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
Corruption in the construction industry.
What will it take to stop it ?
To celebrate world bee day 2022 !
Just one month until the changes to part L come into effect.
Not forgetting part F and the new part overheating part O.
Heat Pump demand rises by one quarter.
As energy prices jump up in cost.
With people in the UK from Ukraine.
Industry leader Steve Murray takes on role.
An abundant and versatile building material.
How overheating complicates ending gas in the UK.
600,000 heat pump installations targeted per year by 2028.
Cost planning, control and related articles on DB.
Helping prevent those unwanted outcomes.
ICE debate Public transport - post pandemic.
How has transport changed due to Covid-19 ?
Cross-ventilation in buildings. Do you have it ?
Will you need it ? after June 15 and the new Part O ?
Share your knowledge with the industry.
Create an account and write the first of many articles.
The green jobs delivery group.
CIAT commentary after the first meeting.
Liverpool's world heritage site status
Who is to blame?
Research recommends focussing on portfolio success rather than project success.
ICE and BSI launch revised PAS 128 standard.
The revised standard for mapping underground utilities.
Launching the UK net zero carbon buildings standard.
Cross-industry steering group seeks support in delivery.