Aggregate Cost Calculator: Free Tools & Formulas (2024 Guide)

Aggregate Cost Calculator helps you quickly determine total expenses for purchases, materials, or projects by calculating combined costs. This brief guide explains what it does and how to use it effectively.

What is Aggregate Cost Calculator?

An Aggregate Cost Calculator is a streamlined tool that calculates total expenses by multiplying unit costs by quantities. Whether you're managing a project budget, planning purchases for a small business, or comparing supplier pricing, this calculator eliminates manual math errors and saves valuable time.

Professionals across industries benefit from this tool – event planners calculate catering supplies, contractors estimate material costs, online sellers compute inventory expenses, and DIY enthusiasts budget home improvement projects. It converts complex cost analysis into simple, actionable numbers. The calculator helps prevent overspending by providing transparent cost visibility before purchases, ensures accurate budget forecasting by handling bulk calculations instantly, and highlights financial efficiency opportunities like bulk discounts.

Beyond business applications, families can use it to budget school supplies or holiday gifts, while travelers might calculate equipment costs for group trips. It transforms scattered price points into unified financial overviews, empowering smarter spending decisions across personal and professional scenarios.

How to use Aggregate Cost Calculator?

Using this calculator involves three simple steps. Complete the process in under 10 seconds:

First, enter the unit cost in the top input field – that's the price for one item or service unit (e.g., $5.99 per book or $250/hour consulting). Next, enter the quantity in the second field – this is how many units you need (e.g., 25 books or 8 consulting hours). Ensure both values are positive numbers without currency symbols. Decimal points are supported.

Click the "Calculate Aggregate Cost" button when ready. The tool instantly multiplies the two values and displays your total expense formatted with dollar notation below. For example, $5.99 × 25 books = $149.75 total displayed as "Aggregate Cost: $149.75". Need to adjust? Modify either field and recalculate.

Tips: If you receive an error, check that both fields contain valid numbers (no text) and are positive values. For repeated calculations, simply update either number instead of refreshing the page. Remember to consider variables like taxes or shipping that aren't included in this base calculation when budgeting complex projects.

Planning a construction or landscaping project requires precise budget management, and an aggregate cost calculator is your essential partner for financial accuracy. This comprehensive guide demystifies material estimation, explores popular free digital tools, and breaks down fundamental formulas for gravel, sand, and crushed stone calculations. You'll learn professional techniques to compare material types, calculate volume-to-weight conversions, and avoid expensive estimation errors – transforming complex math into actionable insights for driveways, foundations, garden paths, and major builds.

What is Aggregate?

Aggregate refers to coarse particulate materials like crushed stone, gravel, sand, and recycled concrete used extensively in construction. These granular substances form the foundational backbone of concrete mixes, road bases, drainage systems, and landscaping projects. Aggregates are categorized by size: fine aggregates (passing through a 3/8-inch sieve) include sand, while coarse aggregates encompass gravel and rocks. Their physical properties – such as angularity, density, and compaction characteristics – directly influence project outcomes. Material selection varies dramatically between applications, with angular crushed stone providing superior load-bearing strength for driveways, while rounded river rock excels in permeable landscaping designs. Understanding these material sciences fundamentals enables smarter choices matching project requirements to aggregate functionality while optimizing budgets.

What is a Cost Calculator?

A cost calculator is a digital or manual computation tool that streamlines complex project budgeting by automating material and expense estimations. For construction contexts, specialized versions like aggregate cost calculators transform measurements, material densities, and pricing data into immediate expense forecasts. These tools eliminate tedious manual calculations for volume conversion, weight projections, and vendor price comparisons. Modern online calculators incorporate dynamic features like adjustable waste factors, regional pricing databases, and unit conversion between cubic yards and tons. Purpose-built versions exist for concrete formulation and landscape design, each fine-tuned to industry-specific variables. By processing critical inputs – project dimensions, aggregate type, depth requirements – they generate actionable estimates that minimize budgetary surprises. This efficiency is why 78% of contractors now integrate digital calculators into their initial quoting workflow.

Why Use an Aggregate Cost Calculator?

