EFFECT OF SAND QUALITY ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE: A CASE OF IN AND AROUND

BULE HORA SAND 2021

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background

Failure of concrete structures leading to collapse of building has initiated various researches on
the quality of construction materials. This failure has resulted into injuries, loss of lives and
investments has been largely attributed to use of poor-quality concrete ingredients.(Gashahun,
2020) .Sand is the one of the most important ingredients of concrete. It is also used in mortar
work and other activities in construction. Besides in construction industry fine aggregates have
great role in water supply and treatment. According the design specification for the concrete
different proportioning ratio is in the mix design is used. Here the specific function of the
aggregate is to be filled as filler to make the concrete homogeneous solid with no void space.
This is true for mortar work and other construction activities.
Concrete is widely used as construction composite materials for various types of structure due to its
durability. For a long time, it was considered to be a very durable material requiring little or no
maintenance. Many factors can adversely affect the durability of concrete structures such as poor
design, poor supervision, impurities (such as clay/silt, debris), etc., [8].
Sand is commonly contaminated by silt, clay, mica, coal, humus, wood fragments, other organic
matter, chemical salts, and surface coatings and encrustations. Such contaminating substances in
concrete act in a variety of ways to cause unsoundness, and unsightly appearance; their presence
complicates processing and mixing operations. They may increase the water requirement, may
cause the concrete to be physically weak or susceptible to breakdown by weathering, may
inhibit the development of maximum bond between the hydrated cement and aggregate, may
hinder the normal hydration of cement, or may react chemically with cement constituents. One
or more of these substances contaminate most aggregates but the amounts that are allowable
depend on a number of factors, which vary in individual cases. Permissible percentages, by
weight, are commonly stipulated by specification. Fortunately, excesses of contaminating
substances may frequently be removed by simple treatment. Silt, clay, powdery coatings, soluble
chemical salts, and certain lightweight materials are usually removable by washing. Special and
more complicated processing may be necessary for other, less amenable substances such as clay
1
 EFFECT OF SAND QUALITY ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE: A CASE OF IN AND AROUND
BULE HORA SAND 2021
lumps, or their removal may not be possible by methods which are economically practicable.
The extremely fine fractions of aggregate materials are commonly classed as silt or silt and clay

and should not be permitted in large amounts because of their tendency to increase water
requirements of a mix and thus contribute to unsoundness or to decreased strength or durability.
Rarely, natural inclusions of siliceous material, which might be classed in the field as silt or clay
may be beneficial to concrete. On the other hand, clays which constitute a part of the sand
particles have produced detrimental effects by causing excessive loss in slump.
Simple washing will usually remove silt, clay coatings, some fine free mica, easily soluble salts,
and light organic matter.
Surface coatings and encrustations, especially if loose and powdery, may be partly removed in
the mixer; but any resulting improvement in bond between cement and aggregates may be offset
by the tendency of the loosened material to increase the water requirement and to promote
formation of laitance.

This research also seeks to determine the level of silt and clay content and organic impurities present in building
sand being supplied in and around Bule Hora and also the effect of these impurities to the compressive strength of
concrete. It further seeks to establish the minimum allowable limits of silt and clay and organic impurities for
concrete production based on the tested samples.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Concrete is the most popular construction material which is available ever where in the world and it is
combination of different ingredients such as cement, water, fine and coarse aggregate.
All these ingredients were replaced with different materials and especially cement was replaced with different
material such as rice husk ash, coffee husk ash, egg shell and etc. (21).
Past researches identify the major causes of buildings failure as dependent on the quality of building materials used (sand,
coarse aggregates, steel reinforcement, water), workmanship employed in the concrete mix proportioning and
construction methodology, defective designs and non-compliance with specifications or standards [2] -[7] .

