Fine Sand /classification of sand

Fine Sand

Fine sand should consist of natural sand or crushed stone sand. It should be hard, durable, clean and be free from organic matter etc.Fine Sand should not contain any appreciable amount of clay balls and harmful impurities such as alkalis, salts, coal, decayed vegetation etc. The silt contents should not exceed 4%.

Various Types of Sand
There are following three types of sand.
1. Pit Sand
2. River Sand
3. Sea Sand
 
Pit Sand (Coarse Sand or Badarpur)  
Pit sand is obtained by forming pits into soil from ‘Quarries’. It consists of sharp angular grains which are free from salts. It is coarse sand which is usually used in concreting and has reddish yellow color normally.
 
River Sand
This sand is obtained from banks or beds of rivers. River sand is fine and consists of fine rounded grains. The color of river sand is almost white and Grayish. River sand is usually available in clean condition and is used for plastering. 
 
Sea Sand
This sand is obtained from sea shores. It has fine rounded grains and light brown color. Sea sand contains salts which attract moisture from atmosphere. Such absorption causes dampness and disintegration of work. Sea sand also retards setting action of cement. Due to these reasons, sea sand is generally avoided for engineering purposes. It is used only as a local material for nonstructural purposes.

Sand for Construction Works
Different construction works require different standards of sand for construction.
 
• Brick Works: finest modulus of fine sand should be 1.2 to 1.5 and silt contents should not be more than 4%.

• Plastering Works: finest modulus of fine sand should not be less than 1.5 and silt contents should not be more than 4%.

• Concreting Works: coarse sand should be used with finest modulus 2.5 to 3.5 and silt contents should not be more than 4%.

Checking the Quality of Sand
The following methods are used to check the quality of sand. 

•  To check the quality of fine aggregates or sand; put some quantity of sand in a glass of water. Then it is vigorously shaken and allowed to settle. If the clay is present in sand, its distinct layer is formed at the top of sand.
• To detect the presence of organic impurities in sand, a solution of sodium hydroxide or caustic soda is added to sand and stirred. If the color of solution changes into brown, it shows presence of impurities