Utilizing an aggregate cost calculator delivers precision that manual estimates simply can’t match, directly impacting project viability and profitability. These specialized tools prevent costly misjudgments by accurately translating area measurements into material volumes, weights, and expenses. Consider that ordering errors create 30% excess supply wastage on average – a $1,500 loss on a typical driveway installation. Calculators mitigate this by incorporating compaction rates, moisture content, and material-specific densities into their algorithms. Beyond waste reduction, digital solutions accelerate quoting by 65% compared to spreadsheets while enabling instant scenario comparisons: gravel versus decomposed granite, depth variations, or comparing bulk vs. bagged pricing. Crucially, they establish budget credibility with clients through transparent, formula-driven estimates shown to increase proposal acceptance by 42%. Whether DIY or professional use, the calculator transforms uncertainty into quantifiable material planning.

How Aggregate Cost Calculators Work: Key Formulas & Variables

Behind every reliable calculation lies physics-based formulas processing measurable on-site variables. The fundamental workflow begins with dimensional inputs: project length, width, and depth converted to cubic volume. This triggers two critical conversions – Volume (cubic yards) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27 and Weight (tons) = Volume × Density (lbs/cu yd) ÷ 2000 – the core algorithms bridging measurements to delivery logistics.

• Material Density Variables: Crushed limestone (2,500 lbs/cu yd) differs substantially from river gravel (1,800 lbs/cu yd)
• Compaction Factors: Add 15-25% volume for subsurface compression versus surface applications
• Waste Margins: Designate 10-15% extra for cutting variance and spillage during handling
• Moisture Content: Wet aggregates increase weight by 20-40% without changing volume

Advanced calculators incorporate regional freight fees, state tax rates, equipment usage, and labor allocations. These variable-sensitivity calculations transform raw numbers into actionable intelligence, dynamically adjusting outputs as users modify material types or dimensions.

Essential Costing Formulas: Aggregate Volume, Weight & Pricing Explained

Master these four indispensable formulas to manually verify calculator outputs or execute field estimates without digital tools. Always confirm units match – standard measurements for aggregates use feet and pounds in the United States.

• Concrete Slab Volume: Cubic yards = (Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (ft)) / 27
• Tonnage Conversion: Tons needed = (Cubic yards × Material density (lbs/cu yd)) / 2000
• Bagged Material Quantity: Number of bags = Total cubic feet ÷ Bag size (cu ft)
• Total Pricing Equation: Cost = (Tons × Price/ton) + (Delivery fee × Distance factor)

Material densities form the conversion cornerstone: pea gravel averages 1,600 lbs/cu yd versus decomposed granite's 2,200 lbs/cu yd. Remember to account for settlement – add a 1.3x multiplier to volumes intended for compaction during structural fills. Applying the waste factor: multiply your calculated volume by 1.15 (15% surplus). Example: 6.5 cu yd corrected becomes 7.5 cu yd for procurement – a crucial hedge against material shortages and delivery delays.

How to Calculate Aggregate Cost for Concrete Projects

Concrete formulation requires precise coarse and fine aggregate proportions where slight miscalculations jeopardize structural integrity and increase expenses by 20-35%. Follow this protocol to ensure reliable outcomes. First, determine total concrete volume (using the slab formula), then apply the standard aggregate fraction – aggregates comprise 60-80% of total concrete volume with typical mixes using 65% ratio. If creating a 30 cu yd slab: aggregates needed = 30 × 65% = 19.5 cu yd. Segregate this total into coarse vs. fine materials per your mix design specifications.

• Coarse Aggregate (gravel): Multiply total aggregate volume by mix design fraction (typically 55-65% of aggregates)
• Fine Aggregate (sand): Total aggregate volume × sand percentage (complements coarse)
• Estimator's Secret: Increase coarse aggregates 10% for reinforced concrete forms to prevent rebar interference

The final cost equation factors transport logistics: [Coarse tons × $/ton] + [Sand tons × $/ton] + [Delivery × distance modifer], plus applicable state mineral taxes. For large foundations, explore discounted volume pricing for orders exceeding 18 tons.

How to Calculate Aggregate Cost for Landscaping Projects

Landscaping calculations demand distinct considerations like terrain slope adjustment and aesthetic material selection. Start by subdividing irregular spaces into geometric zones for accurate area mapping. For gravel gardens, a 3-inch depth suffices, while structural pathways require compacted bases at 6-inches. Critical formula variations emerge for curved designs: calculcate mulch/river rock requirements using (Total area sq ft × depth ft × shape factor).

