BTEC HND in QS & CE Week 02 CM&SD/01/02/02

Fine aggregate (Sand)

Aggregates between 4.75mm and 0.150 mm in size are called as fine aggregate. The sand is a
non cohesive material. It means that there is no bonding between the sand particles and
therefore the particles are called as granule.

Sources of Sand

1. Pit Sand:- Obtained from old stream beds

2. River Sand:- Obtained from large river beds & banks
3. Stream Sand:- Obtained from small streams near hills
4. Crushed stone sand:- Obtained from the screenings left from crushed stone
5. Sea sand:- obtained from beaches. This is to be drained to remove the salinity.
6. M Sand:- Manufactured sand for construction purpose by crushing rocks.

Classification of Sand
Coarse sand: 4.76 mm to 2.0 mm
Medium sand: 2.0 mm to 0.2 mm
Fine sand: 0.2 mm to 0.15 mm

Sand for Concrete Work

 Fine sand is not recommended for structural concrete

 Coarse sand shows difficulties in surface finishing of concrete but provides good strength
 Concrete mix is designed to fit the available sand and coarse aggregates

Sand for Mortars and Plasters

 Sharp sand gives higher strength but unsuitable for mortar as its lacks plasticity or
workability
 Coarse sand does not adhere easily to the bricks during brick laying
 Fine sand is ideal for mortar and plaster

Sand for filling

 Coarse sand is suitable for filling. The void between particles is large so that there is no
suction of water. Suction of water can take place due to capillary action.
 Sand required for filling behind retaining walls should be free draining.

Test for Quality of Sand

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BTEC HND in QS & CE Week 02 CM&SD/01/02/02

1. Test for Grading:

This test is made by sieve analysis using sieve and sizes are classified as very coarse, coarse,
medium, fine or very fine

100

80
Percentage Passing

60

40

20

0
0.075 0.150 0.300 0.600 1.180 2.360 4.750 10.000 mm

2. Test for Organic Impurities:

This is an important test for dirty sand to determine the presence of objectionable organic
impurities

3. Test for clay and silt contents:

This test is to determine the clay and silt content in the sand

4. Bulking Test: To determine the bulking of sand while concrete batching and to decide the %
increase to use from the required spec.

5. Specific Gravity Test

6. Water Absorption Test

Storing and Handling of Sand

1. To be free from contamination and dirt – to be piled on top of the polythene and to be
covered by polythene.
2. Moisture content should be approximately constant – to be stored in an area where water
will not stagnate.
3. Keep at site in a clean, dry and hard patch ground
4. To avoid excessive moisture content variation, keep each pile of sand in a large area with a
low height.
5. Conical heaps must be avoided.

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BTEC HND in QS & CE Week 02 CM&SD/01/02/02

6. To be stored in a place with easy access to wheel barrows and small vehicles to store and
remove.

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