia. The shifting of the glaciers across the continent had the effect of breaking down formations essentially, meaning the rock formations had become diverse sizes and types of aggregate that are used up until this day.
Uses in Construction
The main purpose is that aggregates not only give a firm base for all construction work but also help in the filtration of water systems. They are also highly effective in the construction and landscaping used in the production of recreational land, such as in parks and sports fields.
Sustainability and Reclamation
Aggregate mining is a high-stakes activity concerning landscape and ecosystems. However, companies like IronBird are fully committed to sustainable practices, of which quarry reclamation is a part. Reclamation involves bringing the cited land back to its natural status or even better after the life cycle of the quarry, often turning such areas into recreational space or returning them to nature.
Conclusion
All in all, the importance of aggregates far exceeds their physical applications, considering the place nature has in our ecological systems, supporting the biodiversity of lakes and rivers and maintaining the natural scenery so characteristic to man.
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