Sand is an indispensable material in construction. But before using it, you need to know about it. technical specifications and features. Different types of sand have different characteristics. Therefore, when buying, you should check its chemical and fractional composition, the presence of impurities, pay attention to the brand and other important factors.
What is river sand, description and composition
Whole natural sand subdivided into several types, differing in many factors. The most demanded in construction is river sand.
washed
Get smooth, uniform sand grains of yellow or gray color from the bottom of the rivers. They include oxides of silicon and iron. Its chemical formula is SiO2. River sand usually does not contain clay particles and other impurities, as it washes naturally. Most of the sand grains are medium in size.
Coarse-grained
Coarse-grained river sand is most valued, which is much rarer, for this reason it costs much more. Usually it is mined in the beds of dry rivers. This type of sand is used for finishing, masonry, design work. It is used in coating formulations highways, apply it in brick production.
Coarse-grained sand has a neutral unobtrusive color, it is great for arranging the design of personal plots.
Large
Coarse sand differs from coarse-grained river sand. It is extracted from rocks by splitting stones on specialized crushing and grinding equipment. Its fineness modulus can be up to 5 mm.
Factions
River sand is divided into the following types:
- pulverized;
- coarse-grained;
- medium-grained;
- clayey
Sand is sorted by granularity, sifting it through special sieves.
Differences and features of river sand
River sand differs from other types of sand primarily in its natural purity, it does not contain clay particles, small pebbles and other impurities. Its second difference is fractional homogeneity. Dry mixes for construction work are made from river sand.
It is used as a filler, for the installation of floor screeds, it is the main component for the manufacture of asphalt concrete. With its help, drains are equipped, used at treatment plants as a filter. Sand perfectly purifies water from mechanical impurities. In home gardens, the soil is mixed with river sand to make it lighter, more crumbly.
More details on the video:
Difference from the sea
River sand is almost no different from sea sand. Sea sand It has high quality characteristics, does not contain natural impurities, since it undergoes a two-stage enrichment during extraction. Therefore, concrete mixtures and solutions are prepared from it.
Difference from career
Which sand is better - quarry or river - depends on the characteristics of their further scope. Quarry sand, as the name implies, is mined in quarries or crushed gravel and other rocks using special tools. It usually contains in large numbers impurities of stones and clay.
Quarry sand is easy to mine, it has high quality, but due to the organic impurities it contains, sand often behaves unpredictably, reacting with chemical additives in solution. Quarry sand is also not suitable for filtration; washed quarry sand is more often used for concrete.
Extraction of sand from water with a brief description of the process
From deep rivers, sand is mined using a dredger, which is fixed on a barge. Such dredgers are equipped with special hydro-mechanical equipment, with powerful pumps, tanks and sieves for dividing sand by composition.
Rippers lowered to the bottom of the river mechanically suck in the sand. Through the slurry pipeline, the sand moves to the surface and is deposited on the barge site, which is called the hydraulic dump. It has a water drain. After that, the sand is subjected to dry cleaning and loaded onto another barge.
The extraction of river sand from the beds of dried up rivers is similar to a quarry. All received sand must have a certificate of conformity.
On the video: amphibious excavator-dredger, sand alluvium for 400 m:
Specifications and properties
When buying river sand, you must require a passport and a certificate for it. The characteristics of river sand must comply with GOST - 8736-93.
The main properties of river sand
River sand particles have different sizes. According to them, this material is classified into the following groups:
- fine sand with grains, having a size of up to 2 mm;
- medium sand - from 2 to 2.5 mm;
- coarse sand - over 2.5 mm.
For construction sand There are two types of specific gravity - bulk and true. Volumetric weight (density) is the amount of material placed in a unit of volume. Due to the high flowability, it is very difficult to determine the mass of sand in a cubic meter.
True specific gravity is calculated in laboratories; in practice, its values are usually not used. In practice, bulk specific gravity is used, this is the amount of sand that is included in a container of 1 cubic meter in size.
Application of river sand
The areas in which river sand is successfully used are not limited.
It is applied:
- For the production of concrete products, sand increases their strength and frost resistance;
- For the manufacture of dry mixes;
- For the formation of foundation pillows
- In the production of mortars for plastering and masonry works
- When screed and masonry;
- For decorating rooms
- For landscaping
- In landscape work
- For the arrangement of playgrounds.
- Sand for making concrete
River sand is indispensable in construction, it is used to produce concrete, from which various products are made. Not to do without it and in finishing works. River sand meets all construction requirements, but mortar builders do not like it because it settles very quickly, so it has to be constantly mixed.
