As Dug / Dredged Ballast

As Dug / Dredged Ballast: What Makes It Unique?

As Dug / Dredged Ballast is a type of unprocessed aggregate, collected directly from dredging operations. When the dredger discharges its load at a wharf, the material is stored in large stockpiles. This unprocessed state is typically referred to as ballast as dredged (BAD). It is used primarily in structural applications rather than for decorative purposes.

Heavy-Duty Applications for As Dug / Dredged Ballast

This versatile aggregate is suitable for a variety of heavy-duty applications. It is primarily used in construction and civil engineering projects where large volumes of material are required. Common uses include:

• Fill material for low-lying or reclaimed land
• Land reclamation projects along rivers, harbors, or coastal areas
• Bulk fill under embankments or landscaping slopes
• Core material for levees, flood defenses, or embankments
• General sub-base under large-scale industrial or infrastructure areas
• Soil stabilisation in mixed fill projects
• Backfill for marine construction projects like quays, jetties, and revetments
• Compacted fill beneath roads or hardstandings (when washed/graded)
• Bulk fill for landscaping mounds or earthworks
• Erosion control in riverbanks or coastal margins (when combined with larger stone)
• Base layer for temporary platforms on wetlands or soft ground

Factors to Weigh When Using Marine Dredged Ballast

Essential Limitations and Warnings

Marine dredged ballast is not suitable for driveways, walkways, or decorative landscaping unless it is processed to remove fines and graded for compaction. It is chiefly used for structural, bulk-fill, or civil engineering applications due to its unprocessed nature. As the material properties can vary widely, it is important to conduct proper testing for compaction and drainage before using it in a project.

As Dug / Dredged Ballast is particularly suitable as fill material for low-lying or reclaimed land, including land reclamation projects along rivers, harbors, or coastal areas.

Site Preparation for As Dug / Dredged Ballast

When using As Dug / Dredged Ballast, ensure that the site is properly prepared to accommodate the material. This includes assessing the ground conditions to determine the suitability of the ballast, especially when used as a sub-base or for soil stabilisation. Proper site preparation helps to maximise the effectiveness of the material in fulfilling its intended role in construction projects.