Common Quarry Products You Are Likely to Come Across

WM Thompson & Son Ltd • 21 November 2023

From roads and buildings to bridges and dams, quarry products are essential components in constructing durable and functional structures. Read on to discover some of the most commonly used quarry products and their importance in construction projects.



Aggregates

Aggregates are the most widely used quarry products and form the bulk of construction materials. They are essential for creating strong and stable foundations in various projects:

 

●     Crushed stone is used in road construction, concrete production, and drainage systems. It provides stability, strength, and durability to roads, driveways, and building foundations.

●     Gravel is a coarse aggregate that is often used in road surfacing, landscaping, and drainage applications. Its interlocking nature allows for good drainage, making it ideal for areas prone to water accumulation.

●     Sand is a fine aggregate used in concrete production, plastering, and masonry work.


Dimension stone

Dimension stone refers to natural stone that is cut and shaped for use in construction, architectural, and decorative applications. Quarries extract dimension stone in various forms, including granite, marble, limestone, and slate. These stones are highly valued for their durability, aesthetics, and versatility:

 

●     Granite is a popular choice for countertops, flooring, and cladding due to its durability, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

●     Marble is known for its elegance and beauty, making it a preferred choice for high-end architectural projects, sculptures, and decorative elements. Its unique veining patterns and polished finish tend to create a luxurious appearance.

●     Limestone is used in construction for flooring, wall cladding, and exterior facades. Its natural colours and textures add a timeless appeal to buildings and landscapes.


Asphalt

Asphalt is a black, sticky substance derived from crude oil and used as a binder in road construction. Quarries produce aggregates and mix them with asphalt to create asphalt concrete, commonly known as asphalt pavement. This material provides a smooth and durable surface for roads, carparks, and runways.


Concrete

Concrete is a composite material made up of aggregates, such as crushed stone and sand, bound together with cement. Quarries supply the primary ingredients for concrete production, which is widely used in construction projects of all scales. Ready-mix concrete is produced in batching plants and delivered to construction sites in a ready-to-use form, whereas precast concrete products, such as beams, columns, and panels, are manufactured in controlled environments using moulds and then transported to construction sites.

 

William Thompson & Son has proudly supplied local construction and building companies with high-quality quarry products for more than 75 years. Our quarry in the heart of Dumbarton has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the leading suppliers of everything from gabion stone and concrete sand to natural stone products and asphalt. To find out more about our services, please get in touch today.

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