• Shape Factors: Circular areas use Radius² × π × depth; irregular zones apply 1.3x calculation padding
• Decorative Options: Cost variables span pea gravel ($40/ton) to premium blue stone ($230/ton)
• Slope Compensation: Add 15% volume per 20° incline gradient for erosion control stability

Workflow example: For a winding pathway measuring 90 linear feet × 4 feet wide × 0.33 ft depth, calculate cubic yards: (90×4×0.33)/27=4.4 cu yd. Multiply by gravel density (2800 lbs/cu yd) ÷2000 = 6.16 tons. Apply scenic design surcharge: bigger stones need wider depth for consistent coverage. Final bids must include subsurface stabilization fabrics – an often-overlooked cost averaging $.60/sq ft.

Top Free Aggregate Calculator Tools & Apps (2024 Update)

Leverage these expert-vetted digital platforms that offer cost reliability without subscription fees:

• EcoMaterial Estimator: Mobile-responsive web tool featuring region-sensitive pricing, 23 material presets, and PDF quotation exports. Standout: incorporates recycled material options (CRUSHED CONCRETE $28/TON)
• ContractorCalc PRO: Android/iOS app uniquely combining overlay measurements (using phone cameras), aggregates database, and vendor contact integration. Specializes in multi-layer project estimations
• NCMA Gravity: Web-based calculator focused on retaining walls and structural fills with load-bearing specifications. Includes geotextile recommendations
• Homedepot LandscapeCalc: User-friendly interface ideal for residential DIY planning. Pre-populates with current store pricing – but verify actual quote variances
• USDOT FreightModeller: Essential for integrating shipping expenses to remote sites; factors in DOT axle weight regulations and fuel surcharges

When comparing outputs across platforms, most professionals report <15% variance between premier calculators. For critical-path projects, cross-reference calculations using our manual formulas for validation.

Choosing the Right Tool: Features to Look for in an Aggregate Calculator

Cut through feature overload by prioritizing these functional requirements matching your project scale and methodology.

• Professional Deployment: Must support metric/imperial toggle and blueprint imports (DXF/DWG files)
• Data Depth: Granular presets defining gravel classifications (#57 vs #411) with density norms

: Offline calculation capacity with photo-documentation libraries

• Integration Ecosystem: Export to QuickBooks, Procore, or built-in bidding modules
• Environmental Features: Carbon footprint analytics and LEED compliance tracking gaining prominence
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  • Concrete gang forms calculators for batch plant interfaces
  • Landscape designs: 3D renderings showing stone distribution patterns

Testing protocols matter – verify accuracy against sample jobs with known quantities: 1,200 sq ft driveway at 5-in depth with #57 gravel should resolve to ±0.8 tons to earn trust. Consider local support availability; platforms offering vendor liaison services outperform on complex municipality projects requiring permitted materials.

Expert Tips for Accurate Aggregate Cost Estimation

Seasoned estimators employ these battle-tested strategies to tighten calculation accuracy below 3% variance. First, execute on-site moisture testing using ASTM D2216 methods – field samples often differ substantially from textbook material densities. For earthwork integrations, use laser transits to measure stockpile displacement slopes rather than relying on alleged delivery ticket quantities. Implement localized validation: before ordering, compare silo quoted densities against self-verification using haul truck axle weight tickets.

• Phase Your Orders: Split large requirements into staggered delivery batches to observe real-world settlement behavior
• Document Everything: Log waste rates by project type – basalt riprap averaging 22% cutting waste vs limestone's 14%
• Weather Modeling: Build in 8-15% rain delay buffer in wet regions affecting placement rate premiums
• Subgrade Diagnostics: Conduct pre-spread Proctor tests assessing native soil absorption impact on compaction

Continuous refinement separates pros: annually audit actual vs. estimated consumption patterns. Statistically, estimators rebuild density databases each 18 months accounting for changing quarry sources and aggregate gradation patterns.

Mistakes to Avoid When Calculating Aggregate Costs

Prevent costly do-overs by sidestepping these top miscalculation pitfalls. Most arise from overlooking environmental constraints or misunderstanding material science variables. Number one error is depth simplification: assuming constant depth when terrain slopes naturally increase volume by 25-50%. Similarly fatal: neglecting unit consistency triggers financial chaos – mixing imperial inches, feet, and tons in one equation causes order size errors exceeding 1,560% in extreme industry examples.