2
 Use of poor-quality construction materials (such as quality of sand, aggregates or water) result in
poor quality structures and may cause structures to fail leading to injuries, deaths and loss of
investment for developers. The presence of impurities in sand significantly contributed to reduction
in compressive strength of concrete which may lead to collapse of structures if not addressed in the
concrete mix design(Gashahun, 2020).
To prevent buildings failure, careful selection of construction materials including sands is dominant
to ensure they meet the set construction standards. Ethiopia specifies the maximum quantity of silt
and clay in sand as 6% beyond which sand is regarded as unsuitable for construction works
[EBCS]. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C 117
Construction standards give an allowable limit of 10% for silt and clay content in sand [12].
Fine aggregates containing more than the acceptable percentages of silt are required to be washed
so as to bring the silt content within allowable limits.
This research proposal also tries to find to determine the physical properties and organic
impurities present in sand being supplied around Bule Hora Town and also the effect of these
impurities to the compressive strength of concrete. It further seeks to establish the minimum
allowable limits of organic impurities for concrete production based on the result.

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General objective

The objective of this research will be to study Effect of Impurities Sand on Compressive Strength of Concrete

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

 To identify organic impurities exist in sand
 To identify physical properties of sand
 To determine the effects of poor quality sand on compressive strength of concrete
 To determine the way of impurities sand utilization ( maybe )

1.4 Research questions

This research is focused on the following questions.
1. What are the organic impurities exist in sand?
 2. What are the physical properties of sand?
3. What are the effects of poor quality sand on compressive strength of concrete
4. What are the way of impurities sand utilization

1.5 Scope and limitation of study

The study will going to conduct effect of quality sand on compressive strength of concrete produced by using
river sand supplied from Dugda Dawa district West Guji Zone through experimental studies of concrete. To
study all concrete properties requires studying and/or conducting laboratory tests on these entire properties that
in turn require huge time, effort, budget and other resources , the research will mainly focuses on compressive
strength of concrete made of the river sand from Bokesa ,Didiga and Sugele sources.

1.6 The significance of study

The study has practical importance in providing awareness of impurity sand effect on compressive strength to
the West Guji zone construction industry, educational institutions and others community. This will help them to
design appropriate intervention to positively influence the outcomes.
 CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review

2.1. General
Quality of constituent materials used in the preparation of concrete plays a paramount role in
the development of both physical and strength properties of the resultant concrete. Water,
cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates and any admixtures used should be free from harmful
impurities that negatively impact on the properties of hardened concrete. Sand is one of the
normal natural fine aggregates used in concrete production [1]. Past researches identify the
major causes of buildings failure as dependent on the quality of building materials used (sand,
coarse aggregates, steel reinforcement, water), workmanship employed in the concrete mix
proportioning and construction methodology, defective designs and non-compliance with
specifications or standards [2]-[7].
This investigation focuses on the quality of building sand in terms of having the silt and clay
content and organic impurities within the allowable limit as set out in British Standard (BS) 882.
Quality assurance of building materials is very essential in order to build strong, durable and cost
effective structures [8]. When construction is planned, building materials should be selected to
fulfill the functions expected from them. Impurities in building sands contribute to reduced
compressive strength. Olanitori [9] asserts that the higher the percentage of clay and silt content
in sand used in concrete production, the lower the compressive strength of the hardened
concrete. Although many studies mentioned above have shown that use of poor quality materials
is one of the major contributing factors to collapse of buildings, testing these materials has not
been carried out to examine the impact of impurities in building sands to the overall
performance of concrete. In addition, where tests have been carried out [10], testing of both
clayey, silts and organic impurities has not been carried out to determine their combined effect
on the concrete strength. To prevent buildings failure, careful selection of construction materials
including building sands is paramount to ensure they meet the set construction standards. BS
882 [11] specifies the tests for suitable aggregates.
2.2. Sand Quality

2.2.1. Deleterious Materials and Organic Impurities

Substances such as organic matters, clay, shale, coal, iron pyrites, etc. which are weak, soft, fine
or may have harmful physical or chemical effects on the aggregates are considered to be
deleterious [19]. Deleterious materials affect the properties of concrete in fresh as well as in
hardened state and are undesirable. They may be classified as those interfering with the process
of hydration, i.e. organic matters, coatings such as clay, etc. affecting the development of bond
between aggregate and the cement paste, and, unsound particles which are weak or bring about
Chemical reaction between aggregate and cement paste [9]. The surface coated impurities in

Aggregate can be removed by adequate washing. However, chemically-bonded stable coating

which cannot be so removed may increase shrinkage cracks. The salts present in the sand should
be washed out otherwise efflorescence is caused afterwards. Mica, if present in sand, reduces the
strength of concrete. Iron pyrites and sulphides produce surface staining and pop-out [18].

