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STUDY AND PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF FINE MATERIAL (SAND) IN
CONCRETE USE OF SILICA SAND
KALLAGUNTA MANOJ KUMAR1, TARAGATURI KAVITHA2
1. Student of M. Tech (Structural), Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Chaitanya -DJR College of
Engineering and Technology, Gudavalli, Velpuru, Andhra Pradesh 521101
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Chaitanya -DJR College of Engineering
and Technology, Gudavalli, Velpuru, Andhra Pradesh 521101

Abstract:
An experimental study on “SILICA SAND”, industrial waste mixed with cement concrete in partial
replacement of cement as it contains high percentage of silicon. Silica sand is a by-product of glass
manufacturing industries. Concrete made from silica sand as partial replacement of fine aggregate will
be studied for workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity. I will use
silica sand as partial replacement of fine aggregate by different percentage for making concrete of
grade M-20. The percentage replacement will be 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% with natural fine
aggregate by its weight. I will prepare cubes, cylinders, beams and finally slump test, compressive
strength test, splitting tensile strength test and flexural strength test will be conducted to obtain the
necessary results. A cement manufacturing company. In this study, the cement as well as fine
aggregates is replaced by a byproduct from a cement manufacturing company at 5%, 10%, 15% and
20%. During hydration process there are cement particles which serves as filler instead of taking part in
hydration. Hence, in this study the cement is also replaced by crystalline powder which acts as filler.
The concrete taken for study is M20 grade. A large no. of trial mixes is required to select the desired
optimum replacement of fine aggregate by silica sand The test program consists of carrying out
compressive strength test on cubes, split tensile strength test on cylinders and flexural strength test on
beams.
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Keywords: Silica Sand, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, Split Tensile Strength
1.0 INTRODUCTION
A large amount of rubbish is dumped on valuable land every year, causing it to deteriorate and get
encroached upon. Resources are depleting at an alarming rate as cities and industries grow in
developing countries like India. We have a difficulty with waste management right now. Many
research has been done to see if industrial, constructional, and household waste can be used into the
concrete mix. Regarding the recycling of rubber tyres, plastic bottles, and fly ash from landfills Slag
from the Reduction of Copper Materials such as: Quarry Dust Tile Waste Recycled Aggregate Waste
Glass etc. there are various studies being done Cement is one of the most commonly produced
materials in the world. As a result of cement's importance as a building ingredient and the abundant
supply of limestone, cement is produced in nearly every nation. Cement's inexpensive cost and great
density are key factors in its widespread use. However, a large amount of CO2 and other greenhouse
gases are released during the production of Portland cement, a crucial component of concrete (GHGs).
SILICA is the most abundant mineral on the planet's surface. Minerals that contribute to the production
of rock contain it in large quantities.
Alternatives for Natural Sand:
The cost of natural sand is growing as the supply around the construction site is depleted, resulting in
an increase in construction costs. We need an alternative material that not only fits the technical
requirements of fine aggregate but is also widely available in order to assure long-term infrastructure
development. Many studies have been done in the past to try to find a different source of fine
aggregate. Crushed sands, a fine aggregate made by stone crushing, are becoming increasingly popular
in areas where natural sand is limited or difficult to get.
Silica Sand:
The raw material is used to make silica sand. Silica sand is removed from the raw material using a
sieve with a size of 1.18 after it has been cleaned. The clay substance that is helpful for creating tiles is
removed from the raw material by washing it. Ceramic producers receive roughly 10% of their raw

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material as clay. Different sieve sizes separate different sizes of silica sand from the input material. The
glass industry uses sand with a mesh size ranging from 30 mesh to 80 mesh (500 micron).
Uses of Silica Sand:
• Glass -Foundry casting
• Ceramics  Filtration
• Specialist building applications
• Sports and leisure
• Sand blasting and other abrasives Pigments

