Sand is used for making concrete and mortars, used for plastering walls, and for filling building foundations.

Sand is an extremely important material in construction but must be purchased with vigilance as there are many types of sand with each for specific usages. Sand is used for making concrete, filling, landscaping, and surface finishing. What most people don’t realize is that not all land is created equal, so, therefore, some sands are better for certain applications than others. It’s important to know which type of sand is better for each job on the construction site.

Types Of Sand

Sand is classified into different types depending on where it is sourced

River Sand:

As the name states, river sand is sourced from large rivers, this sand is usually very fine in size. Construction companies collecting river sand have to take extra care when sourcing it so that no clay gets mixed with the sand. They are used for plastering and brickwork, since this sand is naturally obtained, it’s cheaper in price.

Pit Sand

Sourced from stream beds which is the end of a stream or river, and can also be sourced by digging 2-3 deep into the ground. This sand is coarse and rough and is used as a base material for building foundations as it contributes to a strong building.

Crushed Stone Sand

This sand is obtained by crushing stone with a Mobile Crusher, which contains a high percentage of dust. Crushed Stone Sand is used as an alternative to natural sand because of its difficulty to source. It is now commonly used throughout the world. Also known as grit sand, this is the best sand to use for filling and provides long-lasting stability and durability to a building.

Sea Sand

This sand is obtained from beaches. Most people say that beach sand is good for many jobs, though many construction companies don’t make much use of it.

Sand For Concrete

Any sand can be used for concrete, but it depends on the size, then it’s then grouped into 5 zones: Very Coarse, Coarse, Fine, Very Fine, and Very Very Fine.

The finer sand is not used in structural concrete even though they provide good strength, but it shows contractors usually have difficulties with it in surface finishing.

In conclusion, the usage of construction sand is a critical factor in ensuring the strength and durability of any building project. Different types of sand, each with unique properties, are specifically suited for various construction needs, such as making concrete, plastering, and filling foundations.

It is essential to understand that not all sand is the same, and choosing the right type can significantly impact the quality and longevity of the construction. Whether using river sand for plastering, pit sand for foundations, or crushed stone sand as an alternative to natural sand, the correct usage of construction sand can make all the difference in the final outcome. Careful selection and application of the appropriate sand type ensure that the construction meets the required standards and provides long-lasting results. Therefore, always prioritise the correct usage of construction sand to achieve the best possible results in your building projects.