Types of Sand Used in Construction

Sand is a fundamental and essential building ingredient. When mixed with coarse aggregates and cement in the proper quantities, it gives constructions the desired strength and longevity. We can choose from a variety of sand varieties. However, not all sands are suitable for all construction projects. The best type of sand to use is determined by its qualities and intended purpose.

River sand or natural Sand

Fine-grade sand can be found in riverbeds and streams. For centuries, it has been widely employed for a variety of construction uses. In fact, river sand is ideal for practically all building tasks, such as plastering, bricklaying, RCC, and so on. It requires less water because it comes from riverbeds: the smooth texture and stored moisture make it easy to work with.

Pit Sand

Pit sand is mined from deep underground holes that are usually 2–3 metres below ground level. It has great binding characteristics due to its lack of salts and non-reactivity with moisture.

Concrete Sand

This sand is produced from crushed concrete, as the name implies. It’s found in a lot of asphalt and cement combinations. Large rock fragments are eliminated to obtain finer grains after concrete blocks are crushed in a quarry. It’s useful for numerous building tasks due to the size and texture of its grains.

Fill Sand

Fill sand is a mixture of different sand grains and aggregates that is widely used for filling. It provides a solid foundation for filling huge excavations, laying paving, and pouring concrete. This sand is well-known for its high level of compassion.

Utility sand

Utility sand is made from crushed high-quality industrial-grade quartz. This sand has outstanding compassion and mechanical qualities because to its particle size homogeneity. It is appropriate for usage in corrosive conditions because it is non-reactive with water.

Industrial sand

Industrial sand is high-purity silica sand used in construction projects. This sand has high flexural strength as well as a high packing density. Roofing shingles, flooring compounds, specialty cement, asphalt mixtures, and skid-resistant surfaces all use whole grain silica.

Coarse sand

The construction sector in India uses a lot of coarse sand. It’s simple to combine with water, aggregates, and cement to make high-strength concrete. This sand can be used as a base for concrete slabs/pavers, bedding for pipelines and septic systems, and top dressing for gardens and lawns, among other things.

Fine Sand

This sand is great for providing the outer walls a smooth finish and even appearance. As a result, it’s best used in plastering projects. However, when using gritty sand to build constructions, it is frequently overlooked. This sand’s exceptional wall color-keeping capacity is self-evident.

Manufactured sand or Robo Sand

M-sand is gaining a lot of traction as a natural sand substitute. The building sector is increasingly using this artificially generated sand. It’s made in a plant or quarry by crushing hard stones, primarily granite or boulders, into fine particles. To make concrete or mortar, it’s combined with cement/bitumen and water. M sand is produced in several grades depending on the thickness of the granules. In the construction business, they have a wide range of applications and purposes. M-sand contributes to environmental protection. Furthermore, because of the controlled manufacturing process, it performs better in terms of physical and chemical qualities. Furthermore, it is devoid of most contaminants and available in the grain sizes required for the application.

Conclusion

Building a structure should be a well-considered and well-informed decision. As a result, careful selection of the appropriate materials becomes necessary. When selecting sand, keep in mind the presence of silt and other organic contaminants. It’s also crucial to recognize the features of sand that make it ideal or unsuitable for various construction applications. The numerous varieties of sand used in building are discussed in this article. Other construction materials can be found on our resources page.