Figure 1.1: Silica sand

Industrial usage of crystalline silica presumably began some 3,000 years ago, when it was used in
metallurgy and glassmaking. Glass, foundry, and ceramics have all relied on it as a primary raw
element for their respective manufacturing processes for centuries. The basic material for silicon chips,
as well as the polymers used in computer mice are both made from silica, which has played an
important role in the current information technology revolution
Objective and Need of the Study:
• Replacement of fine aggregate with silica sand by volume.
• Investigation of fresh and hardened properties (slump test, compressive strength,
• Tensile strength & Flexural strength) of concrete for M20 grade of concrete mix.
• Research has shown that silica sand can substitute cement and fine particles in concrete.
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• To examine the hardened qualities of concrete built with silica sand as a partial replacement
for fine material.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
When replacing eco sand with other materials, this research shows that 40% to 50% is the ideal
replacement percentage. This was owing to the reduced sand grain size used in the replacement when
done at the minimum level. Water absorption reaches its peak when eco sand has been replaced to its
full extent. Compressive strength is enhanced and material costs are reduced when eco sand is 40
percent replaced by conventional concrete. [1] P. Aggarwal, Y. et al (2007): the effects of swapping
out fine aggregate with bottom ash. An average of 20 percent of the ash in the coal used in modern
large-scale thermal power plants comes from this coarser stuff. Compressive strength, flexural strength,
and splitting strength are a few of the qualities being investigated. [2] B. Ahmadi, W. Al-Khaja, (2000):
The physical and chemical features of the paper waste sludge were examined. The basic strength
properties, such as compressive strength, splitting; flexural, water absorption, and density, were
determined and compared to a control mix. Cement, sand, and aggregate ratios of 1:3:6 were used to
make five different concrete mixes with various amounts of waste, ranging from 0% to 10%. [3] L.
Evangelista, J. De Brito, (2007): They looked at the possibility of replacing natural fine particles in
structural concrete with recycled aggregates of varying fineness. With six different proportions of
recycled, fine concrete in each batch, six different concrete mixes were developed to take the place of
the fine sand in the original mix. [4] Rafat Siddique, Geert De Schutter, (2009): They looked into the
possibility of using discarded foundry sand as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete on a
massive scale, and they're still doing so. Used foundry sand has been used to partially replace fine
aggregate in this concrete mix. [5] Her-Yung Wang, (2009): A partial replacement for fine aggregate in
concrete was investigated using LCD glass. Using the ACI method and LCD glass sand replacements
of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 percent, the engineering properties of the various mix designs were analyzed
and compared to one other. Glass sand concrete with a 20 percent cement/glass mix maintained

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satisfactory slump and slump flow when compared to the 15 cm design slump, according to the test
findings For specimens with 60% and 80% glass sand replacement, slump losses ranged from 7 to 11
cm, with MPa values of 28 and 35 respectively. [6] Farid Debieb, Said Kenai, (2008): Recycling and
reusing building rubble offers exciting possibilities for waste disposal sites and environmental
conservation. Crushed brick aggregates replaced all or part of the natural sand and coarse aggregates.
[7] AlOraimi, et al (2009): They had studied the impact of substituting copper slag for sand in high-
performance concrete. The copper slag content in the concrete varied from 0% to 100% among the
eight different mixes that were created. Concrete mixtures were evaluated for their workability,
density, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability.
3.0 METHODOLOGY
In concrete, its micro-filling effect decreases porosity, enhancing moisture resistance and therefore
longevity. An excellent substitute for fine aggregate or cement, silica sand is finely ground crystallized
silica. Silica sand has a number of advantages over other building materials, including energy
efficiency, fire resistance, dead load reduction, environmental friendliness, durability, light weight,
minimal maintenance, and inexpensive construction costs. The use of silica sand in concrete can lower
the cost of the material while also increasing its strength. Silica sand has a higher surface hardness and
density, making it an ideal construction material. Many studies have been done to examine the impacts
of this. In general, concrete is thought to be the most frequently utilized substance in the planet.
Cement, aggregate, and water come together to form concrete, a composite material. Aggregate
includes sand, gravel, and crushed stone, all of which are used in building. The composite material's
strength is bolstered by the addition of aggregate.

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Figure 3.1: Flow chart

DESCRIPTION OF MATERIALS:
Quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite are three of the most common types of crystalline silica, each of
which has a distinct temperature range. Geologists, for example, differentiate between alpha and beta
quartz, for instance. At 573o C, low temperature alpha quartz transforms into beta quartz when heated
at atmospheric pressure. cristobalite is created at 1470 o C, and tridymite at 870o C. Because it has a
greater melting point than iron, copper, or aluminium (1610 o C), silica is often used to make moulds
and cores for metal castings. In order to make the three-dimensional shape known as a tetrahedron,
which has one silicon atom in the centre, four oxygen atoms are bonded together to form the crystalline
structure of quartz.
Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate:
In this project, the fine aggregate is river sand. You'll find clean sand here, free of clay, silt, and other
organic impurities. Sieve analysis is performed to determine the fine aggregate's particle size
distribution. Sieve analysis of fine aggregate uses sieve sizes of 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600m,
300m, and 150m.Sand from zone-II has a fineness modulus of 3.00, according to a table of analysis
results below.