2.2.2. Alkaline Aggregate Reaction

Sands were considered to be inert material till 1940. Considerable trouble has been experienced
through extensive pop-outs and cracking in a fairly close pattern, of concrete work probably a
Year or more after the concrete has been cast [19]. Although this trouble may take a year t o

Become plainly visible the effects can often be observed in petrographic thin sections of the
concrete within a few months. The phenomenon is accompanied by extensive expansion and
may lead in bad cases to complete disruption and disintegration of the concrete and is known a s
Alkali- aggregate reaction or sometimes concrete cancer [18]. The trouble is due to reaction

Between silica in aggregate and alkalis in the cement. In some cases alkalis, mainly from the
cement supplemented by alkalis in the aggregate, react with carbonates in the aggregate to
produce similar result. The types of rocks which contain reactive constituents include traps,
andesites, rhyolites, siliceous limestone and certain types of sandstones [10].
2.3. Effects of Sand Quality in Concrete Strength

Concrete compressive strength is affected by silt and clay content and organic impurities exist in
sand used for concrete production. Since presence of these impurities significantly affect fresh
and harden concrete strength i.e. the more impurities in the mix, the less the strength in concrete,
they cannot be ignored hence the need to ensure sand free from these impurities is used during
concrete production [18].
The allowable minimum level of silt and clay content and organic impurities in sand being
supplied is controlled or checked by various standards in different countries. In Ethiopia
Ethiopian Standard is the main controlling instrument for checkup sand quality.
The Ethiopian Standard specifies the maximum quantity of silt in sand as 6% beyond which
sand is regarded as unsuitable for construction work. The Nigerian Standard Organization
specifies the maximum quantity of silt in sand as 8% beyond which sand is regarded as
unsuitable for construction work [10]. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C
117 [12] and Hong Kong [13] construction standards give an allowable limit of 10% for silt and
clay content in sand.
On the other hand BS 882 states that the percentage of clay and fine silts must not exceed 4% by
weight for sand for use in concrete production [14]. Fine aggregates containing more than the
allowable percentages of silt are required to be washed so as to bring the silt content within
allowable limits. As a thumb rule, the total amount of deleterious materials in a given aggregate
should not exceed 5% [15]. The methods of determining the content of these deleterious
materials are prescribed by IS 383 [16], BS 882 [11], ASTM C 117 [12] and [17]. These include
determination of contents organic impurities, clay, or any deleterious material or excessive
fillers of sizes smaller than No. 100 sieve. This research also seeks to determine the level of silt
and clay content and organic impurities present in building sand being supplied in and around
Bule Hora and also the effect of these impurities to the compressive strength of concrete. It
further seeks to establish the minimum allowable limits of silt and clay and organic impurities
for concrete production based on the tested samples.
2.4. Tests Conducted and Their Significance

2.4.1. Tests Conducted

To evaluate the quality of sand, sand properties tests must be conducted. The best mechanism
that enables to determine the properties is laboratory testing.
The tests that are being conducted are as follows:

o Tests for Specific Gravity

o Tests of sieve analysis

o Tests for fineness and modulus

o Tests for silt content

o Tests for direct shear

o Tests for permeability

o Test for compression strength of concrete

2.4.2. Significance of the Tests

2.4.2.1. Tests for Specific Gravity

Bulk specific gravity is the characteristics generally used for calculation of the volume occupied
by the aggregate in various mixtures containing aggregate including Portland cement concrete,
bituminous concrete and other mixtures that are proportioned or analyzed on an absolute volume
basis. Bulk specific gravity is also used in the computation of voids in aggregate and the
determination of moisture in aggregate by displacement in water. Bulk specific gravity
determined on the saturated surface-dry basis is used if the aggregate is wet, that is, if its
absorption has been satisfied. Conversely, the bulk specific gravity determined on the oven-dry
basis is used for computations when the aggregate is dry or assumed to be dry. Apparent specific
gravity pertains to the relative density of the solid material making up the constituent particles
not including the pore space within the particles that is accessible to water. This value is not
widely used in construction aggregate technology.
2.4.2.2. Sieve Analysis
This method is used primarily to determine the grading of materials proposed for use as
aggregates or being used as aggregates. It is also used to determine the grading of aggregates
contained in bituminous mixtures once the asphalt cement has been removed. Accurate
determination of material finer than the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve cannot be achieved.

