Building sand is used in almost all construction works. This is one of the most necessary components in construction at all stages of work – from the foundation to the finish. It is natural and artificial. Both of these species are successfully used as a filler for concrete. Sand does not react with water and with astringent. The sand, thus, forms the skeleton and, when solidifying concrete, reduces the shrinkage of the solution.
Modern artificial sand is a product of crushing limestones, granite, tufa, slag, marble, etc. p. Most often, such sands are used for the textured layer of external panels and in decorative solutions.
Natural sand is a mixture of small grains of different minerals. It is formed with the destruction of rocks. In addition, all the sands are divided by the size of the grains: small, medium and large. They are used in various conditions. For block and brick masonry, it is better to use sand, the particles of which have an average size of 2.5 mm, and sand with particles of not more than 5 mm is suitable for sealing joints.
In construction work, river and career sand is usually used. Career sand contains a number of components such as dust, clay, small stone, quartz. Therefore, it is considered less homogeneous. It is washed or sifted before use.
River sand does not contain impurities and is universal. It is river sand that is most often used in construction work. River sand is mined from the bottom of rivers. Its texture is smooth and homogeneous. Due to the effects of water, river sand can be more rounded. Its color can be gray or yellow.
Due to the fact that river sand has practically no small stone and clay
impurities, it is considered universal. It is used in the manufacture of concrete, asphalt concrete mixtures, reinforced concrete products and in road works.
Based on river sand, the decoration of the room and the laying of the foundation are created. Decorative structural coating is obtained by mixing sand and special dyes. Sand does not enter into a chemical reaction with the components of solutions. To create plaster mixtures, a mountainous. River sand is also used to arrange park areas, for the production of paving slabs, fences and borders. Construction sand is used in engineering structures as drainage.
There are certain types of construction work where it is impossible to do without river sand. This is a brickwork, concrete screed, the manufacture of grouts. The advantages of such a sand are evident. It does not require additional cleaning, has a pleasant color, but its cost is an order of magnitude higher than the cost of career sand due to complex production. In some cases, it makes sense to change it to a career.