Page 25 - PH_Masonry_Final_Ver 1_July 2020

Sand

Sand is an extremely needful material for the construction. Sand which is used in the construc-

tion purpose must be clean, free from waste stones and impurities. Sand is classified into three
different forms that make it suitable for specific type of construction.

Classification of Sand

Sand is classified as:

1. Fine Sand (0.075 to 0.425 mm),

2. Medium Sand (0.425 to 2 mm)

3. Coarse Sand (2.0 to 4.75 mm).

However sand is further classified on the basis of origin.

Pit Sand (Coarse sand)

Pit sand is classified under coarse sand. This type of coarse sand is procured from deep pits of
abundant supply and it is generally in red-orange colour. The coarse grain is sharp, angular and

certainly free from salts etc.

River Sand

River sand is procured from river streams and banks and is fine in quality unlike pit sand. This

type of sand has rounded grains generally in white-grey colour. River sand has many uses in the
construction purpose such as plastering.

Sea Sand

Sea sand is taken from seas shores and it is generally in distinct brown colour with fine circular

grains. Sea sand is avoided for construction of concrete structure and in engineering techniques
because it contains salt which tends to absorb moisture from atmosphere and brings dampness.

Eventually cement also loses its action when mixed with sea sand that is why it is only used for
the local purpose instead of structural construction.

The requirement according to which sand is chosen should be like:

1. For plastering purpose the overall fine sand used must not be less than 1.5 while silt is pre-
ferred to not less than 4 percent.

2. For brick work fine sand used must not be less than 1.2 to 1.5 and silt is preferred is 4 percent

generally.

3. Concreting work require coarse sand in modulus of 2.5 to 3.5 with not less than 4 percent silt
content.

Participant Handbook : Masonry 25