One of the more innovative and useful types of aggregate being increasingly used more often is a seashell-based aggregate that is able to provide unique benefits when compared to concrete.
Seashell aggregate is prepared to become one of the main new options in projects that need a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly option without sacrificing the durability which many cases require.
What is Crushed Shell Aggregate?
This material can be used for a variety of purposes, from roads and driveways to pathways and landscaping, and is made from the shells of oysters, mussels and clams. When these shells are collected from the beach or ocean floor, they are washed and crushed into either small pieces or fine powder. Various sizes are available to best suit the purpose for your project.
Crushed shell aggregate contains a high amount of calcium carbonate and other minerals. It is the calcium carbonate that gives this material its strength and durability, while also making it resistant to weather damage and erosion. These qualities make it an ideal choice for projects where there will be exposure to the elements.
In addition to being used in construction projects, crushed shell aggregate can be used as fertilizer or soil amendment because of its natural nutrient content. It also helps lower pH levels in soil, making it easier for plants to absorb nutrients.
How Crushed Shell Aggregate is Made
The aggregate process begins with the selection of the shells to be used. Crushed shells are typically made from oyster or clam shells that have been harvested from coastal areas. They must first be cleaned and dried before they are ready to be processed. Processing involves using specialized machinery to crush the shells to a certain size.
Once they are crushed, they are then further made into various sized smaller pieces using pulverizing machines or large grinders. The crushed pieces are sorted by size which is specific to the type of project they will be used for. For roads and other high-impact surfaces, larger particles are generally more desirable than finer particles.
Once the shells have been crushed into the desired size, they may be further treated with chemicals or heated to reduce moisture levels and enhance hardness. After this treatment process, the material may then be tested for quality assurance purposes before being packaged for distribution and sale.
Uses of Crushed Shell Aggregate
Crushed shell aggregate can be used in many different ways, including:
- Landscaping projects
- Road construction
- Erosion control
- Construction projects
In landscaping projects, it is often used as an effective mulch to help conserve moisture in the soil while adding organic material to help improve its fertility. Shells also provide a permeable layer of protection between the ground and topsoil which helps reduce the risk of flooding and runoff pollution.
Crushed shell aggregates can also be used in road construction or other infrastructure-building projects. Using shells for roads provides a sturdy base that is resistant to weathering from rain or snow. They also make ideal drainage filters for collecting runoff water during heavy downpours or floods.
Erosion control is another key use for crushed shell aggregates due to their ability to resist weathering forces over time. When spread over sloped areas or riverbanks it acts as a protective layer that prevents soil particles from being washed away by water or wind gusts. This helps stabilize landforms such as shorelines while containing sediment levels.
Finally, crushed shells are also frequently used as a surface treatment on unpaved driveways and walkways because they provide an attractive finish with excellent traction, even when wet.
Benefits of Crushed Shell Aggregate
One of the most important benefits of crushed shell aggregate is that it is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials, such as concrete and asphalt, because it does not require energy-intensive manufacturing processes nor does it produce pollutants during production.
Additionally, this material can often be sourced locally near beaches without having to import materials from further destinations. In the past, many of these shells were simply tossed aside into landfills by the sea. Using seashells for this purpose helps to reduce natural waste and utilize these valuable resources to their fullest extent.
There are numerous benefits around the home for crushed shell aggregate. Spread as a replacement for mulch around plants, crushed shell will help keep moisture in, reducing water usage and promoting healthier plant growth overall due to its natural nutrient content.
Crushed shell aggregate is becoming more popular among gardeners and landscapers alike as an eco-friendly option that delivers both aesthetic beauty in outdoor spaces, while also providing much-needed nutrients to gardens and soil beds.
Utilizing the Benefits of Seashell Aggregate With Barclay Earth Depot
Barclay Earth Depot provides comprehensive solutions when it comes to utilizing crushed shell aggregate for commercial construction projects. By offering cleaning services, bulk delivery options, installation support, custom blend creation and onsite material testing services they make it easier than ever for businesses to find success when using this unique building material in their projects.
For more information, contact their team of experts today at 941-933-4448.
