October 28, 2024

From the sandy soils of the Florida Keys to the swampy, subtropical terrain on the mainland, selecting the right building materials is essential for ensuring durability and stability in construction. Aggregates are the foundation of most construction projects, but in Florida, factors like erosion, high water tables, and fluctuating soil conditions make them even more critical. 

Thankfully, the best land developers in the Florida Keys, Charley Toppino & Sons, are here to save you the time of searching for answers to your aggregate questions. 

This blog will cover:

  • Common aggregates and their uses 
  • How quality aggregates make superior concrete
  • Helping roads holds up in hurricane season
  • Preventing faulty foundations in sandy soils
  • Sourcing aggregate locally and sustainably

What Are Aggregates in Construction?

Aggregates are raw materials that provide stability, strength, and durability to construction projects. Typically composed of crushed stone, sand, gravel, or recycled materials, aggregates are crucial for road construction, foundations, and drainage systems. In Florida, where the soil is often sandy and prone to shifting, the right choice of aggregate can make the difference between a long-lasting structure and one vulnerable to erosion or settling. Common aggregates used in Florida include:

Crushed Limestone Aggregate

Its ability to withstand the harsh conditions of coastal environments, such as high humidity, salt exposure, and soil movement, makes it ideal for roadways, foundations, and drainage systems.

Crushed Stone Aggregate

Crushed stone provides stability in loose or sandy soil. These materials are widely used in road bases and driveways because they hold up well in wet conditions.

Gravel Aggregate

Gravel is commonly used in driveways, pathways, and as a base layer for construction projects. It allows for effective drainage and reinforcement, even in areas where flooding may be a concern.

Quality Aggregates Make Superior Concrete

Concrete aggregates make up 60 to 75% of concrete by volume, so selecting the right mix is critical for withstanding Florida’s intense heat, humidity, and frequent storms. For success, your concrete mix needs to have strength, durability, and workability:

  1. Strength: In regions with sandy or porous soils, like the Florida Keys, using high-quality concrete aggregate types such as crushed limestone gravel ensures that structures can support heavy loads without shifting or settling.
  2. Durability: Coastal environments expose structures to salt, which can degrade concrete over time. Limestone aggregate is naturally resistant to saltwater corrosion, making it ideal for construction near Florida’s beaches and marinas.
  3. Workability: Florida’s high humidity levels mean that concrete mixtures need to be workable yet sturdy. Using the right combination of fine aggregate like sand and coarse aggregate such as crushed stone helps create a concrete mix that is both easy to work with and highly durable.

Helping Roads Hold Up in Hurricane Season

Florida’s roads face unique challenges due to the state’s high water table and frequent rainstorms, especially during hurricane season. Selecting the right aggregate in road construction is essential to prevent erosion, flooding, and premature breakdown.

Roads in coastal areas are particularly susceptible to flooding and saltwater exposure, making crushed limestone the go-to material for these reasons:

  • Limestone aggregate is highly resistant to erosion, making it ideal for regions with loose or sandy soil.
  • It has superior drainage capabilities, which is critical in a state like Florida that frequently experiences heavy rainfall and high groundwater levels.
  • Its resistance to saltwater damage makes it ideal for coastal road construction, preventing long-term deterioration.

Preventing Faulty Foundations in Sandy Soils

Building solid foundations in Florida requires special considerations for the unique characteristics of the state’s soil. Sandy soils can lead to settling or shifting if not properly stabilized with the right aggregate materials. If you’re looking to build a strong foundation, make these trusted materials part of your mix:

  • Crushed stone and gravel mix for concrete provide the bulk needed to create foundations capable of withstanding Florida’s fluctuating weather patterns and soil conditions. 
  • 67 gravel, 57 crushed stone, and crushed limestone provide excellent support for both commercial and residential foundations, ensuring long-term solidity.

Coarse Aggregate vs. Fine Aggregate

Coarse and fine aggregates are both essential components in concrete mixes, but they serve different functions based on their size and material composition. 

  • Coarse aggregates are larger particles, typically ranging from 3/8 inch to 1.5 inches in diameter, and are commonly made from materials like crushed stone, gravel, and crushed limestone. They are used in concrete mixtures, railway track ballast, seal coat chips, and drainage stone.
  • Fine aggregates, on the other hand, are smaller particles, generally less than 3/8 inch in size, with materials like sand and crushed stone dust. These finer particles fill in the gaps between coarse aggregates and are used in finishing work like mortar and plaster, Agricultural-lime (Ag-lime), and skid resistance on roads. 

Sourcing Locally for a Better Bottom Line

If you’ve ever searched, “aggregate supply near me,” you know the importance of a local aggregate supplier who understands your region, and your business, very well. Working with a local supplier like Charley Toppino & Sons is to the benefit of your timeline and bottom line:

  • Project Efficiency: Hurricanes do not wait for your aggregate to arrive. By sourcing locally, you minimize project delays and ensure that structures are reinforced before the storm.
  • Local Expertise: Local suppliers have in-depth knowledge of Florida’s building codes, regulations, and environmental conditions. This expertise can help builders choose the right materials.
  • Lower Transportation Costs: Aggregates are heavy, and transporting them over long distances can significantly increase costs. A local supplier minimizes transportation expenses.

Florida’s Choice For Superior, Sustainable Aggregates

For anyone seeking quality aggregate supply, look no further than Charley Toppino & Sons. We are the only full-service recycled aggregates provider in Monroe County, operating on approximately 50 acres of land. We have multiple crushers and screening plants that produce sand, fill, #89 stone, #57 stone, #4 stone, and more. We also keep a large inventory of asphalt millings and recycled asphalt chunks for reuse.

Our easy ordering process and uncompromising commitment to quality make us the Florida Keys’ go-to choice for aggregate sales. 

Contact us today for full-service aggregate solutions.

References

Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Construction Aggregates 101: What They Are (and Why They Matter)
Civil Engineering. Difference Between Fine and Coarse Aggregate
Penn State. The Effect of Aggregate Properties on Concrete