Types of Sand Used in Various Construction Works
There are many types of sand like natural or river sand, pit sand, manufactured sand (m-sand), crushed stone sand, utility sand and concrete sand are used in construction works. The suitability of each type of sand for construction purposes depends on several factors such as its particle size, shape, texture and mineral composition of the sand.
Types of Sand Based on Size:
Sand is classified based on its size and there are several categories of sand based on their particle size. Here are the types of sand based on particle size as per Indian Standard:
- Coarse Sand,
- Medium Sand and
- Fine Sand
The size of coarse sand ranges between 4.75 mm to 2.0 mm.
The size of medium sand ranges between 2.0 mm to 0.425 mm.
The size of fine sand ranges between 0.425 mm to 0.075 mm.
Types of Sand Based on Sources:
Sand is a versatile material in the world and it is available in every part but it having different types and properties based on location and formation.
- River Sand
- Natural Sand
- M-Sand or Manufactured Sand
- Concrete Sand
- Utility Sand
- Fill Sand
- Pit Sand
What is River Sand?
River sand is a natural sand that is sourced from riverbeds and is commonly used in construction projects. It is a high-quality sand that has a rounded shape and a smooth texture which makes it ideal for use in concrete and masonry works. River sand is also used in landscaping projects as a base material for gardens and pathways.
Define Natural Sand:
Natural sand refers to any sand that is naturally occurring and is not produced by crushing rocks or other materials. It can be sourced from rivers, beaches, sand dunes or any types of mining. Natural sand is commonly used in construction and landscaping projects and is known for its consistency in particle size and shape.
M-Sand or Manufactured Sand:
M-Sand or Manufactured Sand is a type of sand that is produced by crushing rocks, granite or basalt. It is an eco-friendly alternative to river sand and is commonly used in construction projects as a replacement for natural sand. M-Sand has a uniform particle size and shape which makes it ideal for use in concrete and masonry works.
What is Concrete Sand?
Concrete sand is a type of sand that is specifically made by crushing west materials like concrete, granite and or marble. It is used as a filling materials or general types of concrete works because of its large particles than the normal sand.
Define Utility Sand:
Utility sand is a versatile type of sand that can be used for a variety of applications. It is a mixture of different grades of sand, ranging from fine to coarse. Utility sand is commonly used in construction projects as a base material for concrete and asphalt, as well as in landscaping projects as a base for patios and walkways.
What is Fill Sand?
Fill sand is a mixture of sand and small gravels that is used to fill in gaps or level uneven surfaces. It is a fine-grained sand that is free of impurities such as clay and organic matter. Fill sand is commonly used in construction projects as a filler material for trenches and excavations, and as a base material for retaining walls.
Pit Sand:
Pit sand is the sand that is sourced from open-pit mines. It is a coarse sand that is commonly used in construction projects as a base material for concrete and asphalt. Pit sand is also used in landscaping projects as a base material for gardens and flower beds.
Application of Sand in Construction Work:
Sand is a granular material that is a commonly used in construction. Sand is a naturally occurring granular material that is composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. Sand is a fundamental building material that is used in construction, manufacturing and many other industries.There are following types of construction works that require sand:
Sand Used in Concreting:
Sand is a crucial component of concrete which is the most widely used building material in the world. Sand is mixed with cement, water and other materials to create a strong and durable concrete. It fills the voids between coarse aggregates and cement.
Sand For Asphalt Production:
Sand is also used in the production of asphalt or bituminous mix which is used for road construction and surfacing works.
Sand Used in Brick and Paver Production:
Sand is often used in the production of clay bricks, concrete bricks, paver blocks, curved stones and some other kinds of blocks.
Use of Sand in Masonry Works:
Sand is an essential material used in masonry works which is the process of building structures using bricks, concrete blocks or stone. It is an integral component of the mortar which is the mixture of cement, sand and water that is used to bind the masonry units together.
The primary function of sand in masonry works is to provide bulk and volume to the mortar mix. Sand occupies the majority of the volume in the mortar while cement and water provide the binding properties. The amount of sand used in the mortar mix can affect the strength, durability and workability of the mortar.
Sand Used in Landscaping:
Sand is used in landscaping for various purposes like creating drainage systems, leveling out lawns and building retaining walls.
Sand Used in Glass Manufacturing:
The production of glass either for construction works or other works, it is required sand.
Sand For Sports Fields:
To create playing surfaces for sports such as volleyball and beach soccer, sand is used.
Use of Sand in Filtration Systems:
Sand is commonly used as a filter medium in water treatment systems and swimming pools due to its ability to effectively remove impurities from water or other liquids.
Sand as Filling Materials:
Sand is commonly used as a filling material in construction projects. It is used to fill voids or level uneven surfaces and its properties can impact the performance of the fill material. The sand used in filling works should be clean, free from organic matter and debris. Also, it should follow good particle size distribution.
Beach Nourishment:
Sand is often used to replenish beaches that have been eroded by waves and currents.
Range of Specific Gravity of Sand:
The specific gravity of sand typically falls within the range of 2.45 to 2.75. This means that a sample of sand has a density that is 2.65 to 2.75 times greater than the density of water. This range can vary depending on the type and composition of the sand, as well as any impurities that may be present. Some types of sand, such as volcanic ash or crushed rock, may have a specific gravity that falls outside of this range.
