Quality Testing of Sand at The Construction Site for The Concrete
Important Point
There are different methods for testing the quality of sand at the construction site for concrete construction. The quality of the sand is as important as other materials for concrete.
The most different, which passes through the 4.75 mm IS strainer, is known as the fine aggregate. The fine aggregate will typically consist of natural sand, crushed stone sand, crushed gravel sand stone dust or arable powder, fly ash, and broken brick (burnt clay).
It will be hard, durable, chemically inert, clean and free from sedimentary coatings, organic materials, etc. and will not contain any appreciable amount of clay shells or pellets and harmful impurities.
To cause corrosion of iron pyrites, alkalis, salts, coal, asbestos, shale, or similar laminated or similar amounts of metal or to adversely affect the strength, durability, or presence of mortar, plaster or concrete.
The sum of the percentage of all harmful material shall not exceed 5%. Fine aggregates should be checked for biological impurities such as decayed vegetative humps, coal dust, etc.
Also, read: M30 Grade of Concrete Mix Design Procedure with OPC 53 Cement
Quality Test of Sand at a Construction Site
Following Are the Sand Tests at the Construction Site:
1. Testing of Organic Impurities
This test is done in the field for every 20 co or part thereof.
2. Silt Material Testing–
This is also a field test and is to be conducted for every 20 co.
3. Particle Size Distribution–
This test can be conducted on-site or in the laboratory for every 40 co sand.
4. Sandpile–
This test is conducted on-site for every 20 sand. Based on the bulking of the sand, the water-cement ratio suitable for concrete on site is calculated.
Also, read: Procedure for Rcc Concrete
Types of Sand Test
1. Testing for Sand Silt Content Test
The maximum amount of silt in the sand shall not exceed 8%. Fine aggregates containing more than an acceptable percentage of silt will be washed so as to bring the silt content within an acceptable range.
2. Testing for Grading of Sand
On the basis of particle size, fine aggregates are classified into four regions. Where the grading is outside the range of a particular grading zone, the other strainer is over 600 microns.
If the total amount does not exceed 5 percent, it will be considered to fall within that grading zone.
3. Testing for Harmful Materials in the Sand
Such as seaweed or in such sufficient quantities as to adversely harden. To be positively affected. Specific strength or excellent durability of mortar.
The maximum amount of soil, fine silt, fine dust, and organic impurities in sand/marble dust shall not exceed the following limits:
(A) Clay, fine silt and fine dust when in IS 2386 (Part-II), natural sand or crushed gravel sand and crushed stone sand does not exceed 5% by mass.
(B) Organic impurities, when determined in the color of the liquid, will be the lighter according to IS 2386 than specified in the social code.
Also Read: What Is Slab in Construction
4. Testing for Sand Bulging
Dry aggregates, when dry or saturated, contain approximately the same amount but increase in income due to moisture. If the fine aggregate is moist in proportion to the ingredients of the mortar or concrete, its volume shall be suitably increased to allow in bulk.
Also, read: What Is Spalling Concrete | Causes of Spalling in Concrete | Repairing Concrete Spalding
Effect of Silt Penalty on the Durability Properties of Concrete
Silt fines are 75 smaller (number 200) particles smaller than the sieve. Typically, they are either silted or silted from clay and are difficult to remove from the overall surface.
Considering the high proportion of silt fines found in Taiwanese river sands, this research investigates the effect of the material on the properties of concrete.
In this study, solid samples with a w / c ratio of 0.48 and varying silt content ranging from 0% to 9% were separated and tested. In addition, chloride transport tests were performed to check the properties of concrete.
The test results indicate a decrease in durability when the ratio of silt content to fine aggregate is more than 5%.
The compressive strength, however, increases only 1 MPa when the silt volume is less than 5%. But it decreases from 3 MPa to 5 MPa when silt content increases from 7% to 9%.
These results can serve as a reference in concrete production, as well as quality control of fine aggregate with large quantities of silt fines.
Also, read: Concrete Material Calculation / Concrete Quantity
Tests on Fine Aggregate
Dry aggregates, when dry or saturated, contain approximately the same amount but increase in income due to moisture.
If the fine aggregate is moist in proportion to the ingredients of the mortar or concrete, its volume shall be suitably increased to allow in bulk.
At this time, there is no national specification regarding the use of desert sand with very fine grains.
Civil engineering has tested concrete made of Tengeli desert sand and masu sandy sand, to be able to apply desert sand to mortar and concrete and to clarify its engineering characteristics.
Typically based on the determined chemical composition and physical characteristics of desert sand, the mechanical properties of mortar, and modern concrete instantly made from two specific types of desert, sand was promptly investigated.
The results of the tests indicated that desert sand could be used as a good aggregate in mortar and concrete for general civil engineering.
Sand Test
Take a some amount of sand in to your hand and drop it in to the glass which contain water. After drooping the sand than shake the glass. In another simple test take some amount of sand in your hand and then drop it. If sand stick in to you fingers it indicate the presence of clay in sand.
Field Test of Sand
In order to detect presence of organic impurities in sand, add sand to the solution of sodium hydroxide or caustic soda and then stir it. Take a pinch of sand and taste it. If tasted salty then there exist some salt in sand. Take sand and rub it against the fingers.
