Gravel is a very small piece of rock and stone that is coarser than sand. It is used in constructing buildings for filling foundations, concrete, and other paving works. It has a unique drainage property that allows the water to flow through it. It is a key material that is used in building a structure. In this article, let us explore the importance, role, and advantages of using gravel in the construction process.
What is Gravel Fill?
Gravel fill is an aggregate fill and involves placing the necessary gravel materials to support drainage, stability, and structural strength in foundations, roadways, landscapes, and other construction areas. The size of the gravel material ranges from 2mm to 75mm. They are also available in different colours, textures, and stone types. It is used as a backfilling material in the construction process. The selection of gravel depends on soil conditions, application, and the budget of the project.
What is the Role of Gravel Fill in Construction?
Gravel fill serves multiple purposes in construction projects. The different roles of gravel fill in construction are as follows:
- Provide a solid basement
At first, it provides a solid basement with tightly packed gravel in high density. It reduces the risk of soil settlement due to climatic changes. This stability is pivotal for buildings and constructions to withstand natural calamities for years to come.
- Excellent drainage property
Gravel fills have high drainage properties. Due to this, the water flow is easily perforated through the gravel and drains the excess water. This allows the buildings to have strong foundations without the collection of water below the foundation.
- Top load-bearing capacity
Gravel fill supports the construction built above it by evenly distributing the loads to the columns and transfers them to the building or the structure. By doing this, it reduces the stress on the soil as well as soil erosion or settlement.
- Water conservation
Graves are an excellent supporting material for rainwater conservation. It allows the rainwater to flow into it and directly transfer it into the soil. It increases the underground water in the soil supporting groundwater replenishment.
- Environmentally friendly
Gravel stones are easily sourced at the local market. Therefore, it cuts down on transportation charges as well as carbon emissions into the air. It also controls soil erosion by providing a stable soil foundation.
Importance of Gravel Fill
Gravel fill is also known as ‘fill dirt’ or ‘fill material’. They consist of tiny and granular materials that comprise small rock fragments. It serves as an important material for laying the foundation process in construction projects. It can be used for various applications such as drainage purposes, enhanced stability, and load-bearing capacity of the structure or the building.
It can be widely used in building residential and commercial structures. It can also support other projects like roadways, building foundations, landscapes, and soil erosion control. To prove their durability and longevity, gravel fill acts as an essential component of the construction process.
Types of Gravel Fill
For different applications of construction projects, different types of gravel fill materials are available in the market. You have to choose the type of fill material that suits your construction projects. The three types of gravel fill are as follows:
Crushed Stone Gravel
Crushed stone gravel can be widely used in many construction projects. It is suitable for structures that need high strength and durability. Like in roadways, heavy traffic areas, or heavy load-bearing structures, this crushed stone gravel is added to provide a stable base. They interlock with the adjacent particles and pave the way for a smooth basement.
Pea Gravel
The name itself describes its size and shape. It is a pea-shaped gravel that is suited mainly for decorative purposes. Like in pathways, playgrounds, gardens, and landscaping, this pea gravel is used to provide a pleasing appearance for the audience. It also supports the structures of low-traffic areas with minimum load-bearing capacity.
Jersey Shore Gravel
Jersey shore gravel is widely used in water management projects. It is sourced from New Jersey, a coastal region. They are popular for their drainage and soil erosion control properties. They are mostly used in French drains, drainage systems, gravel pits, etc.
Advantages of Gravel Fill
Gravel fill provides tremendous advantages to the construction industry. Construction professionals are very interested in using this gravel in their construction projects. The utmost properties of gravel stones are cost-effectiveness, durability, and lifetime. You must be conscious of choosing the right gravel for your projects. Let us see the properties below.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to other filling materials, gravel fill is considered the most cost-effective. Because of its availability at any place. The process of extracting gravel fill material is simple and easy. It doesn’t require any complex machinery to acquire this material. The manufacturing and processing of gravel fill is economical.
Durability and Longevity
Gravel fill materials can perform their intended function for a long time without excess maintenance or repair. It can withstand extreme heat or cold. Thus, it resists any external factors without affecting its quality or test of time. They have been known for their permanence by avoiding settlement and shifting of soil. They always remain solid for years.
Choosing the Right Gravel Fill for Your Project
Choosing the right gravel fill needs clear knowledge and analysis of particular usages of gravel fill. These factors may help construction professionals make informed decisions on selecting the right gravel fill for their projects. They are as follows:
- The condition and type of soil in which the project is going to take.
- The load requirements of the building or the structure can be calculated.
- Must consider the environment or surroundings you are going to perform the construction process.
- You must confirm the budget for the project. According to that, you can select your choice of gravel fill that suits your project at your minimal budget.
Conclusion
On the whole, gravel fill plays a vital role in the construction process. It provides strong physical support and drainage filters to the construction project.