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Table 3.1: Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate
S.No. Sieve size Wt. retained in % age wt Cumulative %age %age passing
gms retained wt. retained(F) (100-F)

1 4.75mm 8 0.8 0.8 99.2

2 2.36mm 6 0.6 1.4 98.6
3 1.18mm 182 18.2 19.6 80.4
4 600 µm 268 26.2 46.4 53.6
5 300 µm 391 39.1 85.5 14.5
6 150 µm 117 11.7 97.2 2.8

Table 3.2: Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate

S.no. Description Value
1 Weight of dry and empty pycnometer (W1) 425g
2 Weight of pycnometer + coarse aggregate (W2) 925g
3 Weight of pycnometer + coarse aggregate + water (W 3) 1680g
4 Weight of pycnometer + water (W4) 1368g
5 Specific gravity =𝑤2−𝑤1 2.65
𝑤2−𝑤1−(𝑤3−𝑤4)

The coarse aggregate is free of clay, silt, and organic materials, among other things. Coarse aggregate
has a fineness modulus of 4.07%. An aggregate of typical 20mm size that has been reduced by 60% on
a 12.5mm sieve and retained the remaining 40% is employed in the experimental work, which is
allowed according to IS:383-1970.
Silica Sand:
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It is composed of silicon and oxygen, the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust. In order to
explain silica's high melting point, it is necessary to consider the strength of the bonds between its
individual atoms. Unlike other sands, silica sand is not combustible, flammable, or explodable. It's not
known to cause any harm. It is not clear if it causes a hazard to the environment. Silica sand does not
dissolve in water. When handling silica sand, it is best to keep it dry and free of the elements.
Table 3.3 Physical properties of Silica Sand
Particle shape Granular crushed and
ground
Colour White or colorless
Odour None
Specific gravity 2.65

Figure 3.2: Structure of Silica Sand

Table 3.4: Chemical Properties of Silica Sand
Boiling point 4046°F/2230°C
Melting point 3110°F/1710°C
Vapour pressure (mm Hg) None
Vapour density (air=1) None
Evaporation rate None

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Cement:
DECCAN brand ordinary Portland cement 53-grade conforming to B.I.S. norms is utilized in this
project. IS: 4031-1988 and IS: 12269-1987 were used to test the cement's various qualities and found it
to be in accordance with these standards.
Table 3.5: Physical Properties of Cement
Fineness of cement 5%

Specific gravity of cement 3.12

Soundness of cement 1.1mm

Standard consistency of cement 32.5%
Compressive strength of cement 49N/mm2
for 28 days
Mix Design:
1) Design Stipulations:
1) 1 Compressive strength required for 28 days = 20 Mpa
2) 2 Max size of aggregate = 20mm
3) 3 Degree of workability = 0.90 compacting factor
2) Test Data for Materials: 1) Sp. gravity of cement = 3 .15
2) Sp. gravity of fine agg. = 2.55
3) Sp. gravity of coarse agg. = 2.85
Target strength of concrete mean strength = 20 + (1.65*4) = 26.6
4) Water cement ratio Adopt cement water ratio = 0.5
3.6 Water and Content:
 From table 4 of IS 10262, f or 20mm aggregate, sand conforming to grading is 186 kg sand content
of total aggregate by absolute volume = 35 %
 Therefore, required sand content = 33% Journal of E ngineering S cien ces

 Required water content = 186+5.58 = 191.6 /m3

Cement Content:
Water cement ratio = 0.50
Water = 191.6  therefore,
Cement = 383kg/ m3
As stated on page 11 in clause 3.5.1, the calculation for fine aggregate can be found there as well as in
the text. In this equation, we have the following values:

Fa = 561 kg/m3 Similarly

Coarse Aggregate:

1273 kg/m3  Mix proportion becomes

Water: cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate  191.6: 383: 561: 1273
Mix proportion 0.5: 1:1.465:3.324
Experiments:
The concrete slump test is used to determine the behaviour or treatment of fresh concrete before it sets.
Checking the ease with which concrete flows through it helps determine whether freshly poured
concrete is workable. An incorrectly mixed batch can also be detected by using it as an indicator or
level. As a result of its ease of use, the exam has become a popular choice for many people. As a result
of this test, it is possible to confirm that varied loads placed on the concrete are evenly distributed.
3.9 M20 Concrete mix design:

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Concrete mix design is a word that refers to a process of selecting the right ingredients and determining
their relative proportions in order to make a concrete with the desired properties at the lowest possible
price. Concrete's performance in both its flexible and hardened forms dictate the proportioning of
constituents in the mixture. If the plastic concrete can't be worked, it won't be able to be put out and
compacted properly. Thus, the importance of usability cannot be overstated.
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The most typical test for hardened concrete is its compressive strength. Many desired features of
concrete are directly connected to its compressive strength, which makes this procedure simple and
straightforward. There are three types of compression specimens: cube, cylinder, and prism. Mix the
stuff by hand or using a machine, depending on the amount of material needed. For best results,
concrete should be poured into the mould in three even layers.

