CBGM (Cement Bound Granular Material)
Cement bound granular material (CBGM) is a type of hydraulically bound mixture commonly used in road construction as well as other applications. CBGM is a blend of aggregates, cement, and water, and provides a cost-effective and durable alternative to traditional flexible materials.
CBGM is transported in tippers and laid using a paver, offering a robust solution for rapidly constructing long-lasting pavements. It's a substitute for subbase materials such as Type 1 and flexible materials like Asphalt Concrete Heavy Duty Macadam (AC HDM). AC HDM is a dense, high-performance asphalt mixture designed for heavy traffic applications and often used as a base or binder course.
For advice on choosing a suitable material for your construction project or to learn more about our contracting services, please speak to our team.
What applications can CBGM be used for?
Cement bound granular material comes in multiple varieties, making it versatile for numerous applications. CBGM is particularly well-suited for heavier applications where robust, durable construction is required.
Depending on strength requirements, CBGM can incorporate a wide range of aggregates, including recycled and manufactured aggregates. It also provides a solid, stable foundation for traditional asphalt to be laid upon.
Typical applications of CBGM include:
- Construction of pavements, roads, and building foundations: CBGM is suitable for building foundations and pavement and road bases, including major trunk roads.
- Ports: The flexible material withstands the heavy demands of ports and harbours.
- Airports: Cement bound granular material delivers high performance under extreme demands.
- Industrial and commercial: It’s suitable for installation in most external industrial and commercial loading and storage environments.
Benefits of CBGM
Cement Bound Granular Mixtures boast numerous advantages for road and pavement construction applications across a variety of sectors.
- CBGM can be effective at incorporating site-won and surplus/waste materials within your business.
- CBGM specifications allow for the use of recycled materials, helping develop lower-carbon products. CBGM can be partnered with evoZero cement to further reduce carbon emissions.
- The material is versatile and can be overlaid by a flexible (composite) pavement or block paved.
Sustainability of CBGM
At Heidelberg Materials, our plants have advanced blending capabilities to ensure precise aggregate mixing and meet grading specifications. This flexibility supports material experimentation and allows the use of stockpiled, lower-quality, or capped materials.
By using recycled materials in our CBGM mixtures, waste is reduced, supporting a more environmentally considerate approach to the production of this material. Additionally, evoZero cement can be implemented to further reduce carbon emissions.
Where our CGBM has been used
Road laying for the A12, Essex
We supplied 14,900 tonnes of cement bound granular material to improve the efficiency and safety of road laying on the A12 Margaretting Bypass in Essex.
Cement bound granular material FAQs
- What is CBGM?
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CBGM stands for cement bound granular material. It’s a hydraulically bound mixture and is a blend of cement, aggregates, and water.
CBGM is used in a variety of applications, commonly for road and pavement construction. It’s more cost-effective than traditional flexible materials, like Asphalt Concrete Heavy Duty Macadam, which are designed for heavy applications.
- How much does cement bound granular material cost?
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The cost of CBGM depends on several factors, from the volume required to the timescales of your construction project. For the most accurate quote, please get in touch with our team.
- What is a hydraulically bound material?
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A hydraulically bound material (also known as a hydraulically bound mixture or HBM) is a blend of an aggregate and hydraulic binder set through hydraulic action. Hydraulic action refers to the chemical process by which hydraulic cement hardens and gains strength when mixed with water. HBM can be used as an overarching term covering all variants of CBGM and other materials bonded by hydraulic action. HBMs have high strength and durability, making them suitable for construction applications.
