Whilst it may come as a shock to those outside of the construction sector, sand is a very useful material to have at your disposal when it comes to buildings and structures. It’s versatile and affordable whilst also being strong and durable. Sand is used to make concrete, mortars, and plasters and can also be used for filing purposes – whether that be for walls or basements. But why should you consider using it in your next project? In this article, we are going to cover what using sand can add to your project, alongside its pros and cons and the different types used in construction.
Why is sand used for construction?
Whilst many might associate sand with the beach, it is also used to build the structures and buildings that we find around us too. When used in construction it provides bulk, strength and stability to the other materials that it is used with such as asphalt, concrete, mortar, and cement. Its compressed structure makes it perfect for filling in voids and for leveling out floors. However, when it is used in its raw form it is often used for more decorative purposes, such as glass work and metal castings. Sand is a relatively cheap and very versatile material that can be used for a wide range of purposes.
Advantages of sand in construction
One of the advantages of using sand in construction is the great level of durability that it brings to your project. The chemical properties that sand holds allows it to withstand aggressive environments, and can be used in a variety of climates. Not only does it cope well with extreme environments, but it also adds greater strength than concrete – not allowing for ‘honey combing’ over time, it also prevents voids and other structural problems that concrete typically faces. The lower levels of plastic found in sand also make it easier to work with, especially when used in mortars.
Alongside all of these advantages for using sand in construction it must also be remembered that sand is also both affordable and multifunctional and so, can be used as an economic choice for a wide range of tasks during construction.
Disadvantages of sand in construction
Whilst using sand in the construction process may have various advantages, there are some downsides to be considered when using sand too. One disadvantage is that due to its angular texture, more water and cement are needed to make it workable. The sand can also contain larger amounts of micro fine particles, which can have a knock-on effect on the strength and workability,
Which sand is best for construction?
When it comes to using sand for construction, there are various types that can be used for different purposes.
Concrete sand
Concrete sand is made from crushed concrete, which is then filtered to remove large rocks and fragments. This type of sand can then be mixed with cement and water to form a solid mass, which can then be used as a leveling base for layers, patios and walking paths. It can also be used to fill voids due to the particles being larger than those found in white sand. Both the texture and the size of the grains of sand found in concrete sand make it a very versatile material that is ideal for various purposes.
Pit sand
On the other hand, we have pit sand, which is sourced from around 2-3 meters underground, and is often used in construction projects for its unbeatable binding qualities. Presenting with a red and orange hue, due to its high iron-oxide content, this type of sand is found in deep pits. Due to this type of sand not having a high salt content, it does not react to the moisture naturally found in the air. This allows it to remain strong and dry, offering strength and rigidity to the project that it is used in.
River sand
Another type of sand that is regularly used in construction is river sand, which is also known as natural sand. This type of sand is typically found near river banks and streams, and presents itself as white-grey in colour and is super-fine. It is due to this that river sand is most frequently used for either concrete, plastering, or for brick or masonry work. This sand, due to its finer texture, provides a smoother texture and requires less water as moisture gets trapped between the particles – thereby making it ideal for concrete. It normally has between 5% and 20% of silt in it, and whilst it has the highest silica content of all the sand types, it only needs under 5% for it to be viable to be used in construction. River sand also is the cheapest sand to use due to the way that it is sourced.
Utility sand
A type of sand that is produced from high-quality quartz is utility sand. Due to the uniform shape of the particles in this type of sand, it can be used in corrosive environments as the particles in the sand are non-reactive. This type of sand consists of only natural materials, which allow it to be durable and to add stability to the building.
Fill sand
One of the many uses of sand in the construction sector is to fill voids, and the perfect type of sand to be used for this is fill sand. The combination of different sized grains of sand and aggregates make the ideal base material for laying concrete, paving and for filling large holes. This type of sand is apt for use in wet areas and is ideal when it comes down to fixing drainage problems.
Manufactured sand
The last type of sand that we are going to take a look at in this article is manufactured sand, also known as M-sand. This type of sand is produced in a factory, by crushing hard granite, and is used in construction as a substitute for river sand. M-sand became popular due to the demand for high-quality sand increasing in the construction sector. Due to its relatively low production costs, and lack of transportation costs, the cost of this sand is low. The angular particles in M-sand allow for it to be stronger and to be more durable. Due to this sand being artificially made, it has a non-existent silt content, is free from impurities, and is very well controlled – allowing the user to filter out different sized sand particles that are not desired.
If you are looking into what materials are the right fit for your next project, then contact us at Grupo Loen y Associates. With years of experience in project management, our professional team of experts is happy to advise you and help you make important decisions about your next big project.
