In the "old days", cinders were used to make lighter weight concrete block. The cinders could replace both fine and coarse aggregate,( sand and Crushed stone), which is heavy. The resulting concrete block was called "cinder block", or "lightweight block".
This lightweight block, today, is generally made with "lightweight aggregate" replacing the cinders of the old days.
Lightweight aggregate is clay or shale that is burned in a rotary kiln at high temps. This forms a "clinker" like material that is then crushed and screened to make the proper size aggregate, depending on the use. It is kind of like crushed up bricks, except the kiln temps are not nearly as high as those used when making brick.
Another common use of lightweight aggregate is on road resurfacing. They call it a 'chip and seal coating" in this area. That is where an asphalt liquid is sprayed on the highway, toped with a light dusting of lightweight aggregate, and rolled into place with a rubber tired roller. This will extend the life of asphalt pavement. The aggregate topping keeps the surface from being really slippery and keeps vehicles from tracking the liquid asphalt everywhere while it is curing out. The lightweight aggregate is used so when car tires pick the stuff up and throw it, it will not break windshields of oncoming vehicles. When they use crushed stone for this coating, it often will break ar windshields.
I know certain types of cinders are used to make concrete block.
Anyone know if cinders are used anywhere as a road base instead of limerock or stone?
STUMP KNOCKER
