Bulk specialist aggregates
Our bulk specialist aggregate adheres to the highest industry standards and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure superior quality and performance. Whether you need materials for agricultural use, flood defence, or specialised construction projects, our expert team is here to help you find the perfect solution.
At Heidelberg Materials, we provide diverse bulk specialist aggregates tailored for specific applications, including industrial sands, rock armour, and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) sub-bases.
Explore our extensive range of bulk specialist aggregates and meet your project’s unique requirements.
Contact us today to learn more
Specialist sub-base & base aggregates available:
EC Fertilisers - Lime
Heidelberg Materials can supply powdered limestone that can be used for agricultural applications like conditioning soil and the production of animal feed. We quarry agricultural limestone, which is then crushed, ground into a fine powder and applied as a soil conditioner on agricultural land.Using ground limestone on soil can:
- Increase the pH of acidic soil to reduce acidity
- Provides a source of calcium and magnesium for plants
- Allows for improved water penetration for acidic soils
- Helps the uptake of major plant nutrients
Aggregates for SUDS sub-base
Heidelberg Materials can supply aggregates for the sub-base of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). We have worked with the UK’s leading SUDS providers to create a range of aggregates that help reduce flood risk and improve water quality.
Our range offers blended aggregates combined to produce voids that allow the free flow of water whilst still retaining the mechanical strength of the inter-locking particles. Heidelberg Materials can offer both a 4/20 aggregate mix and a Type 3 sub-base bespoke products are available upon request.Our aggregates meet the required specifications for SUDS systems as well as Interpave’s latest guidance.
Rock armour – sea and river defence
Heidelberg Materials can supply rock armour across the UK. Rock armour is suitable for use for sea and river defence to protect against scour, water and wave erosion. Our rock armour meets the requirements of BS EN 13383 and CIRIA specifications and we have worked with the environment agency on a number of projects.
FAQs
- How do I work out how much aggregate I need?
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Heidelberg Materials can supply powdered limestone that can be used for agricultural applications like conditioning soil and the production of animal feed. We quarry agricultural limestone, which is then crushed, ground into a fine powder and applied as a soil conditioner on agricultural land.Using ground limestone on soil can:
- Increase the pH of acidic soil to reduce acidity
- Provides a source of calcium and magnesium for plants
- Allows for improved water penetration for acidic soils
- Helps the uptake of major plant nutrients
- How much is in a bulk bag of aggregates?
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Typically, bulk bags contain 1 cubic metre (m3) of aggregate. Heidelberg Materials offers an extensive range of bulk bagged aggregates suitable for builders and homeowners and our range includes bagged decorative and construction aggregates as well as bagged sands.
- What area will a bag of Type 1 cover?
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Heidelberg Materials can supply rock armour across the UK. Rock armour is suitable for use for sea and river defence to protect against scour, water and wave erosion. Our rock armour meets the requirements of BS EN 13383 and CIRIA specifications and we have worked with the environment agency on a number of projects.
- How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
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To calculate how much gravel you need, simply measure the length and width of the area and multiply the figures together. The density of aggregates also needs to be considered for the calculation to be accurate. Multiply your surface area figure by the depth to get the cubic volume of gravel required. Our support and customer services teams are on hand to help, so feel free to reach out to us for assistance on any technical questions.
- Can I use ballast as a sub base?
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20mm ballast is versatile, making it ideal for sub-base or concrete foundations. This product can be used as an ‘all-in-one’ aggregate with cement and water to produce coarse concrete, and is suitable for use in concrete for footings, foundations, setting posts and steps. Granular sub bases are typically selected for sub base applications and it is always recommended that customers and clients check specification details. Please contact our support and customer services teams.
- Can I use MOT Type 1 for driveways?
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Yes. MOT Type 1 aggregate is a versatile granular sub-base material that can be used in many applications including asphalt and concrete driveways, pavements and trench fills. It does, however, need to be applied to suitably prepared subgrade, and compacted to form a dense layer. MOT Type 1 can also be combined with cement to produce a higher bearing capacity.