With the tightening of financial belts across New Zealand’s construction industry, management teams are rigorously seeking ways to slash costs without compromising on quality. As revenues struggle to cover escalating fixed costs, the spotlight has turned to innovative solutions like Recycled Road Aggregates (RRA) produced by Auckland Aggregates, offering a lifeline in these challenging economic times.
Economic Pressures in Construction
The current economic climate has forced a reevaluation of traditional construction practices, with a significant focus on reducing expenditure. For project estimators and construction managers, the priority lies in identifying cost-effective materials aligning with budget constraints while ensuring project durability and compliance. Recycled roading aggregates are made using the same premium basecourse installed on all roading projects that is removed via milling during road renovation/realignment works.
The Viability of Recycled Road Aggregates
Auckland Aggregates is at the forefront of promoting RRA as a viable alternative to virgin quarry products. Sourced from high-quality original feedstock, such as greywacke and basalt from reputable quarries, these aggregates have been effectively tested twice. Firstly prior to acceptance on their original projects & secondly when recycled to ensure they retain the many beneficial properties of their newly quarried counterparts. (Download Hills Lab Report HERE)
The key questions for many in the industry concern the compactability and long-term durability of RRAs. Auckland Aggregates addresses these concerns head-on, ensuring their recycled products meet Grade Aggregate Profile (GAP) standards and demonstrate excellent compactability, akin to virgin materials.
Image above showing RRA compactability the same as virgin GAP product.
Cost-Effectiveness and Environmental Impact
One of the most compelling reasons to opt for RRA is cost-effectiveness. "Using recycled aggregates can lead to substantial savings, as they are about 25-40% cheaper than virgin materials," says Dave Stringfield, Managing Director of Auckland Aggregates. This pricing advantage is critical in current times when every dollar saved can be the difference between a feasible project and a financial misstep.
Moreover, the environmental benefits of using RRAs cannot be overlooked. “The construction sector is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on natural resources. By incorporating RRAs, customers not only support sustainability but also contribute to a circular economy minimising waste and maximising resource utilisation”, says Dave Stringfield.
Image above showing RRA compactability the same as virgin GAP product.
A Strategic Shift in Materials Selection
For estimators and project managers, the adoption of RRAs offers a strategic advantage. Not only does it align with environmental goals and economic necessities, but it also provides a reliable and tested solution for construction needs. As the demand for more cost-efficient and sustainable construction materials grows, RRAs present a practical alternative that may soon become an industry standard.
As New Zealand’s construction sector navigates these tough economic waters, the use of recycled road aggregates from Auckland Aggregates emerges as a smart choice, both economically and environmentally, supporting the industry’s move towards more sustainable and financially viable practices.
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