Gravel is a natural aggregate composed of rocks, stones and pebbles and is used around the world in numerous industries.   Conveyor belts play a major role in bringing this resource to the world from mining to transportation.

Mining:

Gravel is typically mined from deposits found in rivers, streams, lakes, or quarries.  Geological and environmental exploration is conducted to identify gravel deposits.  Sites are cleared and gravel is extracted using various methods like dredging, blasting and excavating.  Conveyor belts are used to extract, load and stockpile.

Extracted gravel is transported to processing plants for additional sorting and also to undergo crushing, screening and washing. This prepares the gravel for its various applications and the use of conveyor belts to sort and transport makes handling the heavy and high volume possible and efficient.

Gravel Applications:

Gravel has widespread use across industries due to its versatility and inherent properties. Here are some of its key applications:

One of the most important is as a construction aggregate.  Gravel is an essential component of concrete and asphalt production, providing strength, stability, and durability to buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.  Check out this interesting MIT article on concrete and cement and how concrete is the most consumed material on Earth after water. 

Gravel is also commonly used for constructing driveways and roads, offering a durable and cost-effective surface that withstands heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.

Landscapers also commonly uses gravel for enhanced outdoor spaces like pathways, walkways, garden trails and garden beds.

Gravel’s permeable nature also makes it ideal for constructing drainage systems including French drains, septic fields, and retaining walls.  It can also helps prevent soil erosion and stabilizes slopes by retaining soil and reducing water runoff impact.  Gravel is also used in filtration and drainage systems.

Gravel is also commonly used as a stable, durable surface for sports fields, playgrounds and recreational areas.

The Role of Gravel Conveyor Belts:

Conveyor belts play a vital role in the gravel industry and material handling.  They are able to convey large, heavy loads in an efficient manner.

Conveyor belts are used to extract, load and stockpile at mining sites.  Belts are used to move gravel within the processing plant. They transport the gravel from one processing stage to another including crushers and screening equipment. Gravel conveyor belt ensure a smooth flow of material while optimizing the processing operations. 

The are also heavily used in aggregate transportation from gravel pits to processing plants and batching plants for measuring, batching, crushing, sorting, screening and cleaning.

Conveyor belts also play a role in the delivery of processed gravel, distribution and dumping.  Heavy duty gravel conveyor belt on live bottom trailers allow for efficient and controlled distribution at job sites.

Conveyor belts play a crucial role the efficient and continuous movement of gravel from mining to processing to stockpiling to distribution.

Gravel is a natural aggregate which plays an underrated and important role in numerous industries.   Applications range from cement production to construction to landscaping to consumer use.  Gravel and other aggregate mining remain an integral part of America’s foundation, infrastructure and resource utilization.