Crushed gravel is gravel produced through a process of crushing other, larger stones to produce a final product of relatively uniform size and roughness. Since this gravel is produced through a crushing process, each piece of gravel typically has at least one rough edge that marks where it was once connected to other stone. Many different types of stones can be used for this process, and different gravel manufacturers can provide a number of different types of gravel for a variety of uses. Crushed gravel is often a popular choice for driveways and roads where a rough texture can provide greater friction for driving.
There are many different types of gravel, and crushed gravel is among the most popular and common types available. Larger stones, which can range from stones that could be held in the palm of a person’s hand to much larger boulders, are crushed to produce this type of gravel. Rough edges are often produced, though the crushing process can also smooth out some of these edges to prevent the gravel from being too sharp and jagged. This crushed gravel is often passed through a sieve to ensure there is a maximum size that each piece of gravel satisfies.
Many different types of stones can be used to produce crushed gravel, allowing companies that produce this gravel to meet a variety of different needs. The way in which the gravel is produced can also determine the type of gravel that is available. Single pass gravel consists of stones that were crushed only a single time, making a “single pass” through the crushing machine. Clear crushed gravel refers to gravel that is examined or “cleared” to ensure certain qualities within the gravel, often for evenness of size and to eliminate some of the fine particulates within the gravel.
Crushed gravel providers can typically indicate a percentage of “fine” materials mixed in with the gravel through the process of “clearing” it before use. Gravel with a high percentage of fine materials is often used in roadwork since the fine dust and gravel will mix with the larger gravel to produce a smoother, more even surface. A lower level of fine particles in the gravel is often preferred in areas that may be muddy, to prevent the gravel from mixing with mud and water. Crushed gravel with a moderate amount of fine materials is often used for home driveways, since it will produce a smoother surface but will also not become too muddy.