| Summary: | Includes bibliographical references. === Fine aggregate resources in the Greater Cape Town area have historically been in abundant supply. This supply has been typically comprised of the extensive natural building sand deposits that are scattered throughout the region. However, over the past decade increasing concerns have been raised regarding their long-term availability. This concern has arisen from reports suggesting the diminishing reserves of naturally occurring fine aggregates, which have historically dominated the market, and are beginning to near the end of their reserve life. The research undertaken in this thesis was to assess the plausibility of this concern and ascertain an understanding as to the future supply of resources in the region. In order to address the issues raised, a comprehensive understanding of fine aggregates, their properties and their source are required. This was developed in a literature review, whereby this knowledge provided an understanding as to the type of material that is preferable for fine aggregate use. The findings highlights the importance of using a resource that possesses properties, which are most appropriate for its specific use. In terms of concrete, this is achieved through using materials which possess the following preferred properties: (1) round particle shape and smooth surface texture, (2) a wide range of particle sizes that are well distributed, and (3) a mineralogical composition that is relatively inert, thus is not deleterious in concrete. Additionally, a resource must be economically viable, and be exploited in a manner such that the development aims to safeguard the environment for the benefit of current and future generations. These concepts and principles were then applied to the subsequent study into the fine aggregate resources located within the greater Cape Town region.
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