Question 1

1. What does aggregate mean?

Accepted Answer

In construction, ‘aggregate’ is a broad term for granular materials like sand, gravel or slate chippings. The size of the grains, known as the grade, can vary, and so can the uses. For example, many aggregates get used to make composite materials like concrete. But they’re also often used straight from the bag, e.g. ballast for a footing, or rock salt spread on an icy path.

Question 2

2. What’s the difference between concrete and cement?

Accepted Answer

While the words cement and concrete are often used interchangeably, they do mean different things. Cement is one of the ingredients that’s used to make concrete - a binding agent in the form of a dry powder. It’s mixed with water, sand and gravel to make concrete itself.

Aggregates and cement

Master Grade Cement 25kg

Bostik Cementone Freeflo Waterproofer, Plasticiser & Retarder, 5 L

Hanson 40N Concrete Pm Maxipack

Cementone Freeflo Plasticiser 5L

Sika MaxMix Concentrated Cement Colourant - Brown 1L

Sika MaxMix Concentrated Cement Colourant - Yellow 1L

Blue Circle Quality Assured Mortar - 20kg

Granite to Dust 6mm Standard Bag

STS PrePrimed NoMorePly Fibre Cement Board 6 x 600 x 1200mm

Altico Build Co Sharp Sand - 850kg Bulk Bag

Altico 20mm Build Co Ballast - 850kg Bulk Bag

20mm Polar Ice 20kg Poly Bag

Reinforcement Fabric A142 4800mm X 2400mm (11.52m2)