The Pit & Quarry University Handbook is a comprehensive overview of the aggregate production process from start to finish.
Start here to learn everything that goes on at a crushed-stone or sand-and-gravel operation. Pit & Quarry University lessons are based on the in-print Pit & Quarry Handbook, an invaluable resource and guide used by aggregate producers across North America to help with onboarding and employee training. Originally founded in 1907, it is one of the longest-running educational staples in the industry.
Thank you to Kleemann for their continued support and sponsorship.
The latest edition of the P&Q University Handbook features thorough updates, newer technologies, and enhanced procedures within each branch/category of the aggregates industry. An excerpt from the handbook has been released each month throughout 2025 as a preview of what’s to come, with the full handbook launching by the end of the year.
Chapter 1 – Industry Overview
A broad look at the aggregate industry, its market drivers, regulatory landscape and the essential role it plays in infrastructure and economic development.
Chapter 2 – Geology & Site Selection
Exploring the importance of understanding geology, deposit characteristics and location strategy to ensure efficient, sustainable and profitable operations.
Chapter 3 – Drilling & Blasting
Covering the fundamentals of blast design, drilling techniques and explosives handling to achieve optimal fragmentation, efficiency and safety.
Chapter 4 – Excavating & Loading
Detailing the equipment, methods and best practices for efficient material mining and transfer to maximize production and minimize downtime.
Chapter 5 – Hauling
Focusing on haul truck selection, fleet management and haul road design to ensure safe, cost-effective movement of material from the face to the plant.
Chapter 6 – Crushing & Hydraulic Breaking
The process and equipment that reduces material size, from primary crushers to hydraulic breakers, and strategies for optimizing plant performance.
Chapter 7 – Screening
How screening equipment separates material by size, with a focus on efficiency, product quality and proper machine selection.
Chapter 8 – Washing & Classifying
Highlighting the equipment and techniques used to remove impurities, classify material accurately and produce high-quality construction aggregates.
Chapter 9 – Conveying & Material Handling
Examining conveyor systems and related equipment that move material efficiently, emphasizing design, safety and maintenance best practices.
Chapter 10 – Loadout & Weighing
Covering loadout systems, truck scales and weighing technologies that help ensure accurate, efficient product delivery and inventory control.
Chapter 11 – Safety & Health
Reinforcing the importance of maintaining safe operations through training, best practices and regulatory compliance to protect workers and communities.
The previous edition of the Pit & Quarry University Handbook remains a treasure trove of foundational knowledge and documentation, providing a look into the evolution of practices in the aggregates sector as well as context for both changing and constant construction needs. The previous edition is still available online in full, each lesson linked below.
Explore Previous Edition
Lesson 1 – Industry Overview
Lesson 2 – Site Selection & Plant Design
Lesson 3 – Geology
Lesson 4 – Drilling & Blasting
Lesson 5 – Loading, Excavating & Dredging
Lesson 6 – Off-Road Hauling
Lesson 7 – Crushing & Secondary Breaking
Lesson 8 – Screening
Lesson 9 – Washing & Classifying
Lesson 10 – Conveying & Material Handling
Lesson 11 – Loadout, Weighing & On-Road Hauling
Lesson 12 – Maintenance & Optimization
Lesson 13 – Safety & the Environment
Lesson 14 – Business
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