Clay content in sand sample

Clay is composed of microscopic particles. When mixed with sand, the microparticles deposit on the grain
surface and form a coating which prevents the chemical binder (cement) reaction from operating. A high clay
content reduces the strength of the finished product. Parsons (1933), investigates the effects of partially
substituting clay for either 10% by volume of cement or 7.5% by volume of fine aggregate. Here the three
different clays (red surface clay, blue clay, maryland and yellow clay) were used to found compressive strength,
water absorption and permeability of concrete. Finally, it was observed that substituting 10% clay for cement by
volume caused around 0- 10% decrease in compressive strength at ages beyond three months. Also, substituting
clay for 7.5% of fine aggregate increased compressive strength by up to 37% .
The maximum percentage clay content of sand for which the target compressive concrete strength will not be
less than 25N/mm2 in 28 days is 3-4%. Reference :- BS 8110-1:1997 “Structural use of concrete. Code of
practice for design and construction”.

The procedure to identify the clay content is described below:-

Materials:-
- One test-tube graduated in millilitres;
- Salt water solution;
- Sand.

Method:-
- Pour a small amount of salt water in test-tube;
- Add sand up to 100 ml graduation mark;
- Add salt water up to 150 ml mark;
- Cover tube; shake energetically;
- Place tube on flat surface; level sand surface by tapping on test tube;
- Allow to decant and settle for 3 hours.

fig:- measuring sand equivalent.

Reading and results

- Total height of sand plus clay = H2

- Height of sand only = H1

- Sand equivalent is equal to:

S.E=(H1/H2)*100

This test gives the percentage of clay-content present in the sand sample.