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A. INTRODUCTION
In the world of construction, sand and lime are the foundation of various
materials. For centuries, their combination has shaped the built environment. This
the basis for various construction methods. On the other hand, lime has a long history,
originating from limestone. Not only does it serve as a binding agent, but it also
The synergy between sand and lime is most evident in mortar and plaster.
durability, and aesthetic appeal. The integration of sand and lime involves chemical
and physical processes that contribute to the overall strength and resilience of built
structures.
understanding of sand and lime's interactions is crucial for advancing sustainable and
resilient building practices. By thoroughly exploring and analyzing their alliance, this
study aims to provide insights that resonate with both traditional construction methods
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
grains formed through the weathering of sandstones. Three primary sources are
identified: Pit sand, River sand, and Sea sand. Each source possesses unique
sharp, angular grains free from salts. It proves to be an excellent material for mortar
River Sand. Collected from river banks or beds, river sand consists of fine,
rounded grains shaped through mutual attrition under water current. With its almost
white color and general cleanliness, river sand is widely utilized for diverse
construction purposes.
Sea Sand. Derived from seashores, sea sand shares similarities with river sand
but bears a light brown color. It contains salts that attract moisture, leading to issues
like dampness, efflorescence, and work disintegration. The use of sea sand in
Classification of Sand
Based on grain size, sand is categorized into fine, coarse, and gravelly types.
Fine Sand. Passes through a screen with clear openings of 1.5875 mm, making
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
Coarse Sand. Passes through a screen with clear openings of 3.175 mm and
Gravelly Sand. Passes through a screen with clear openings of 7.62 mm,
C. BULKING OF SAND
Bulking in sand is a phenomenon that occurs when dry sand comes into contact
with atmospheric moisture. The presence of moisture forms a thin layer around the
sand particles, creating a force that causes the particles to move apart from each
An excess of moisture in the sand can compromise the durability and strength
presence of 4% moisture content, causing a 25% increase in its volume. The degree
of sand bulking is influenced by the grading of the sand; finer sand exhibits more
bulking than medium and coarse sand. Consequently, fine sand has a higher bulking
factor, whereas coarse sand has a lower one. The elevated bulking in sand
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
significantly affects the behavior of the concrete mix during placement, leading to a
harsher consistency.
than 5%. To calculate the bulking of sand or determine the percentage of moisture
content, additional water is introduced to the sand, causing the particles to pack
closely together and gradually reducing the bulking effect. This process aids in
determining the actual volume of dry sand. In essence, dry sand and fully saturated
RESPECT TO VOLUME
2% 15%
3% 20%
4% 25%
5% 30%
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
Test Procedure:
B. Measure the exact height of sand using the scale and note it down (H 1).
C. Now fill the container up to 2/3 part with water. (Same height of sand).
D. Now add the measured sand to the container and wait for some time to
settle down.
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
without compaction. Typically, the presence of water reduces the pores in sand,
segregation and fill the gaps between cement and coarse aggregates.
approximate sand bulkage value becomes crucial. If a given sample exhibits a bulkage
of 25%, it implies that 1.25 times the amount of sand is required during volume
batching to achieve the desired 1 m3 of sand for concrete. Neglecting this additional
sand quantity based on the bulkage value would result in a reduction of the total
constituents. Generally, the wet volume of concrete is considered to be 1.5 times the
volume of dry concrete. In practice, this involves accounting for approximately 30% of
sand bulkage and 20% for wastage. Ignoring the bulking factor of sand could lead to
a reduced total quantity, negatively impacting the overall quality of the concrete.
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
Test Procedure:
B. The sample of sand to be tested is then added to the cylinder until the level
reaches 100mL.
C. 50mL of the solution of salt and water is again added to the measuring
cylinder.
D. Close the open end of the measuring cylinder and shake it well.
E. After a period of 3-4 hours, you will notice a layer of silt settled over the sand
Now note down the volume V1 of the silt layer settled over.
H. The permissible value of silt content in and is 8 hence the sand sample is
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
It is important to know the properties of good quality sand for the construction,
since sand is used for many kinds of construction. Here are some of the common good
• In order to ensure that the sand is of high quality, it must be free of clay, organic
matter, and be a proper sand. There should be no organic matter mixed with
the sands.
• It is important that the grains are made from minerals that are durable.
• The sand should not contain any sea salts as it should be free from them.
• It is important to grade the grain size in such a way that the voids are as small
as possible.