Figure 4.1: Compressive testing machine

Flexural Strength:
Modulus of ruptures, or flexural strength, is the usual tensile stress in concrete when breaking occurs
during a flexure test. The normal test specimen is a 150mm x 150mm x 700mm beam. As with cube
casting, this specimen needs to be cast and cured in the same way. As soon as the samples are taken out
of the water, they should be examined promptly afterwards.
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Tensile Strength:
Stress in concrete is caused by a wide range of variables including drying, shrinkage, corrosion of steel
reinforcing, and temperature changes. The flexural tensile strength of concrete members must be
calculated in order to estimate the load at which they may crack. It's critical when creating prestressed
concrete and liquid-retaining structures. Using a testing machine, the cylinder is positioned horizontally
between the plates, and the load is increased until the vertical diameter splits.
Table 4.1: A. Trial Mix Proportion
Trial Cement Silica sand Fine Coarse
3 3
Mix No. W/C (kg/m ) (kg/m ) aggregate(kg/ aggregate(kg/
ratio m3) m3)
1. 0.5 383 0 572 1261
2. 0.5 383 286 286 1261
3. 0.5 383 572 0 1261
4. 0.45 425 0 560 1236
5. 0.45 425 280 280 1236
6. 0.45 425 560 0 1236

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Graph 4.1: Mix Proportions

Table 4.2: B. Trial Mix Proportion
Trial Mix. 7 days (N/mm2) 14 days (N/mm2) 28 days (N/mm2)
No.
1. 14.66 17.77 23.51
2. 13.03 15.55 19.33
3. 12.29 11.04 16.44
4. 13.21 15.86 21.32
5. 12.15 14.66 18.30

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Graph 4.2: Trial Mix Proportion different days

Table 4.3: Concrete Grade M20
Mix W/ C Silica Fine Cube Cylinder Beam
No. sand aggregate
1. 0.5 0% 100% 6 6 6
2. 0.5 10% 90% 6 6 6
3. 0.5 20% 80% 6 6 6
4. 0.5 30% 70% 6 6 6
5. 0.5 40% 60% 6 6 6

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION
M20 mix with W/C ratio 0.45, 0 percent silica sand as Reference Mix, M20 with 5 percent silica sand
as Mix-1, M20 with 10 percent silica sand as Mix-2, M25 with 15% silica sand as Mix-3, M20 with 20
percent silica sand as Mix-4, M20 with 25 percent silica sand as Mix-5. The cubes, beams, and
cylinders were evaluated for compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength. At the
ages of 7 days and 28 days, these tests were conducted out.

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Table 4.4 Weights of Materials for All Mixes
Mix design Reference mix Mix -1 Mix -2 Mix-3 Mix -4 Mix-5

% addition& replacement of 0 5 10 15 20 25
silica sand
Weight of silica sand (kg) 0 0.56 1.12 1.68 2.24 2.80
W/C ratio 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45
Cement content (kg) 11.2 10.64 10.08 9.52 8.96 8.4
Fine aggregate (kg) 13.3 13.3 13.3 13.3 13.3 13.3
Coarse aggregate(kg) 23.5 23.5 23.5 23.5 23.5 23.5
Water (lit) 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2
Compressive strength 28 33 33.7 36 41.3 37 34.6
days (N\mm2)

Compressive Strength Test:

There are 150x150mm cubes used in this experiment. For 28 days, the cubes are aged. The cubes are
put through their paces on a Compression Testing Machine after 28 days of cure (CTM).

