{ "culture": "en-IE", "name": "IE_GSI_Crushed_Rock_Aggregate_Potential_Scores_100K_IE26_ITM", "guid": "72E0E727-AA93-4207-8617-BA9B1281D0FC", "catalogPath": "", "snippet": "\u201cAggregates\u201d is the term geologists use to describe rocks used for building and construction purposes. They are used in today\u2019s world for building our roads, schools, hospitals and houses. \n\nHard rocks can be crushed to make material for foundations and to fill in spaces. Naturally occurring sands and gravels are used for making concrete and concrete products such as building blocks.\n\nIt is very important that we know where these rocks occur so that they can be used for any new projects. The aggregate potential maps show where it might be possible to find suitable rocks for building purposes. \n\nThe map should be of interest to the building and road construction sectors, and planning authorities at local and regional level.", "description": "

\u201cAggregates\u201d<\/SPAN><\/SPAN> is the term geologists use to describe rocks used for building and construction purposes. Aggregate Potential Mapping aims to identify areas where aggregate is most likely to be found.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P>

This map shows the crushed rock aggregate potential across Ireland. To produce this map, scores from 1 to 10 were given to each area based on several factors: <\/SPAN><\/P>

  • Rock Type Suitability (2.8) - This tells us if the rock in an area is suitable for building purposes<\/SPAN><\/SPAN>.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Deleterious Substances (0.7) <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>\u2013<\/SPAN><\/SPAN> This tells us if there is anything within the rock that might make it unsuitable for building purposes<\/SPAN><\/SPAN>.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Number of quarries (1.2) <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>\u2013<\/SPAN><\/SPAN> This tells us if this rock is already being used for building purposes<\/SPAN><\/SPAN>.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Area (0.5) <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>\u2013<\/SPAN><\/SPAN> This tells us if there is enough rock available to be worthwhile opening a quarry<\/SPAN><\/SPAN>.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Overburden thickness (2.0) <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>\u2013<\/SPAN><\/SPAN> This tells us how much soil and other material needs to be removed to get to the rock<\/SPAN><\/SPAN>.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Elevation (0.8) <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>\u2013<\/SPAN><\/SPAN> This tells us the height above sea level.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI>

  • Markets (1.2) <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>\u2013<\/SPAN><\/SPAN> This tells us how close the area is to places where there will be a high demand for building materials<\/SPAN><\/SPAN>.<\/SPAN><\/SPAN><\/P><\/LI><\/UL>

    The final score <\/SPAN>is<\/SPAN> a number between 5 and 100.<\/SPAN> Final scores are classified into ten ranks (1-10) on an equal area basis. The ranks are grouped in twos to produce five Potentials, from Very High to Very Low. <\/SPAN><\/P>

    This map shows the scores sorted into five different <\/SPAN>Potentials<\/SPAN>:<\/SPAN><\/P>