• There should be no organic matter present in it and it must be clean and free
• A sand is a coarse material made up of loose pieces of hard broken rock, grains
• In the construction industry, the shape, size, and density of sands are all very
important
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
E. LIME
carbonate. During heating, carbon dioxide is driven off and non-volatile impurities
such as Oxides of Silicon, Magnesium, Aluminum, Iron and Manganese are left
behind in the lime. Pure calcium oxide is a white solid which melts at 2570°C. When
the molten material is cooled, it solidifies in cubic crystals, but as ordinarily prepared
it is non-crystalline, easily powdered and has a specific gravity varying from 3.08 to
3.30.The specific gravity of lime depends on the temperature to which it has been
Lime, prized for its unique qualities, has served as a building material for
loads, while its breathable nature aids in moisture evaporation, mitigating dampness
and mold risks. It was discovered that limestone, when burnt and combined with
water, produced a material that would harden with age. The earliest documented use
of lime as a construction material was approximately 4000 B.C. when it was used in
Egypt for plastering the pyramids. The beginning of the use of lime in mortars is not
clear. It is well documented, however, that the Roman Empire used lime-based
mortars extensively. Vitruvius, a Roman architect, provided basic guidelines for lime
mortar mixes.
When it [the lime] is slaked, let it be mingled with the sand in such a way that
if it is pit sand three of sand and one of lime is poured in; but if the same is from the
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
river or sea, two of sand and one of lime is thrown together. For in this way there will
In 1756, James Smeaton developed perhaps the first hydraulic lime product
by calcining Blue Lias limestone containing clay. An Italian pozzolanic earth from
Civita Vecchia was also added to provide additional strength. This mortar mixture
was used to build the Eddystone Lighthouse.The production of lime involves heating
limestone in a kiln to yield quicklime (calcium oxide). Subsequent slaking with water
Lime finds application in mortar, plaster, rendering, and as a soil stabilizer and
concrete binder. Notably, its popularity as a sustainable building material has risen
due to its natural sourcing and lower energy consumption compared to alternative
materials.
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
F. SOURCES OF LIME
The lime is not generally found in nature in the free state but it is obtained by
Constituents of Limestones
• Clay
in excess.
inserted at low temperatures but they become active and combine with lime at
high temperatures.
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
• Magnesium carbonate
results and imparts hydraulics properties to the lime. But limes containing
disintegrate).
• Alkalies and metallic oxides. They tend to become soluble silicates at low
• Sulphates. They tend to reduce slaking but increase setting action only when
calcination of limestone.
G. CLASSIFICATION OF LIMES
The limes which are obtained by calcination of lime stones are broadly
A. Fat lime
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
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B. Hydraulic lime
C. Poor lime
• Fat Lime. This lime is also known as the high calcium lime, pure lime, rich lime
or white lime. It is popularly known as the fat lime as it slakes vigorously and its
6. It slakes vigorously.
2. With sand, it forms lime mortar which sets in thin joints. Such mortar can be
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
3. With surkhi, it forms lime mortar which possesses good setting and
hydraulic properties. Such mortar can be used for thick masonry walls, foundations,
etc. The surkhi is the powder obtained by grinding of the burnt bricks.
• Hydraulic Lime. This lime is also known as the water lime as it sets under
water. It contains clay and some amount of ferrous oxide. Depending upon the
percentage of clay, the hydraulic lime is divided into the following three types:
Facts to be considered
1. The increase in percentage of clay makes the slaking difficult and increases
2. With about 30 per cent of clay, the hydraulic lime resembles natural
cement.
3. The hydraulic lime can set under water and in thick walls where there is no
4. The color of hydraulic lime is not perfectly white. It therefore appears less
5. It forms a thin paste with water. It does not dissolve in water though it is
frequently changed.
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
powder and then it is mixed with sand. The mortar thus prepared is kept as heap for
one week or so and it is then ground again. Such mortar can then be used for plaster
work.
• Poor Lime. This lime is also known as the impure lime or lean lime. It contains
more than 30 percent of clay. It slakes very slowly. It forms a thin paste with
hardens very slowly. It has poor binding properties and its color is muddy white.
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
This lime makes a very poor mortar. Such mortar can be used for inferior type
revision) are classified under six categories, namely, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class
Class A. Class A lime is the eminently hydraulic lime which is used for
structural purposes and it is to be supplied in the hydrated form only. Its minimum
compressive strength with lime sand mortar of proportion (1:3) by weight at the end
of 14 days and 28 days should be respectively 1.75 N/mm2 and 2.80 N/mm2.