How to Identify Good Quality of Sand?
Good quality sand is an important component in construction and other industries, and it is important to know the properties of good sand. Here are some of the properties that make sand good for various applications:
Grain Shape and Size:
The shape and size of the sand grains are important properties that affect the strength and workability of the sand. Sand with well-rounded grains is preferred over sand with angular grains as it provides better compaction and workability. The size of the sand grains is also important, as coarse sand is used for construction and landscaping projects while fine sand is used for industrial applications.
Cleanliness:
Cleanliness is another important property of good sand. Sand that is free of impurities like clay, silt, and organic matter is preferred over impure sand. Impurities in the sand can affect its workability, bonding strength, and durability.
Uniformity:
Uniformity in sand grains is important for consistent performance in various applications. Good quality sand should have a consistent particle size distribution, which ensures that it compacts evenly and provides good stability.
Permeability:
Permeability is the ability of the sand to allow water or air to pass through it. Good quality sand should have the right permeability to ensure proper drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Color:
The color of the sand is not a critical property, but it can affect the aesthetics of the finished product. Sand with a consistent color is preferred in applications where aesthetics are important.
Classification of Sand in By Different Zones:
Sand is classified into four zones as per grain size of the sand sample. These zones are Zone-I, Zone-II, Zone-III, Zone-IV.
General Types of Sand Available on the Earth:
1. Beach Sand:
This type of sand is found on beaches and is typically composed of a mixture of shells, rocks and minerals.
2. Desert Sand:
This type of sand is found in deserts and is typically composed of small grains of rock and mineral particles.
3. River Sand:
This type of sand is found in rivers and is typically composed of small grains of rock and mineral particles that have been worn smooth by the action of water.
4. Volcanic Sand:
This type of sand is formed from volcanic ash and is typically composed of small particles of rock and mineral.
5. Construction Sand:
This type of sand is used in construction and is typically composed of small grains of rock and mineral particles that have been crushed and screened to a specific size.
6. Masonry Sand:
This type of sand is used in masonry and is typically composed of small grains of rock and mineral particles that have been crushed and screened to a specific size.
7. Industrial Sand:
This type of sand is used in industrial applications and is typically composed of small grains of rock and mineral particles that have been crushed and screened to a specific size.
8. Frac Sand:
This type of sand is used in the oil and gas industry and is typically composed of small grains of rock and mineral particles that have been crushed and screened to a specific size.
9. Playground Sand:
This type of sand is used in playgrounds and is typically made from natural materials like quartz or crushed granite. It is often fine-grained, safe and easy to clean.
10. Black Sand:
This type of sand is typically found in volcanic areas and is composed of small grains of dark-colored minerals like basalt, magnetite and ilmenite.
11. White Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of white-colored minerals like quartz and feldspar. It's often used in landscaping and gardening projects.
12. Kinetic Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of fine silica and is mixed with a binding agent to create a moldable, play-dough like consistency.
13. Garnet Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of the mineral garnet, which is often used in sandblasting and water filtration systems.
14. Glass Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of crushed glass and is used in a variety of industrial applications such as water filtration and abrasive blasting.
15. Crushed Stone Sand:
This type of sand is made from crushed stone and is often used as a base material in construction projects.
16. Sea Sand:
This type of sand is collected from the ocean and is composed of a variety of minerals, including shells, coral and other marine debris.
17. Dune Sand:
This type of sand is found in desert or coastal areas and is composed of small grains of rock and mineral particles that have been shaped and moved by the wind.
18. Filter Sand:
This type of sand is used in water filtration systems and is typically composed of small grains of rock and mineral particles that have been washed and screened to a specific size.
19. Foundry Sand:
This type of sand is used in the casting process of metal manufacturing and is typically composed of small grains of silica or zircon.
20. Agate Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of the mineral agate, which is known for its unique color and pattern variations. It's often used in art and craft projects.
21. Colored Sand:
This type of sand is specially treated or dyed to produce different colors and is often used in decorative or artistic applications.
22. Synthetic Sand:
This type of sand is created by mixing and binding various materials together to mimic the properties of natural sand. It's often used in artificial turf and playgrounds.
23. Limestone Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of limestone and is often used in construction projects and as a soil amendment.
24. Marble Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of marble and is often used in construction projects and as a decorative element in landscaping.
25. Basalt Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of basalt rock and is often used in construction projects and as a soil amendment.
26. Pea Gravel Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small pea-sized gravel and is often used in landscaping, drainage systems and as a base material for walkways and patios.
27. Silica Sand:
This type of sand is composed mostly of silica and is commonly used in glass manufacturing, foundry, and as a filter medium in water treatment.
28. Dolomite Sand:
This type of sand is composed of small grains of the mineral dolomite and is often used in construction projects and as a soil amendment.
29. Decomposed Granite Sand:
This type of sand is made from crushed granite that has been weathered and eroded over time, it's often used in landscaping and garden projects.
30. Artificial Sand:
This type of sand is made by crushing rocks, stones or gravels and is used as an alternative to natural sand in construction projects.