Photo of river sand 
For the sandbox
The best option for a children's sandbox is river sand. It does not contain sulfites, sulfur, and other harmful particles that can harm the baby. It is better to take sand of medium fraction for the sandbox.
For aquariums
For constant water purification in the aquarium, it is necessary to pour river sand into it. It is better to take coarser dark-colored sand, as light-colored sand causes discomfort to fish living in an aquarium.
Can river sand be dyed?
River colored sand can often be seen in decorative works. To do this, it is specially dyed: with gouache, tempera powder or food coloring. Ready-made paints are poured into jars and sifted sand is poured into them. After a while, they take it out and dry it. In addition to all of the above, sand can easily be given any color using ordinary multi-colored crayons.
How to paint river sand with crayons can be seen in the video:
Advantages and disadvantages
River sand has no disadvantages, except for the high cost of this natural material.
But there are a lot of positive qualities:
- ecologicaly clean;
- not afraid of exposure to aggressive components;
- has a high moisture resistance;
- it is an excellent soundproofing material;
- sand is not subject to decay;
- meets high technical and aesthetic requirements.
You can list its advantages endlessly, so users give this natural material the highest ratings.
Sand color designers unanimously refer to universal options for decorating a room for any purpose. The sand palette is calm, successfully combined with various additions of any range and saturation.
Sand color in the interior will be an ideal base for the realization of different ideas. Variations of the beige range appeal to almost every style, friendly side by side with unusual details. An elegant sand palette will help create an atmosphere of comfort and friendliness, without excluding a touch of glamor and strict restraint.
Sandy notes are ideal for those who do not have clear preferences for decoration. It is recommended to fill the interior with beige colors in case of difficulties when choosing basic schemes. Sand will balance flashy, poorly combined color blotches.
When choosing sand shades as the basis of the interior, the task of decorating the room is simplified. For repairs, it is easier to choose materials, for furnishings - furniture, for decor - accessories. This is due to the versatility and relevance of the beige range.
Popular shades of sand
The sand palette is diverse. The spectrum includes warm and cold variations. To perform a home interior, a ruler of a spectrum of warm shades is more often used. It is these colors that are completely universal, have the maximum set of positive qualities.
Among the popular variations of the beige range are the following:
- sunny golden sand;
- light beige;
- grayish wet sand;
- straw;
- cappuccino;
- beige khaki.
In a residential interior, warm shades are more common, forming a mood of comfort. Although cold variations are also applicable. White or golden sand is good for walls, ceilings. Straw, coffee with milk are more often used in furniture. Gloomy grayish tones are in the details. Restrained neutral or cold color variations will support business rigor.
Stylistic decisions
Sand color is universal. Palette options are used as backgrounds and details in any style. Beige tones are successful for the bedroom, living room, kitchen, nursery, office, bathroom, corridor and other rooms. For rooms for various purposes, designers highlight some of the nuances of using sandy shades.
Living room
The mood of the living room is formed purposefully. The use of warm shades will help make the room incredibly cozy, attractive for home gatherings. The atmosphere of such a living room will pacify and soothe. The option is successful for those who are used to gathering with the whole family in the evenings after busy working days.
If the living room is rarely used, then you can set a moderate, slightly pompous mood. Suitable shabby chic, art deco, East style. A warmer atmosphere is formed by classic, country, chalet. Minimalism, high-tech will become universal.
Bedroom
The special climate of the bedroom is produced precisely by the warm shades of sand. This role will be performed by cream, champagne color, caramel. Thick brown curtains will dilute the monochromatic range. Good color accents will be: bright orange, red, turquoise.
When choosing a style for a bedroom, they often stop at the classics. Designers recommend decorating the walls with wallpaper in beige tones, and choosing furniture from brown options. To decorate a bedroom, it is popular to use Provence, Eco, Modern and even a loft. Everyone chooses a close direction that will prompt a landmark for design.
Kitchen
It is recommended to make a small kitchen bright. Visually increase the space will help the use of warm sandy shades. Set with glossy fronts in light beige - a good choice. best example the dominant style will be any direction that obeys minimalism.
When decorating a spacious kitchen, sand tones can be transferred to the walls. A panel with a cup of cappuccino, coffee beans, cinnamon sticks will emphasize the mood. Perfect additions are energetic yellow, cheerful orange, brutal red, calm blue. Mediterranean, country, English styles will support the theme.
