Sand or Fine Aggregate as Construction Material

Introduction

Sand or fine aggregate is very important construction material using in Civil Engineering construction filed. Sand is mainly using for preparation of Plain and Reinforced Cement concrete (PCC & RCC). Knowing the types, qualities and usage of sand is essential for every person indirect or direct relating to construction industry.

Properties of Good Quality Sand or Fine Aggregate

Usage of good quality sand in construction is very important because without using high quality sand best quality of construction work can’t be achieved. Properties of good quality sand are as under:

• Sand should have a shiny and clear crystal color.
• Sand particles should be slightly coarse, too fine particles are not suitable.
• Sand should be free from dust and other waste material.
• The sand should be only sand, Clay or organic material mixed sand is not suitable for constructor.
• The sand should be free from salts because salty sand decreases the age of steel used in concrete and also cause efflorescence on walls.
• The Fine aggregate shall be non-plastic material and shall consist of sand, stone screenings or other inert materials with similar characteristics or a combination thereof and shall not contain more than 3% of material passing Sieve # 200 by washing and not more than 1% of clay lumps or shale. The Fine aggregate shall be uniformly graded and when tested as per ASTM C-117 & C-136, shall meet gradation requirements given in Table 1.

Table 1 - Fine Aggregate Grading

Types of Sand Using in Construction

• Natural Sand -Natural sand is extracted from natural sources like sea, river and earth pit etc. These all types has its own properties, pros and cons.
• Manufactured Sand - This type of sand is Extracted by mechanically crushing and grinding stones.

Uses of Sand

Sand has many usages in the field of construction. Major uses of sand are as under:

• Cement Concrete Preparation (RCC or PCC) - Sand is a critical ingredient in the concrete mix, worked as filler material in concrete mix also as binding material with combination of cement.
• Plastering and Mortar - Sand is used in plastering and mortar preparation for brick or block masonry.
• Road Construction - Sand is Used in Road Construction for the preparation of subgrade and as filler material in bituminous mixtures.
• Backfilling Purpose - Sand is used in backfilling due to its excellent compaction properties, drainage capabilities, and stability. Sand is used for back filling in around foundations and Footings, Trenches for Utility Lines, Retaining Walls, Road Construction, Landscaping etc.
• Filter Media - Sand is widely used as a filter media in water treatment systems. It plays a vital role in filtering out impurities, suspended solids, and microorganisms from water.

Conclusion

Sand or fine aggregate is an essential material in the construction industry, serving as a critical component in many structural and finishing processes. Whether used in concrete, plastering, or backfilling, the quality of sand significantly impacts the durability and strength of the construction work. Understanding the properties of good quality sand, as well as the types and applications, is vital for ensuring the success and longevity of construction projects. By choosing the right type of sand and ensuring it meets industry standards, construction professionals can enhance the integrity and safety of their structures.