2.4.2.3. Fineness modulus of Sand

The standard definition of fineness modulus is as follows;

“An empirical factor obtained by adding the total percentage of a sample of the aggregate
retained on each of a specified series of sieves and dividing them by 100.”
Range of value

The same value of fineness modulus may be obtained from several different particle
distributions. In general, a small value indicates a fine material while a large value indicates a
course material. The value for fine aggregate commonly range from 2 to 4 and for the course
aggregate ranges from 6 to 8.
Significance and use

A method of selecting mixture proportions for concrete based on the fineness modulus of the
combined fine and course aggregate. This method is not widely used recently. However, the
concept of being able to describe particle size distribution by an index number remains useful
for many purposes.
2.4.2.4. Silt Content Test

Silt content test is important to identify the quality of the aggregate. From the result of this type
of the aggregate is determined that is if it is more silt the aggregate is soil like matter so it needs
a great care at which or for which it is used. This test tells to what extent it contains silt.

2.4.2.5. Direct Shear

The direct shear test is used to determine the shear strength of a fine aggregate at its maximum
resistance to shear stress just before the failure. Shear strength is the principal engineering
property that controls the stability and bearing capacity of fine aggregate under load. Generally,
two mode of application of shear force. That means the shear force in a shear test is applied by
either increasing the shear displacement at a given rate or increasing the shearing force at a
given rate. Accordingly, the shear test is either strain-controlled or stress-controlled. We used
the strain controlled because of suitability to read the values of shear force at 2mm interval of
strain.

2.4.2.6. Permeability

A material is pours if it contains interstices. The porous material is permeable if the interstices
are interconnected or continuous. The permeability of fine aggregate is required in the design of
filters at water treatment plant and to determine the piping in hydraulic structures. To determine
the permeability of fine aggregate is using Darcy’s low
V=ki
Where v=velocity of
flow
K=coefficient of
permeability I=hydraulic
gradient.
We can also determine the permeability of fine aggregate indirectly using the knowledge of void
ratio, specific gravity and water content. Due to problem (out of use) of the instrument we
determine indirectly the permeability of the fine aggregate. You can get more about this method
later on.
2.4.2.7. Concrete Compression Strength

Concrete is much weaker in tension than in compression. One of the major requirements of
selection of concrete is strength and durability, which is highly affected by sand. To determine
compression strength of the concrete we follow the normal producer of compression strength.
 CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHODS

4.1 Study setting/area

This study covers various areas where sand samples are quarried within and around Bule Hora.
For this research we brought three samples from various places. They are Dugda Dawa, Woreda
(Bokosa, Didiga & Sugele). All these sources are located in and around Dugda Dawa town.

4.2 Study Period

The study period to conduct the thesis is planned to be completed within five months starting
from April up to August 2021.

4.3 Study design

A study design/frame is the process that guides researchers on how to collect, analyze and
interpret observations. Therefore, the objective of the research will be achieved in accordance
with the methodology outlined below.

Experimental: Sand samples will be collected from a number of quarry site areas. Then conduct
laboratory tests including characteristics of sand.

4.4 Population
In this study, sand samples collected from different sand quarry site areas are taken as
population.

4.5 Sample size and sampling procedures

4.5.1 Sample size

The sample size will be determined by using formula SS = (Z2 x P x (1 -P)) / C2

Assuming that infinite population and then using the formula, New SS = SS/ (1 + ((SS-1)/pop))
for finite population where

SS = Sample size
Z = Z- value (varies for different confidence level)
P = Percentage of population picking a choice, expressed as decimal
C = Confidence interval, expressed as decimal

4.5.2 Sampling Procedures

Then Incidental or Accidental Assignment sampling will be done for the selection sample area.

