By Ian Reedy
Crushed concrete is repurposed demolition material processed for reuse in construction. At Arcosa Crushed Concrete, all of our facilities in Texas, Florida, and Southern California carry crushed concrete, which we produce from carefully selected inbound loads.
Common Uses for Crushed Concrete
Crushed concrete delivers versatile, reliable performance—most commonly as a road base. When preparing undeveloped land for new roads, crews typically remove surface vegetation, then spread and compact a layer of crushed concrete to create a stable base.
We primarily supply crushed concrete for two key markets: transportation infrastructure and commercial construction. In road projects, contractors typically place a compacted 10–12-inch layer beneath asphalt or concrete pavement. In commercial developments, a similar layer is installed under building pads to prevent shifting and cracking—particularly critical for large facilities like warehouses.
Crushed concrete is also widely used for temporary applications, such as access roads on active job sites or crane paths during vertical construction.
Performance of Crushed Concrete
Crushed concrete meets or exceeds the performance of virgin aggregates such as limestone, while offering major cost and sustainability advantages. Because we locally source and process recycled aggregate—instead of trucking aggregate long distances from remote quarries to urban hubs—our transportation costs drop significantly, and delivery is far more reliable, with fewer transit delays or breakdowns.
Crushed concrete meets the same durability criteria, testing protocols, and specification standards as limestone aggregate. When placed properly, the crushing process even reactivates unhydrated Portland cement particles, helping the finished product set into a hard, rigid base.
It also aligns with evolving environmental standards. For example, some jurisdictions now mandate the use of recycled materials on publicly funded projects when available—further validating the value of high-quality recycled aggregate.
Crushed Concrete Production Process
We live by the principle “trash in, trash out.” Every arriving truck is visually inspected at the scale house to confirm that it’s concrete-only—free of wood, trash, soil, or other contamination. Once that initial inspection is passed, we hand-pick any remaining contaminants so that by the time they reach our crushers, it’s almost entirely clean concrete rubble. In California only, we also accept mixed loads containing both concrete and asphalt rubble, allowing for more flexible disposal options on demolition projects.
In Texas, Florida, and Southern California, concrete often contains steel reinforcement—rebar and wire mesh. We remove the bulk of the metal during pre-processing to protect our crushers. The more steel we extract up front, the cleaner our finished product is.
Across all our operations, we divert tens of thousands of tons of steel annually, achieving a near-zero-waste outcome.
Material Specifications
We produce crushed concrete in several gradations to meet state-specific standardized requirements for public, as well as private sector projects. For example, in Texas, we produce our road base in accordance with TxDOT Item 247 Type D specifications, which meets most common public works development standards, making this product a go-to choice for contractors and engineers alike.
Quality Assurance
Because crushed concrete is often used beneath critical structures like roads and building slabs, quality is non-negotiable. That’s why we conduct regular lab testing to verify compliance with key specifications.
We partner with independent laboratories for material testing and make results available upon request. Our internal quality control procedures are consistent across all regions we serve.
Pricing and Purchasing
Our sales process accommodates both one-time buyers and regular accounts. For smaller orders, we operate on a cash-on-delivery basis: customers have the option of sending a truck to any of our facilities. For larger or recurring needs, we offer revolving accounts with approved credit terms.
Pricing varies by location and product. To get accurate, up-to-date pricing, we recommend contacting the facility nearest your project.
Conclusion
At Arcosa Crushed Concrete, we take pride in turning demolition debris into a high-quality, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible construction material. Our recycled aggregate meets rigorous durability and specification standards while delivering significant savings in transportation and material costs. From highways and warehouse slabs to temporary access roads, our crushed concrete provides the strength and consistency needed for long-term stability.
Contact your nearest Texas, Florida, or Southern California facility today to learn about our current pricing and experience the reliability of our crushed concrete firsthand.
Author Bio
Ian Reedy has worked in the construction materials industry since 2016. He joined Arcosa Crushed Concrete in 2021 and currently supports sales and customer partnerships across multiple U.S. regions.
