ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Aggregate base

Okay kiddo, let's talk about aggregate base. You know how when we build something like a house or a road, we need to make sure that the ground underneath is strong and sturdy? Well, that's where an aggregate base comes in.

An aggregate base is a layer of material usually made up of crushed stone or gravel that is placed on top of the native soil. It's like a strong, durable foundation that helps support the weight of whatever is going to be built on top of it. Think of it like the base of a cake - it needs to be strong enough to hold up the layers on top.

The reason we use an aggregate base is because the native soil, or the ground that's already there, might not be strong enough to support heavy buildings or roads. Also, if the ground is too soft, things can sink or shift over time. The aggregate base prevents this from happening by creating a stable surface to build on.

Once the aggregate base is laid down, it's compacted, or pushed down, to make it even stronger. This means that it's squished together so tightly that it doesn't move around easily. This helps make sure that whatever is built on top of it stays in place and doesn't shift around.

So, in short, an aggregate base is like a strong, sturdy foundation that we use to build things on top of. It's made of crushed stones or gravel, is placed on top of the native soil, and is compacted to make it super strong.