• Illegitimate Compaction: Skipping mechanical compaction testing leaves foundations vulnerable to subsidence lawsuits
• Over-Trucking Damages: Overestimating truck capacities triggers $175-$450 overweight fines per axle violation under DOT regulations
• Recycling Blind Spots: Failing to test recycled concrete's hardness rating for structural applications risks premature crumbling
• Waste Management Oversights: Unplanned disposal fees for unused materials can erase project profits

The remedy? Implement a four-phase verification protocol: 1) Engineer-approved manual calculation 2) Digital tool crosscheck (2 different platforms) 3) Vendor per-unit confirmation 4) Pre-pour volumetric assessment using laser-mapped delivery piles. Such diligence prevents the industry's average $7,200 recalibration cost for botched aggregate orders.

Top 5 Strategies for Bulk Material Savings

Leveraging bulk purchasing power is the cornerstone of aggregate cost reduction. Consider implementing blanket orders that lock in pricing for multiple projects, as suppliers often provide significant volume discounts for committed quantities exceeding standard thresholds. For municipal projects across multiple sites, consolidated purchasing through cooperative agreements can yield savings of 15-25% compared to individual project sourcing.

Strategic timing of deliveries significantly impacts material expenditures. Scheduling aggregate deliveries during off-peak construction seasons (late fall/winter in many regions) often results in 5-10% cost reductions when demand is lower. Additionally, proper on-site material management prevents costly waste – implementing containment systems and moisture barriers can reduce aggregate loss by up to 8%. Utilize your aggregate cost calculator to run "what-if" scenarios comparing these strategies against baseline expenditure models.

Finally, consider alternative material sources. Crushed concrete and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) offer sustainable options priced 20-40% below virgin aggregates. Recently, a highway department in Ohio reduced project costs by 18% using RAP in base layers, while maintaining structural integrity through rigorous testing protocols. Always cross-reference material specifications with engineer requirements before selecting alternatives.

Comparing Digital Tools vs Manual Calculations

Manual aggregate calculations carry significant risk margins due to human error in volume estimation and price tracking. Industry studies reveal manual methods have 7-12% calculation discrepancy rates on average, leading to either costly over-ordering or project-delaying shortages. Traditional spreadsheet approaches require constant price updates that quickly become outdated, unlike digital calculators with real-time supplier databases.

Modern aggregate cost calculators automate complex variables like compaction factors, wastage percentages, and transportation logistics. For a recent 5-acre commercial development project, digital tools identified 23% potential savings by optimizing truckload quantities and coordinating backhaul opportunities. The computational power handles iterative scenario analysis in minutes that would take hours manually, enabling teams to evaluate 30+ supplier combinations before procurement.

While some smaller contractors retain manual methods for simple projects, the shift toward digital tools is accelerating. Cloud-based calculators now integrate directly with supplier portals, automatically adjusting quotes based on fluctuating fuel surcharges and regional availability. Critical advantages include audit trails for cost tracking, automated density conversions between tons and cubic yards, and the elimination of costly ruler measurement errors during takeoffs.

Regional Price Variation Impact on Budgets

Geographic location dramatically influences aggregate pricing due to availability constraints and transportation costs. Coastal regions often experience 20-35% premium pricing for crushed stone due to limited quarry access, while areas with abundant glacial deposits offer gravel at significantly lower costs. Transportation constitutes up to 40% of total aggregate expenses, meaning budget forecasts must analyze haul distances for every project iteration.

The aggregate cost calculator becomes essential for navigating these regional disparities. Project managers should input variable "zone factors" reflecting local market conditions – for example, factoring in California's 18.7% higher-than-national-average pricing for crushed rock due to stringent environmental regulations. Current data indicates Midwest states enjoy the most competitive pricing, with Indiana limestone averaging $15/ton versus $28/ton in Massachusetts.

Adjusting source locations unlocks significant savings. Incorporating satellite quarries beyond the initial 50-mile radius sometimes yields net savings despite higher mileage fees. A Texas-based contractor recently reduced costs by 17% by combining material from three strategically located quarries, optimizing haul routes using the calculator's geospatial mapping. Always conduct ring tests comparing material from different sources to ensure grade compatibility before purchasing.

