The construction aggregates market is mainly driven by expanding construction activities, particularly in developing nations, and the growing demand for infrastructure development in developed countries. Additionally, construction aggregates’ affordability, durability, and adaptability contribute to their widespread use. This market is intensely competitive, with numerous suppliers operating worldwide.

Assessing the quality of aggregates for construction and mining projects

Evaluating the quality of aggregates is critical for ensuring the strength, durability, and overall quality of structures built in India. Several methods, including gradation, crushing value, abrasion value, gravity, absorption level, shape, and texture, are used to assess aggregate quality.

Several parameters need to be considered to assess the quality of aggregates for construction and mining projects. Sooraj Cherukat, Head of Business Development & Sales at Hailstone Innovations Inc., emphasises that flakiness is crucial when considering the material’s shape and surface area. The material should be cubical or have a large surface area for better binding between cement and other particles, leading to improved concrete absorption and overall durability.

Fine gradation is another critical parameter that requires attention. In the case of sand, microfine particles are often regarded as impurities and must be removed. Specific limits have been set, such as a maximum of 12 to 15 percent of particles larger than 75 microns. Exceeding this limit can lead to reduced durability, surface structure, particle shape, and hardness of the sand, which ultimately results in a concrete structure with decreased durability. Brittle materials pose a significant challenge as they are prone to cracking, leading to increased opacity.

By carefully considering these factors, builders and engineers in India can ensure that the aggregates used in construction and mining projects meet the highest quality standards, resulting in strong and durable structures.

Reliability of advanced technology in construction and mining

India’s construction and mining industries have been positively impacted by the advent of advanced screening technology, providing reliable solutions for evaluating material quality and standards. Furthermore, this technology can efficiently separate materials of different sizes, making it easier to identify and remove impurities from the materials.

According to Vasim Pradhan, Head of Sales for India & International Business at Ashar Locker (India) Pvt. Ltd., ensuring high-quality concrete requires the efficient segregation of finer and coarser sands made possible by using the appropriate cone crusher or VLSI technology to meet specific requirements. A VSI equipped with the right technology or VLSI in the circuit is crucial for producing high-quality shaped material. An efficient balance may arise with suitable technology and products in the crushing circuit, requiring repeated material recirculation to achieve the desired quality.

Indranil Deb, COO of Torsa Machines Limited, agrees with Pradhan and highlights the advantages of screening technology for equipment providers, project owners, and managers. Deb believes it presents a very profitable business opportunity for both the seller and the buyer by integrating modern jaws, cones, feeders, and screens with cutting-edge technology on mobile chassis. The technology incorporates hydraulics, remote-controlled operation for mobility, and, most importantly, adaptability in various mining applications.

Importance of using high-quality products and equipment for high-quality mining and construction operations

Ensuring safety is paramount when dealing with highly vibrating equipment. The consequences of any malfunction can be catastrophic, leading to injury or even death. Pradhan highlights a customer’s experience with low-quality screens used by an asphalt manufacturer for building roads and airport runways. During a final inspection of an airport runway, a metallic part was discovered in the asphalt due to a screen breakdown. This incident posed a significant safety risk to hundreds of people. Thus, using high-quality screens in vibrating equipment is essential for safety. safety must be a top priority in all aspects of the manufacturing process to prevent loss of life and property damage.

Cherukat is concerned about the Indian aggregate industry’s focus on CAPEX over aggregate quality, resulting in lower standards for fine aggregates. Although a higher standard exists, quality standards vary across India. In Haryana and North Rajasthan, using VSI for better shape is less prevalent, and cone crusher products with poor shape, elongation, and flakiness are somewhat acceptable. Stone material quality and a reluctance to invest in CAPEX contribute to this trend.

Expanding on the discussion, Deb notes the growing demand trend for sand, screening, and crushing. He highlights that the quality of aggregates is expected to improve further to meet the demands of numerous infrastructure projects. The expansion of infrastructure development provides a competitive advantage for companies that can offer suitable solutions for industrial requirements and meet the expected levels. This expansion also fuels the demand for ready-to-use dry mortars, fine-grade plaster, and concrete sand.

In conclusion, the expansion of construction activities and the increasing need for infrastructure development drive the construction aggregates market. Construction aggregates’ affordability, durability, and adaptability are also contributing factors. The quality of aggregates is critical to ensuring the strength and durability of structures built in India. When evaluating aggregate quality for construction and mining projects, builders and engineers must consider various parameters, including gradation, crushing, abrasion, gravity, absorption level, shape, and texture.

Furthermore, advanced screening technology provides reliable solutions for assessing the quality and standards of materials used in these sectors. Prioritising safety in all aspects of the manufacturing process is crucial to prevent loss of life and property damage. The growing demand for sand, screening, and crushing is expected to enhance the quality of aggregates to meet the increasing number of infrastructure projects. Companies that can meet these expectations will have a competitive advantage.