Class B. Class B lime is the semi-hydraulic lime which is used for mortars for
masonry work and it can be supplied either as quick lime or as hydrated lime. Its
minimum compressive strength with lime sand mortar of proportion (1:3) by weight at
the end of 14 days and 28 days should be respectively 1.25 N/mm2 and 1.75
N/mm2.
Class C. Class C lime is the fat lime which is used mainly for finishing coat in
plastering, whitewashing and with suitable admixture such as surkhi or any other
Class D. Class D lime is the magnesium or dolomitic lime which is used for
quick form.
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
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Class E. Class E lime is the kankar lime which is used for the masonry
Class F. Class F is the siliceous dolomitic lime which is used for undercoat
noted that the applications of various categories of limes are suggestive only.
High Purity. A good limestone should have a high calcium carbonate content,
indicating low levels of impurities such as clay, silt, and organic matter. This enhances
Desirable Texture. The texture of limestone plays a crucial role in its usability.
facilitating ease of cutting and shaping. For decorative purposes, variations in texture
might be desirable.
Color. Limestone can vary in color, ranging from white to gray to beige, and
even with subtle hues of blue or yellow. The choice of color depends on aesthetic
applications.
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
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wear and tear in construction applications. This ensures durability and long-lasting
its longevity. A limestone that weathers slowly and retains its structural integrity over
is unavoidable.
Humans rely on limestone as one of their most vital assets. It is a very adaptable
mineral that may be employed in a variety of sectors and applications. In virtually every
typical home, we may readily discover things made up of its many forms. A few of its
stones since prehistoric times. The Taj Mahal, a beautiful marble monument in Agra,
variety of construction projects. It is more appropriate for this function because of its
climate resilience and visual appeal. Flooring, window frames, stairways, and other
items are among its construction uses. Egypt's renowned pyramids are also built of
limestone.
Limestones with clay concentration are also used in the cement manufacturing
process. Low-quality limestones, mainly those containing clay, can be utilized to make
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When a combination of grit, pulverized rock, and moisture is put into castings
Industry Processes. Flux is a metallurgical term for any material added during
the extraction process of metals from ores to improve liquidity and eliminate unwanted
contaminants. Limestone is often utilized in the metallurgical industry for this function.
and plastics. Most of the time, they are utilized as fillers in cement production to
increase durability and strength. Besides that, it is utilized in steel plants to eliminate
limestones.
composed of calcium carbonate. As a result, this chemical can indeed be mined for
use in agriculture. Typically, this mineral is broken down into smaller pieces and
"agricultural lime," which is used to counteract the soil's acidity while also liberating
It is a type of natural tonic for the soil, and it is a crucial ingredient in many
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
slurry, is used to keep SO2 from leaving through the factory's chimney. The limestone
confines the sulfur dioxide vapor in the slurry, turning the pollutant into a solid waste
medicine's neutral filler. A filler is an inert chemical used to make it easier to quantify
beauty products.
In visual arts - It readily combines with clay and therefore is utilized in statues
because of its white tint. It also provides them with a brilliant white hue.
J. CONCLUSION
each with its own unique features, play a vital role in creating structures that are
civilizations and modern engineering practices. The partnership between sand and
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Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
lime, especially in mortar and plaster formulations, demonstrates their vital role in
A notable lesson from this exploration is the adaptability of sand and lime to
building materials while adding to the architectural richness and lifespan of structures.
The interactions between sand and lime create a bond that extends beyond
functionality, resulting in resilient constructions that can withstand time and the
environment.
significance of sand and lime only grows. The judicious use of these materials aligns
with eco-friendly and durable building practices. Their compatibility with green building
principles and their potential to minimize environmental impact positions sand and lime
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur 8300
__________________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/properties-uses-sand-goshant-kommana.
https://geologyscience.com/rocks/sedimentary-rocks/limestone/?amp.
preservation/historic-preservation-policy-tools/preservation-tools-
resources/technical-procedures/limestone-characteristics-uses-and-problem.
Critical Concrete. (n.d.). Lime: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started.
started/.
https://www.graymont.com/en/markets/building-construction/mortar/history-lime-
mortar.
https://www.engineeringenotes.com/engineering-materials-2/lime/lime-sources-
constituents-manufacture-and-uses-engineering-materials/46411.
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY-MAIN CAMPUS
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__________________________________________________________________________________
https://www.engineeringenotes.com/engineering-materials-2/sand/sand-sources-
classification-properties-test-and-substitutes-construction/46490.
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