SAND

Sand is loose particles of hard broken rock, it comprises of grains from disintegrated rock. Sand provides bulk,
strength, and other properties to construction materials like asphalt and concrete. It is also used as a decorative
material in landscaping. Mortar is a mixture of sand, cement and water. Concrete is a mixture of sand, aggregate
water and cement.

Types of Sand Used in Construction

 Pit Sand (Coarse sand)

Pit sand is classified under coarse sand which is also called Badarpur in common
language. This type of coarse sand is procured from deep pits of abundant
supply. The coarse grain is sharp, angular and certainly free from salts etc which
is mostly employed in concreting.

 River Sand

This is generally gathered from the banks of the river. It has a fine quality unlike pit
sand. This sand is usually whitish grey in color and has rounded particles. This sand
is very much useful for the construction purpose such as plastering and so on.

 Crushed Stone Sand/ Artificial Sand/ M Sand

It is a substitute for River Sand, it is also known as fine aggregates which is

manufactured by crushing either granite or basalt rock using 3 stage crushing
process. This sand is manufactured in conformance to IS Codes and is an
effective alternative to river sand also known popularly as M Sand.

Types of sand used in construction and their uses

 The sand we use for constructing comes from two places: Marine sand is found on beaches and on the
seabed and is dredged offshore before being brought into land.

 Fluvial or Glacial deposit sand, on the other hand, was laid down many years ago. It is found underground
and is the deposit left behind of old rivers and glaciers. It is excavated and mined from land quarry sites.

a) As a protection layer beneath a pond liner.

b) A protection layer placed above electrical or communication cables.

c) Added to a clay soil it can improve drainage in flower beds.

d) In play areas for children.