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The Role of Sand in Construction Projects
Do you remember the joy of building sandcastles on the beach or in a sandpit as a child? This childhood pastime contains a vital element of civil engineering. Although each grain of sand often measures no more than 0.02mm, it’s a key ingredient of every building structure around us.
The use of sand in construction is ubiquitous. It’s used in concrete production, building foundations, and masonry work, such as mortar, plaster and bricklaying.
The quality of sand used during construction will directly impact the strength and durability of your buildings and structures.
At Storefield Aggregates, we supply high-quality bags of sand for all construction projects. We have over three decades of experience supplying natural and quarried aggregates, bulk bags, construction waste disposal and heavy machines for hire.
We are your one-stop solution for all your construction aggregates. This blog will explore how sand quality for construction projects is vital for its success.
Types of Sand Used in Construction
Many different types of sand are used in construction, depending on their application. We’ll look into the four main common types of sand:
- Building Sand: This sand has a medium to coarse texture and is used in various construction activities, such as making concrete or bricklaying.
- Grit/Sharp Sand: This coarse sand has large granules and an enhanced drainage property. It’s used to lay block paving and as part of floor screeds and concrete.
- Fill or Dry Pavior Sand: This type of sand is of the finest quality and is used to fill voids, playing a crucial role in creating stable foundations.
- Washed Sand: This is a highly-refined sand that’s undergone processing to remove impurities such as clay or silt. It’s mainly used in external plastering, jointing and rendering because of its smooth structure.
Why Is Sand so Necessary in the Construction Industry?
Strength and Stability
The use of sand in construction is mainly to add strength and stability to the building foundation. Sand mixed with water or cement forms a tight interlock, increasing the total density. It also helps in proper load distribution across the foundation, preventing undue strain on any particular area.
Sand particles offer better compaction than other aggregates, providing a solid and uniform surface. It helps to minimise the chance of differential settlement and ensure improved structure stability.
Drainage
No matter what’s being built - a driveway, road or skyscraper - drainage is an essential component of every civil engineering project. Sand is extremely permeable and allows water to pass through it instead of pooling on the surface. Proper drainage prevents cracks and fissures in building foundations or road surfaces.
The UK’s climate means we experience above-average rainfall, making the use of sand in construction projects even more vital. The quality of sand is essential as different types have different permeability, potentially impacting the durability of your construction.
Mixing With Other Materials
Sand is an important aggregate in both concrete and mortar mixes, which are used in building foundations. Sand, when mixed with cement, prevents cracks from forming while enhancing the strength of cement.
Sand, when mixed with cement and water to form mortar, provides durability to the structure. Sand’s coarse structure helps in better bond formation and allows for easy drainage, reducing the chances of crack formation in foundations and structures.
A finer quality of sand is used in plastering to enhance the final finish of interior and exterior walls and ceilings. This makes it easy to paint on these surfaces and leads to a smoother end result.
Why Does Sand Quality for Construction Matter?
We understand the varied use of sand in construction. It’s also important to note how sand quality can make or break a project. The quality of sand will determine the overall strength, durability and drainage of your building.
High-quality builders’ sand bulk bags don’t contain any impurities and have standard particle sizes. Similar-sized sand particles can easily mix with cement to form mortar or concrete. They also offer better drainage and compaction.
Inferior quality sand contains a lot of impurities, such as clay, silt or dust, which can lead to structural problems and even aesthetic issues.
Purchasing builders’ sand bulk bags from reputable suppliers like Storefield Aggregates is essential for the success of any construction project.
Contact Storefield Aggregates to Purchase Builders’ Sand Bulk Bags
The versatile use of sand in construction makes it one of the most essential building materials. No matter the size or type of your construction project, you’ll need sand that doesn’t compromise on quality. You can trust Storefield Aggregates to provide the best-quality sand for your projects.
We’ve been supplying sand and other aggregates for the past thirty years. We offer all types of sand, including washed fill sand, building sand and washed sharp sand. All our bulk bag products are free from impurities and of the highest quality.
When you choose us as your supplier for aggregates, waste disposal or heavy machinery, you’ll receive expert guidance and optimum materials.
Contact us with your requirements today on 01536 418121 or email our sales team at orders@storefield.co.uk.
