Bulk materials glossary

Clinker

Intermediate product of cement, obtained by burning limestone and clay in a kiln at high temperature. Ground with gypsum and additions, it becomes cement. See material →

Pozzolan

Siliceous or aluminous material that, finely ground and in the presence of water, reacts with lime to form cementitious compounds. It is used as an addition in cement and concrete. See material →

Ground granulated blast furnace slag

By-product of pig iron production, quenched with water to form a glassy granulated material. Once ground, it is used as an addition in cement and concrete. See material →

Gypsum (set retarder)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate. It is added to clinker during cement grinding to control setting time. See material →

Aggregates

Sand, gravel and crushed stone that make up most of the volume of concrete, asphalt and mortar. See material →

Granular materials (base and subbase)

Layers of compacted stone material that support a road pavement. The subbase sits on the subgrade and the base sits on the subbase. See material →

C&D waste (construction and demolition waste)

Leftover materials from construction and demolition, such as concrete, brick and stone. Once processed, they can be reused as aggregate or fill. See material →

Thermal coal (and calorific value)

Coal used as fuel to generate heat or electricity. Its calorific value is the energy released per unit of mass when burned. See material →

Silica sand

Sand composed mainly of quartz (SiO₂). It is the main raw material for glass and is also used in foundry and filtration. See material →

Bulk

Material transported and stored loose, without individual packaging, in dump trucks, railcars, holds or silos.

Incoterms (EXW, FCA, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP)

International Chamber of Commerce rules that allocate costs and risks between seller and buyer. EXW: at the seller's premises; FCA: delivered to the carrier; FOB: on board at port of shipment; CFR: cost and freight to destination; CIF: cost, insurance and freight; DAP: delivered at the agreed place.

Updated: October 2026