Material Quality vs Cost Efficiency Balance

Selecting aggregate based solely on cost invites project hazards like premature degradation or structural failure. Higher-grade crushed stone with angular edges provides superior compaction and load-bearing capacity compared to rounded gravel alternatives. While premium aggregates carry 10-30% cost premiums, their enhanced performance reduces subbase thickness requirements by 15-20%, often yielding net savings on total project costs.

Conduct lifecycle cost analysis using absorption rates and abrasion testing data. For projects with minimal traffic like pedestrian pathways, lower-cost gravel at $11/ton might satisfy requirements. For heavy industrial flooring supporting 15,000 lb forklifts though, investing in crushed granite at $28/ton prevents costly repairs from surface spalling. Your aggregate cost calculator should incorporate ASTM C33 quality parameters to flag material that fails specification thresholds.

A balanced approach involves staged material selection. Infrastructure projects like highway construction demonstrate this well – contractors often use premium crushed aggregate for bearing courses while implementing economical recycled materials in deeper fill layers. Concrete producers optimize economics by blending 70% standard aggregate with 30% premium material, achieving structural requirements at 18% lower costs versus exclusive premium use.

Real-Time Cost Tracking Best Practices

Traditional monthly cost reporting creates dangerous lag in aggregate-heavy projects where pricing fluctuates weekly. Implement cloud-based expense trackers integrated directly with weigh station tickets, automatically entering delivery weights and costs into your aggregate budget report. Modern systems like ConTech mobile apps capture ticket data through OCR scanning, instantly comparing actuals against projections with variance alerts.

Establish daily reconciliation protocols where field supervisors verify material deliveries against purchase orders immediately upon arrival. Include moisture content checks to correct for water weight – a critical factor as 5% moisture in 20-ton load equals 2,000 pounds of non-billable water. Set automated threshold alerts for when expenditures reach 75-90% of budgeted amounts, enabling proactive adjustments before overruns occur.

Leverage your aggregate cost calculator's change order module to capture in-progress adjustments. When working on a Denver airport expansion project, contractors used real-time tracking to identify that 14% more base material was required than originally scoped. The instant cost re-projections allowed immediate approval of $146,000 in additional funding without work stoppage. Historical tracking also builds valuable datasets for future estimation accuracy, showing exactly which material classes typically exceed projections.

Environmental Factors Affecting Aggregate Pricing

Regulatory landscapes significantly influence material costs, with quarry permitting fees varying as much as 300% across state lines. The National Stone Sand & Gravel Association states environmental compliance adds $1.50-$3.50 per ton to aggregates in high-regulation states. Additionally, seasonal road restrictions during spring thaws increase hauling costs by up to 28% when longer alternate routes become necessary.

Climate change introduces new volatility through extreme weather impacts on transportation. Flood conditions that make secondary roads impassable force reliance on expensive interstate hauling, while drought conditions often trigger quarry production limits to protect water tables. Progressive contractors now add "climate adjustment factors" of 5-15% to aggregate budgets in vulnerable regions, based on historical weather disruption analytics.

Sustainable sourcing certifications present both costs and savings opportunities. While LEED-compliant recycled aggregates typically cost 12% more than virgin materials, they qualify for tax credits reducing net expense by 8-10%. Moreover, locally sourced materials lower carbon fees now incorporated in many municipal bids – Chicago's infrastructure projects award scoring advantages for suppliers within 50 miles, offsetting potential price premiums through higher evaluation scores.

Scaling Calculations for Different Project Sizes

Residential projects under 500 tons require fundamentally different calculations than commercial mega-projects. Small projects often get penalized with 30-50% premium rates due to "minimum truckload" charges and short-order fees. Savvy contractors bundle multiple residential sites within close proximity, achieving tonnage discounts while maintaining individual project integrity through sequenced deliveries.

Industrial-scale calculations must incorporate economies of scale thresholds. When material requirements exceed 5,000 tons, dedicated pit operations become economically viable, slashing per-ton costs by 40-60% despite initial mobilization expenses. For infrastructure projects, the aggregate cost calculator should account for volumetric expansion factors – compacted roadbed material occupies 22-25% less volume than loose stockpile, significantly impacting haul quantities.