Children's
In the children's room, the use of sand shades is aimed at calming the raging psyche of the little inhabitants. A room with a calm design of the kids pacifies, allowing you to fall asleep faster. A neutral environment helps you concentrate better when doing homework.
Bright pictures on the walls, decorative pillows of rich colors (coral, turquoise, lemon) will help to diversify the interior. For design, style directions are preferred: minimalism, hi-tech, eco. You can create a themed design. For a boy, they make a marine or pirate interior, for a girl - a princess castle.
Bathroom
Decorating a bathroom using sand tones is a good solution. Light shades of beige scale can increase the space. Caramel, straw colors are more suitable for a spacious room. The decor can really be made using brown, salmon, khaki and even black undertones. Complementary colors are often injected locally. Although sandy tones can also be used only for decoration. Plumbing under brass and bronze looks original. Among the styles they choose classics, minimalism, modern, ethnic trends (Italian, Japanese, oriental design).
What is combined with
Combine sand shades with any colors. The versatility of the beige color options is clearly visible in the photo of the finished interiors. Designers identify a number of combinations that will help achieve results when using different style solutions:
- White, earthy undertones. An inexpensive interior for a small space is obtained by combining warm golden shades of sand with perfectly white. Using earthy tones next to light but cool beige tones will add austerity.
- Red. An expressive color that will concentrate energy. More often used in details, but can also be combined with basic design. Muted colors (burgundy, cherry) are popular for home interiors. Scarlet is suitable for bold natures with a stable psyche.
- Orange. Bright color will refresh the interior. They use catchy accents in the form of pillows, vases, clocks or introduce orange notes when forming the overall design scheme.
- Coral, pink. On a sandy background, natural combinations look great in the form of muted red-orange hues. Pale pink or more intense coral is acceptable on the walls. Such colors are also preferred for upholstery or textile filling.
- Green, blue. Natural combinations suggested by nature. Saturated emerald greens and blues are not often introduced into the basic scheme. The use of needles, khaki, blue-green is more popular.
Combining several multidirectional options must be done carefully. Oversaturation with colors is tiring. Variegated mixtures have the ability to overload the room. The classic scheme is often made up of a trio: sand, white, brown. Adding local bright accents does not hurt.
Results
Shades of sand with a restrained character will become the basis of an elegant and practical interior. Variations of sandy tones are easy to combine with other colors. It will not be difficult for the interior to set a style, purchase materials, and make filling. The choice in favor of beige tones is always justified. Especially if it is difficult to decide on preferences.
There is a well-established opinion that it is quite easy to choose sand: I ordered building sand - here you have a raw material component for concrete, and a backfill for a path. But this opinion is wrong. Since there are several varieties of sand, which have their own distinctive characteristics, and are used in certain work.
Classification
So, according to the place of origin, sand is usually classified into the following types:
river sand
River sand is mined from the bottom of rivers. It is characterized by natural purity and good culvert qualities. The grain size of river sand is from 0.3 to 0.5 mm.
This type is used for the preparation of concrete solutions, cement screeds, treatment filters, drainage structures. It should be noted that when preparing a concrete mixture, this type of sand settles quickly, so the solution must be constantly mixed. The cost of river sand is from 600 to 800 rubles per 1 m 3.
Quarry sand
Quite logically, quarry sand is mined by an open method and includes impurities in its composition: dust particles, stones. Sand grains of quarry sand are much smaller than those of river sand, their sizes range from 0.6 to 3.2 mm.
In its original raw form, building material can be used for trenching or as a sprinkle under the foundation. Typically, leading manufacturers wash and screen quarry sand. In this case, it can be used when performing plastering and finishing works, to create an asphalt concrete mixture, to form a screed.
Sea sand
This non-metallic mineral is extracted from the bottom of the sea using hydraulic projectiles. There are practically no impurities in it, and salt is involved in purification.
This type of sand is considered the most popular. It is used everywhere, from the creation of concrete structures to the formation of fine dry mixes. But, despite the unique characteristics of this building material, there is a shortage in it, since it cannot be mass-produced.
Sometimes building sand is considered a separate species. But, as a rule, it means both river and quarry sand. River sand can be of two colors - yellow and gray, and quarry - brown and yellow.
But it turns out that in nature there is also black sand that shines like metal. He may be found in different corners the globe. And this type of sand is formed as a result of geological processes.
This mineral consists of dark-colored heavy minerals and is formed by washing out light components. The main minerals are magnetite, ilmenite, and hematite.
