Gravel in construction
Gravel is a loose aggregation of small, variously sized fragments of rock. It has a wide range of applications in the construction industry.
The weathering and erosion of rocks is the natural process by which gravel deposits are formed. Gravel can also be produced in quarries known as gravel pits, where rocks such as sandstone, limestone and basalt are crushed down to size. Gravel particle sizes range from 2 mm to over 60 mm, and are available in a range of colours, textures and stone types.
Gravel, along with sand, is used for the manufacture of concrete, as well as for mixing with asphalt as part of road construction. It can be used as the base layer for roads before being covered with tarmac, and is also commonly used to surface roadways, especially those in rural areas and in icy conditions. It can also be used to as part of roof coverings.
Gravel can be used along with pebbles as a form of render known as pebbledash which is used for the external walls of a building in which the top coat is textured to create a rough finish. For more information, see Pebbledash.
Gravel can be used in the filtration of water, where it acts as a natural filter holding back precipitates which may contain impurities as well as other sand-sized particles. The angularity and hardness of gravel makes it resistant to water erosion.
Gravel is commonly used for landscaping applications, such as on driveways, walkways, or as a decorative filler over soil instead of grass.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.