Modular scaling strategies provide flexibility for uncertain project phases. Instead of single bulk orders, implement phased procurement with price locks. A Tennessee contractor working on incrementally funded highway sections secured quarterly releases of 8,000 tons at contracted rates, insulating against market spikes. When projects potentially expand in scope, incorporate "options" tags in cost calculators to instantly model additional material needs without restarting complex equations.

Supplier Negotiation Tactics for Better Rates

Knowledge-based negotiation begins with comprehensive market analysis from the aggregate cost calculator, comparing real-time bids across 3-5 suppliers. Present sellers with competing quotes to activate "match pricing" opportunities – leading quarry operators tend to improve initial offers by 5-12% when facing documented competition. Focus negotiations on FOB (free-on-board) pricing at the quarry source where leverage is strongest before transportation variables complicate discussions.

Contract models significantly impact rates. Execute seasonal contracts locking prices during summer peak months while maintaining flexible quantity commitments. Recently negotiated "collar agreements" that cap price increases to CPI adjustments while guaranteeing minimum purchases helped Georgia contractors save 8-15%. Another effective approach: negotiate per-project rates rather than blanket material costs, as suppliers focus on overall profitability rather than unit margins.

Beyond price, negotiate logistical advantages. Request gate fee waivers for after-hours deliveries and reduced split-load charges for multi-drop shipments. Offering prompt payment terms (under 15 days) frequently secures 2-3% early payment discounts. Consider strategic partnerships with quarries that include exclusive supply agreements for specific project types, securing volume discounts while guaranteeing quality consistency across job sites – a tactic that helped bridge builders on the Ohio River corridor reduce costs by 22%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an aggregate cost calculator?

An aggregate cost calculator is a digital tool that estimates total expenses for bulk construction materials like gravel, crushed stone, or sand. It factors in project dimensions, material type, and regional pricing to provide accurate cost projections. This helps contractors and DIY enthusiasts budget effectively before starting excavation, landscaping, or paving projects.

How does an aggregate cost calculator determine material quantities?

The calculator uses volume-based formulas accounting for project length, width, and depth to determine cubic yards needed. It converts these measurements considering material density and compaction rates. You'll typically input area dimensions and desired depth to receive precise quantity recommendations while accounting for overage.

What projects benefit most from using an aggregate cost estimator?

Driveway installations, foundation bedding, drainage systems, and landscaping projects gain significant advantages. Patio constructions, road base preparations, and concrete mix designs also benefit by accurately forecasting material needs. The tool prevents costly shortages or excess when working with materials ranging from pea gravel to crushed concrete.

Can I calculate delivery costs with an aggregate cost calculator?

Yes, advanced calculators incorporate regional delivery fees based on zip codes and tonnage. They factor distance from quarries, fuel surcharges, and dump truck capacities when generating estimates. Always confirm with local suppliers as rates vary, but calculator projections provide reliable budgeting baselines for transport logistics.

How accurate are aggregate cost estimates from online calculators?

Accuracy ranges 85-95% when proper measurements are entered and local material prices are updated. Variations occur due to unexpected site conditions or seasonal price fluctuations - always add a 10-15% buffer. For critical projects, cross-reference calculations with supplier quotes using the calculator's output as your baseline reference.

What cost variables should I consider beyond material prices?

Account for compaction ratios (typically 10-15% volume loss), potential excavation work, geotextile fabrics, labor costs, and equipment rentals. Environmental fees and sales tax often apply, while specialized materials like decomposed granite cost more than standard aggregates. Quality calculators let you toggle these variables for precise estimates.

How do I convert cubic yard calculations to tons for ordering?

Multiply cubic yards by the material's density (weight per cubic yard). Most calculators automate this using standard values like 1.4 tons/yard for gravel or 1.3 tons/yard for sand. Always verify conversion factors with suppliers since densities vary by material type, moisture content, and compaction level at the quarry.

Can I use aggregate calculators for recycled materials?

Absolutely - they work equally well for recycled concrete, crushed asphalt, and reclaimed gravel. Input density values may differ (recycled concrete averages 2.4 tons/yard), so check if the calculator has preset options for sustainable materials. Many tools offer eco-material presets to help compare costs against virgin aggregates.