4.6 Study Variables

4.6.1 Independent variables

The independent variables which are to be measured and manipulated to determine its
relationship to observed phenomena are selected and listed below.

 Silt content amount

 Clay content amount

 Impurities in sand

4.6.2 Dependent variables

The dependent variable which is to be observed and measured to determine the effect of the
independent variables is listed below.

4.7 Data collection process

The Data Collection process will be conducted by the data collectors, by taking the necessary
samples from the test pits.

4.8 Data Processing and Analysis

 Data processing:

o Categorizing the data

o Coding

o Data entry
 Data analysis:

o Dummy Tables

o Frequency Counts

o Cross Tabulation: ASTM, BS standards

4.9 Operational Definitions

Clay: It is cohesion soil type which size is less than 0.002mm diameter.

Clay content: It is an amount of clay material presence in sand.

Concrete: It is a composite material and the constituents are from sand, gravel, cement and
water.
Sand: It is one of the constituent of concrete which size is less 4.75 mm. it is used

Sand impurities: impurities such as dust and organic materials are harmful for mortar and
concrete and in any case should not exceed 4 per cent.
Sand impurity content: It is an amount presence of impurities present in sand.

Sand quality: It is the degree to which sand is free from silt, clay and impurities. It is level lined
by standards
Silt: It is cohesion less soil type less than 0.075mm in size.

Silt content: It is an amount of silty material presence in sand.

 CHAPTER FOUR

WORK PLAN AND BUDGET BREAK DOWN

Work plan could be presented in Gantt chart as shown in the graph below.
4. 5 Work plan schedule
Task Responsibility June July August September October
PI
Reviewing literature
Approval of research PI

Proposal
PI+TA+SC
Field test
Sand sampling PI+SC

Laboratory testing PI+TA

Analyzing findings PI+RA

Draft report PI+DEC

Preparation
Final report PI+DEC

Preparation
Final report PI

Submission

PI=Principal Investigator

TA=Test Assistant

SC=Samples Collector

DEC=Data Entry Clerk

 Budget Unit Multiplying Factor Total Cost
Categor cost (ETB)
y (ETB)
1 Personnel Daily wage Number of staff days (number
(including per of staff * number of working
diem) days)
Principal investigator 200 1*20 4,000
Supervisors 150 2*20 6,000
Sample collectors 100 4*10 4,000
Data Entry Clerk 80 2*5 800
Secretarial Work 80 1*40 3,200
Sub total 18,000
2 Supplies Cost per item Number

Form Duplication 1 300 300

Clip Board 38 9 50
Flip Chart Paper 2 50 100
Pen 2 10 20
Pencil 1 6 6
Eraser 2 1 2
Sharper 2 1 2
Marker 20 1 20
Transparency 150 1 150
Printing paper 40 11 440
Photocopying cost 0.5 400 150
Printing & Binding 20 5 100
Sub Total 1,340

Budget category Unit cost Multiplying factor Total

(ETB) cost
(ETB)
3 Transport Cost per Km Number of Km
(No. Vehicles * No.
days*No. km)
Car 7 7*5*100 3,500

Sub total 3,500

4 Training Cost per item Number of days

Hall Rents 2000 1 2,000

Tea/Coffee 10*8 2 160
Sub total 2,160

Grand Total 25,000

6.1 Budget Justification

The budget that will hold for training function is important because sample collector could not
know about what the investigator needs. So, there must be training that will enhance their
understanding. It is better to conduct a training to make them aware of the purpose of the study,
the steps to be followed in sample collection process.
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[11] BS 882 (1992) Specification for Aggregates from Naturanl Sources for Concrete.
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[13] Construction Standard CS3 (2013) Aggregates for Concrete, Technology, Ed.,
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[16] IS 383 (1970) Specification of Course and Fine Aggregates from Natural
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[17] ASTM C40 (2004) Standard Test Method for Organic Impurities in Fine
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255-273 http://www.scirp.org/journal/ojce

ANNEXES

Annex 1. Dummy Tables

Annex 2. Data Collection Instruments

Test Bottles

Photo Camera- For taking sample pictures