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Figure 4.2: Cube under Loading under CTM

Figure 4.3: cube After Crushing

Table 4.5: Percentage Increase in Compressive Strength
S.NO Percentage Compressive strength % Increase
replacement (28 days)
1 0% 33 -
2 5% 33.7 2
3 10% 36 8.3
4 15% 41.3 25
5 20% 37 12

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Graph 4.3: Percentage Increase in Compressive Strength

4.8 Flexural Strength Test:
Beams are the bending test specimens used to measure the flexural strength. The beams utilized in this
project are 500X 100X 100 mm in dimension. In a Universal Testing Machine after 28 days of cure,
the beams are tested (UTM).
Table 4.6: Percentage Increase in Flexural Strength
S.NO Percentage Replacement Flexural strength (28 days) in N/mm2
1 0% 8.04
2 5% 8.02
3 10% 8.08
4 15% 8.2
5 20% 8.15

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Graph 4.4: Showing Flexural Strength in N/mm2

Split Tensile Strength:
In testing for tensile strength, cylinders are commonly employed as specimens. Sizes of 150 mm
diameter and length are used in this study. Compression testing is carried out after 28 days of cure
(CTM).
Table 4.7 : Tensile strength (28 days) in N/mm2
S.NO Percentage Replacement Tensile strength (28 days) in N/mm2
1 0% 2.26
2 5% 2.35
3 10% 2.4
4 15% 2.5
5 20% 2.48

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Graph 4.5: Tensile strength (28 days) in N/mm2

An interaction between silica sand and the calcium hydroxide Ca (OH)2 in the cement causes the
development of Tri-calcium silica hydrate (C3SH), which is stronger than ordinary silica sand. Because
C-S-H is already generated during the hydration of cement, this is a two-step reaction. Because of this,
compressive strength has increased. Flexural and tensile strength are unaffected by varying
replacement percentages of cement, demonstrating the silica sand's substantial strength.
CONCLUSION:
Following are the conclusions drawn from the few experimental studies that have been undertaken.
 This strength climbs to a maximum of 41.3N/mm2 at 15% replacement and then falls when the
replacement percentage is increased.
 Flexible strength improves by 15% to 8.2N/mm2 and lowers by 20% to 8.15N/mm2 and
8.07N/mm2 (for replacements of 20 percent).
 Tensile strength improves by 15% replacement with a value of 2.5N/mm2 and decreases by
2.48N/mm2, 2.42N/mm2 and 20% replacement. Journal of E ngineering S cien ces

 The 150-micron sieved silica sand acts as a filler material between cement and fine aggregate,
making concrete denser.
 For long-lasting concrete, a silica sand/cement ratio of 15% is recommended.
 Green concrete reduces concrete's environmental impact by employing supplemental cementation
ingredients such as silica sand.
 In order to reduce environmental contamination, the use of these waste byproducts as a partial
replacement for cement could be more useful.
REFERENCES:
1. B. Ahmadi, W. Al-Khaja, “Utilization of paper waste sludge in the building construction
industry” Resources Conservation & Recycling, 2000, Pg. No. 105 to 113.
2. Bahar Demirel, “The effect of the using waste marble dust as fine sand on the mechanical
properties of the concrete” International Journal of the physical science, V.5(9), 2010, Pg. No.
1372 to 1380
3. Eun-Ik Yang, Myung-Yu Kim, Hae-Geun Park, Seong-Tae Yi, “Effect of partial replacement of
sand with dry oyster shell on the long-term performance of concrete” Construction and building
materials, 2010, Pg. No. 758 to 765
4. Farid Debieb, Said Kenai, “The use of coarse and fine crushed bricks as aggregate in concrete”
Construction and building materials, 2008, Pg. No. 886 to 893
5. Her-Yung Wang, “A study of the effects of LCD glass sand on the properties of concrete” Waste
Management, 2009, Pg. No. 335 to 341
6. J. A. Osunade, “Effect of replacement of lateritic soils with granite fines on the compressive and
tensile strengths of laterized concrete” Building and environment, 2002, Pg. No. 491 to 496.
7. Joseph O. Ukpata, Maurice E. Ephraim, Godwin A. Akeke, “Compressive strength of concrete
using lateritic sand and quarry dust as fine aggregate” APRN journal of engineering and Applied
science, 2012, Pg. No. 81 to 92.
8. Khalifa S. Al-Jabri, Makoto Hisada, Salem K. Al-Oraimi, Abdullah H. Al-Saidy, “Copper slag as

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sand replacement for high performance concrete” Cement and concrete composites, 2009, Pg. No.
483 to 488
9. L. Evangelista, J. de Brito, “Mechanical properties of concrete made with fine recycled concrete
aggregates”. Cement and concrete composites, 2007, Pg. No. 397 to 401
10. M. Shahul Hameed, A. S. S. Sekar, “Properties of green concrete containing quarry rock dust and
marblre sludge powder as fine aggregate” APRN journal of engineering and Applied science,
2009, Pg. No. 83 to 89.

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