What materials are described as gravel, stone, and sand in concrete?

In the context of concrete, gravel, stone, and sand are referred to as aggregates. Aggregates are crucial components that serve as the filler material within concrete mixtures, providing bulk and strength. The use of aggregates affects the overall properties of the concrete, including its strength, durability, and workability. By combining aggregates with cement and water, concrete achieves structural integrity and desired performance characteristics.

Additives, on the other hand, are substances added to the concrete mix to modify its properties, such as accelerators, retarders, or water-reducing agents, but they do not include the stone-like materials themselves. Components could be considered a broad term for the parts of concrete, but it does not specifically identify the materials in question. Reinforcements generally refer to materials, such as steel bars or mesh, added to enhance the tensile strength of concrete, but they are not classified as aggregates. Therefore, aggregates are the specific term that accurately describes gravel, stone, and sand in concrete.