When procuring aggregates for the development of construction projects, ready-mix concrete, and asphalt, among others, products that are differentiated by their quality are sought to provide safety and durability. With this premise, the Costa Rican company AMCO produces different types of aggregates. Here, three great factors merge, namely, the source of extraction, the machinery, and the human team; AMCO brings them all together.

Both in Cebadilla, Alajuela and Río Frío, Heredia locations, products are extracted with various techniques, directly from the quarry and the river. Both sites were carefully selected to offer top-notch materials. To ensure this, an in-house team of professionals analyzes determining characteristics of the extracted aggregates such as granulometry, cubicity, and organic content. These are highly relevant for saving in the use of cement in the production of concrete, blocks, pavers, or asphalt for the production of asphalt mix, among others.

To ensure quality both in the short and long terms, the company has a materials laboratory that is in charge of conducting periodic tests to ensure compliance with ASTM and INTECO standards, regulations that place its products within an international standard.

Key extraction points

The stone crusher in Río Frío is one of the places where the materials that will be used for the production of concrete, asphalt, permeable pavers, bases, and sub-bases for road structures are obtained, among many other construction applications. After four years of using this source, it has shown great productivity and quality standard. The efficient design of the facility has the goal of providing better use of the space and integrating the use of technology both in the production plant and its machinery. It is at this point where two types of industrial sands are extracted, including crushed stone (one fifth or one fourth), pea gravel, thick ballast stone, base aggregate, and washed sand. This diverse portfolio allows customers to meet their needs in one place and with a single provider.

Washed river sand is one of the most requested products. It requires a cleaning process in which the greatest amount of organic residue is extracted. This makes it ideal for the production of ready-mix concrete, as it benefits the concrete mix design and helps us achieve the desired strengths. This washing is possible thanks to a system that uses hydrocyclone, AMCO being one of the few companies that offer it nationwide. "The hydrocyclone is equipment intended for the separation of solid-liquid suspensions. It works with pressure and water flow, allowing the sand to be completely washed, and ensuring that the organic content does not exceed 2%", explained Eng. Marvin Ramírez,

Administrator of the Río Frío crushing plant from AMCO.
Furthermore, in Cebadilla two types of sand are extracted -one fine and another coarse- with different applications. In both sources, cross-quality controls are carried out, including carrying out laboratory tests of the aggregates, sand, and its components, to give that support and guarantee of which AMCO is known among its customers.

AMCO Properties and Services

AMCO's aggregates are of great appeal to customers, as they have the backing of the company, constant quality control, and the flexibility that construction projects require. These standards make it possible to ensure aggregate properties such as granulometry according to the use, abrasion, shape, and density of the particles, physical and

“The characteristics of the products we offer convey security to customers. Buyers really notice the difference, they know that behind this product there is a responsible company that can respond to any need ", explained Bodereck Morales, Sales Executive of AMCO Aggregates Segment. "Customers are betting on AMCO because they know that we adapt to their needs, and flexibility is a highly recognized characteristic in the construction industry," he added. Additionally, the transport service to any part of the country is provided to our customers, thus making the delivery of their materials easier, in a safe and timely manner.

Sustainability in its processes

AMCO aims at sustainability and resource-saving to contribute to the environment. Its actions to improve its practices include the implementation of sedimentation piles in the Río Frío crushing plant, green areas that promote harmony with nature, and the production plant, with the added value that the design of the plants helps to contain noise and dust in the surroundings.

The sedimentation piles used by AMCO help to recirculate water. This process allows for dirty water to gradually settle in the piles, being already clean when reaching the last one, and at that time it is reused in the system.

Likewise, with the aim of bringing development to neighboring communities, most of the workers are people from nearby areas. This allows for better job opportunities and new beginnings for more than 19 local families. AMCO has attracted people with great commitment and effort, who every day aim to offer better aggregates.
People interested in obtaining more information can write to ventas@amco.co.cr or call at telephone 2509-9870. AMCO's team of professionals will be happy to assist you.