Sand is one of the main components used not only in construction, but also in landscape design. There are many varieties of this material, and each of them is suitable for a certain type of work. In construction, coarse sand is most often used.
Sand mining
Sand is a mixture of minerals and rocks that do not combine with each other. They get it from the bottom of the river or quarry. These two species differ significantly in composition and size.
Career sand contains various impurities, therefore, requires more additional processing:
- Rinsing - is performed in order to cleanse unnecessary components.
- Sifting - performed when unnecessary large elements, such as stones, enter the rock.
River sand does not contain any impurities and is distinguished by the same size of each individual particle. Based on this, it costs much more.
Specifications
Coarse river sand can be found very rarely, its sizes range from 1.5 to 2.4 mm. But the material extracted from the quarry, although it has more small impurities, most often refers to the fraction with the highest rate (2.5-3 mm).
Ready for sale, it has the following features:
- The absence of impurities in the form of clay and other elements.
- With excess moisture, the volume of sand increases by 14% from the initial state.
- 1 class of radioactivity.
- High frost resistance allows you to not lose their basic qualities even at low temperatures.
Application
- Coarse sand is most often used in construction, for the construction of the foundation of other supporting structures.
- It is part of concrete and cinder block.
- It is also widely used in road works, asphalt is made with its help.
- Strengthens reinforced concrete structures.
- It is used when laying paving slabs. Coarse sand prevents the formation of puddles.
- It is used for the manufacture of plaster or screed for cement. In this case, the construction material obtained by the river method will be most suitable. Because the absence of various impurities improves the quality of solutions.
- Widely used in brick and block production. It makes such products more durable, while protecting it from mechanical damage and the adverse effects of temperature and moisture.
Secondary functions
- Coarse sand is distinguished by its protective qualities, it does not bind to water and does not change its properties under the influence of chemical elements. That is why it is an ideal complement in various construction mixtures and mortars. Thanks to it, the smallest shrinkage and strengthening of the material is ensured without loss of initial beneficial properties.
- Due to its neutral color and light texture, coarse sand is often used for decorating courtyards and other personal plots, with its help alpine slides and walking paths are built.
- It is an indispensable material for the construction of walls made of bricks.
- Also, special drainage is made from coarse sand under the foundation of the building, which will be the best protection against excess moisture.
- It is used in the manufacture of septic tanks.
Due to its properties, coarse sand is a universal tool for strengthening various structures and materials. It is used in various fields of construction, at the same time falling into the composition of both the main and auxiliary elements. Sand is different in that it cannot rot, it does not form a fungus and other manifestations of excessive moisture. It perfectly lets air in and does not trap fluid inside it. In addition, this material is environmentally friendly and safe for human health.