Crushed Concrete Road Base (1 1/2" minus)

Crushed Concrete Road Base (1 1/2" Minus): Technical Overview and Practical Uses

Crushed Concrete Road Base, also known as 1 1/2" Minus Crushed Concrete with fines, is a recycled aggregate material made from processed concrete collected from demolition and construction projects. Common alternative names include Recycled Concrete Base (RCB), Recycled Concrete Aggregate Base (RCA Base), and Recycled Base Material. This product contains a blend of angular concrete fragments up to 1 1/2 inches in size, mixed with fines (dust and small particles). The typical color is gray, and the material may include trace amounts of brick, asphalt, or other inert substances. Small pieces of steel or rebar may occasionally be present, though most are removed during processing.

Crushed Concrete Road Base is valued for its compaction qualities and load-bearing capacity. The fines fill the spaces between larger particles, resulting in a stable, compacted layer. Its composition may vary depending on the source material, but it generally meets gradation requirements for road base as specified in standards such as ASTM D2940, TxDOT Item 247, or local DOT/municipal guidelines. Compacted density typically ranges from 120 to 135 pounds per cubic foot, with allowable moisture content usually between 8% and 12%. The pH of the material is typically alkaline due to residual cement content.

Common Applications

Crushed Concrete Road Base is used in a variety of construction and site development projects. Its main applications include:

• Base layers for roads and highways
• Driveway and parking lot base courses
• Sub-base for asphalt and concrete pavements
• Temporary construction access roads
• Structural fill for site development
• Shoulder and subbase material
• Laydown yards and equipment pads
• Erosion control as a base for riprap

In some cases, it is also used as pipe bedding or as recycled aggregate in sustainable construction projects, depending on local specifications.

Material Characteristics and Technical Properties

This product compacts well due to its angular particle shape and fines content, resulting in a solid, stable foundation for heavy loads. It is considered environmentally friendly, as it recycles concrete waste and reduces the need for virgin aggregate.

Limitations and Incorrect Applications

Crushed Concrete Road Base is not suitable for all uses. It should not be used as a finished surface or wearing course, nor in applications requiring high aesthetic value. It is not recommended for use as aggregate in new concrete mixes unless it meets specific gradation and quality standards. The material may not be appropriate near potable water sources unless tested for contaminants, and is not suitable for areas with high sulfate soils or where alkali-silica reaction is a concern. It should not be used where the presence of residual steel or contaminants is unacceptable, or in applications requiring clean, uniformly graded aggregate.

Comparison to Other Base Materials

• Compared to virgin crushed limestone or granite base, crushed concrete offers similar compaction and load-bearing properties, with the added benefit of recycled content.
• It contains more fines than clean gravel, resulting in better compaction but less free drainage.
• Compared to asphalt millings, it is more angular and may provide better particle interlock.
• It provides higher strength and compaction than select fill or sand, but less drainage capability.
• Material quality and consistency can vary more than with natural aggregates due to differences in source material.

Typical Installation and Handling

For optimal results, prepare the subgrade by removing soft soils and compacting the native earth. Place the crushed concrete in layers, compacting each layer thoroughly. Moisture content should be maintained within the specified range for best compaction. Geotextile fabric may be used beneath the base layer for added separation and stability. This product should be handled and installed according to project specifications and local standards.

Regional Price Examples

Crushed Concrete Road Base is available for delivery across the United States. Pricing varies by location due to factors such as local material availability and transportation costs. The following table provides a sample of prices for selected cities, including both the per-ton material price and the delivery charge.

Prices shown above include local material and delivery charges. To see current prices for your location, enter your ZIP code on the Gravelshop website or add products to your cart. Delivery is included in all displayed prices, and you can select your preferred delivery date and time at checkout. Order minimums may apply depending on your location and the available material.

Ordering and Delivery Information

At Gravelshop, you can order Crushed Concrete Road Base online in less than a minute. We deliver from local suppliers and pits to ensure prompt and reliable service. All prices include delivery and taxes, with no hidden fees. Our delivery trucks require at least 12 feet of road access and will unload your material at the most suitable spot, as determined by the driver. We do not offer spreading or landscaping services. If you are not present at the time of delivery, the material will be left unattended, and you are responsible for it. Please allow for up to 5% size variation and fines in each load.

Summary Table: Key Features

For more information, including order support and coverage calculators, visit Gravelshop.com. We supply bulk quantities for both residential and commercial projects, with transparent pricing and reliable delivery scheduling. If you have questions about your order or delivery, our customer care team is available by phone, email, or SMS.