Methods of Sand Testing
- Moisture Content Test.
- Clay Content Test.
- Grain Fitness Test.
- Air Permeability Test.
- Strength Test.
- Refractoriness Test.
- Mould hardness Test (Brinell Hardness, Rockwell)
IS Code for Sand
Type of Sand | IS Code |
---|---|
Concrete Sand | IS – 383: 1970 |
Brick/ Block Work Sand | IS – 2116: 1980 |
Plastering Sand | IS – 1542: 1992 |
Grades of Sand
In the United States, sand is commonly divided into five sub-categories based on size: very fine sand ( 1⁄16 – 1⁄8 mm diameter), fine sand ( 1⁄8 mm – 1⁄4 mm), medium sand ( 1⁄4 mm – 1⁄2 mm), coarse sand ( 1⁄2 mm – 1 mm), and very coarse sand (1 mm – 2 mm).
Types of Construction Sand
- Pit Sand.
- Artificial Sand.
- Beach & Sea Sand.
- River sand.
- Fine Sand.
- Coarse Sand.
- Gravelly Sand.
- Concrete Sand.
- Utility Sand.
- Fill Sand.
Methods for Testing Sand Quality for Concrete
Take a Sample of sand and add it in Sodium Hydroxide [NaOH] Solution, Stir the solution for few minutes, if the color of solution changes to brown, then the sand has organic impurities which are not suitable for construction. Good quality of sand shows lighter color when it is mixed with NaOH solution.
Importance of Sand Quality in Concrete Construction
The quality of the sand on cement, aggregate used in the concrete contributes to the strength properties and longevity of the concrete. Water, cement, and fine aggregates do not cause harmful impurities that adversely affect the properties of hardened cement and other admixtures used.
How to Determine Sand Quality for Concrete Mix?
Determining the quality of sand for a concrete mix involves evaluating certain properties that are crucial for achieving the desired strength, durability, and workability of the concrete. Here are some methods and factors to consider when assessing the quality of sand for a concrete mix:
- Visual Inspection
- Gradation Analysis
- Fineness Modulus
- Sand Equivalent Test
- Moisture Content
- Absorption Capacity
- Presence of Organic Matter
Testing Procedures for Assessing Sand Quality for Concrete
Assessing the quality of sand for concrete is an important step in construction to ensure the durability and strength of the final product. There are several testing procedures that can be followed to evaluate the quality of sand for concrete. Here are some commonly used methods:
- Visual Inspection
- Particle Size Distribution
- Fineness Modulus
- Moisture Content
- Specific Gravity
- Clay, Silt, and Organic Matter Content
- Alkali Reactivity
- Soundness
Criteria for Evaluating Sand Quality for Concrete Applications
When evaluating the quality of sand for concrete applications, several criteria should be considered. Here are some important factors to assess:
- Particle Size Distribution
- Gradation
- Shape of Particles
- Fineness Modulus
- Absorption and Moisture Content
- Presence of Contaminants
- Color
- Source and Availability
Sand Testing Methods
When it comes to testing sand, there are several methods used to evaluate its properties and suitability for various applications. Here are some common sand testing methods:
- Grain Size Analysis
- Moisture Content
- Bulk Density
- Specific Gravity
- Permeability Test
- Compression Strength
- Angle of Repose
- Clay Content
- Organic Impurities
Sand Test on Site
Performing a sand test on-site typically involves conducting various tests to evaluate the properties and characteristics of the sand present at the location. These tests can help in assessing the suitability of the sand for construction or other specific purposes. Here are some common sand tests conducted on-site:
- Grain Size Analysis
- Moisture Content
- Atterberg Limits
- Proctor Compaction Test
- Permeability Test
- Silt and Clay Content
Sand Test Is Code
SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST OF SAND AND SPECIFICATION AS PER IS 2386-PART-1.
Sand Quality Test
Testing the quality of sand typically involves evaluating various physical and chemical properties. Here are some common tests performed to assess the quality of sand:
- Particle Size Distribution
- Moisture Content
- Bulk Density
- Specific Gravity
- Fineness Modulus
- Clay and Silt Content
- Organic Impurities
- pH and Alkalinity
- Abrasion Resistance
Silt Content in Sand
The permissible value of silt content in Sand is 8%, hence the sand sample is ok and can be used for construction purposes.
How Many Types of Sand Test?
There are several types of sand tests conducted to assess the properties and quality of sand. Here are some commonly performed sand tests:
- Grain Fineness Test
- Moisture Content Test
- Clay Content Test
- Permeability Test
- Bulk Density Test
- Specific Gravity Test
- Compression Test
- Shear Strength Test
- Chemical Composition Analysis
What Type of Sand for Concrete?
Masonry sand is a fine-grained, clean sand that is used to make concrete and mortar. This sand is typically used for laying bricks, stones, or blocks, therefore it’s ideal for patio construction.
How to Calculate Silt Content in Sand?
How to calculate the percentage of Silt?
- Let us see an example calculation.
- Assume V1 = 15 ml and V2 = 135 ml.
- Then, % of Silt content = (15/135) x 100.
- % of Silt = 11%
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Originally posted 2023-07-03 12:25:10.
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