Such sands are characterized by high radioactivity - 50-300 microroentgens per hour, but sometimes this parameter can reach a thousand microroentgens per hour. Due to the high radioactivity, this mineral is not used in construction and economic activities.
artificial sand
It is worth noting that the above types of sand are natural, as they were formed by the natural destruction of rocks. But, the market has artificial sand, created by crushing marble, limestone, granite.
The most popular among artificial types of sand is quartz. It is made by grinding and dispersing the white quartz mineral until a homogeneous fraction is obtained. From natural species sand, it is distinguished by the fact that it does not contain impurities and has a homogeneous composition. These advantages make it possible to accurately calculate the parameters of a structure made on quartz sand.
Looking at a pile of sand brought to the site, two builders will behave differently.
The newcomer will cast an indifferent glance at her and take up the shovel.
An experienced builder will first pick up a handful of sand, look at it carefully and rub it in his palms. After that, he will issue a verdict: it is suitable for concrete, but it will not work for plaster and masonry.
What is the secret of construction sand, which requires such a careful assessment? We will analyze this issue in more detail.
Physical and mechanical characteristics
Volume weight
It shows the mass of 1 m3 of sand in its natural state (wet, with all impurities). On average, the volumetric weight of this material is from 1500 to 1800 kg.
The composition of building sand is evaluated according to the following parameters:
- Granulometric;
- Mineral;
- Chemical.
Granulometric shows the percentage of grains of different sizes. To determine it, the sand is sieved through calibrated sieves (from 0.16 mm to 10 mm).
A sieve with a hole size of 5 and 10 mm reveals gravel granules. GOST allows the presence of grains 1 cm in size. At the same time, their number should be no more than 0.5% of the total mass of sand.
Granules larger than 5 mm are normalized in this way:
- The maximum content is up to 10% in natural;
- up to 15% in crushed;
- up to 5% in enriched sand.
Mineral composition
Chemical composition
It plays an important role in determining the suitability of bulk material in various areas of construction. Red, yellow, and orange shades indicate the presence of oxidized metals. Green and blue colors are characteristic of river sand, which contains aluminum salts.
Types of building sand
The classical definition says that sand is a mixture of mineral particles (quartz, mica, limestone) formed as a result of natural or artificial destruction of rocks.
"On the shelves" the most important properties of sand are laid out by GOST 8736-93. According to this standard, sand is divided into two classes:
- I class - very large, then comes sand of increased size, large, medium and fine;
- Class II - very large, oversized, large, medium, small, very small, thin and very thin.
The main difference between these classes is that lower quality sand (second class) includes three additional fractions. Fine dusty particles are an undesirable component of mortars. They impair the bond between the large sand granules that the cement binds.
In real production there is no such fine gradation.
Here, the extracted sand is conditionally divided into three fractions:
- 0.5-1 mm - small;
- 1.5-2 mm - medium;
- 2.5-3.5 mm - large.
Sands with a fineness modulus of 2-2.5 mm are used for the production of concrete and reinforced concrete structures. Bulk material with a size of 1.5-2 mm is used for the manufacture of bricks. The finest sand is used for the preparation of dry building mixtures.
Having taken into account the GOST classification, let's move on to the practical aspects of the origin and use of building sand.
According to the type of production, they distinguish:
- Career;
- River;
- Nautical;
- Quartz (artificial) sand.
Career
The name clearly indicates the origin of the sand. Clay and stones are found in it, so quarry material is used to a limited extent: for site planning, pouring under concrete screeds or foundations.
To improve the properties, quarry sand is washed with water right at the place of extraction, freeing it from dust particles and clay. This is how alluvial (washed) sand is obtained. It is suitable for plaster and masonry mortars. In addition, sieving can be used to remove clay.
Important practical conclusion: if you are offered to buy quarry (ravine) sand, do not forget to clarify whether it has been cleaned (washed, screened) or not.
Areas of application for washed (sifted) quarry sand:
- cement screed, masonry and plaster mortars;
- Finishing work;
- brick production;
- foundation device;
- concrete preparation.
river sand
This building material is mined by a dredger from the bottom of the river. River sand contains no clay particles and very few stones. This allows you to use it without restrictions for concrete work.
It is very valuable that river sand of medium size (1.8-2.2 mm) practically does not shrink. Therefore, it is optimally suited for masonry and plastering.
Quarry sand is more difficult to use in this capacity. In the solution, it sits on the bottom and has to be periodically mixed.
Areas of application for river sand:
- concrete production;
- brick production;
- masonry work and cement screed;
- preparation of asphalt concrete;
- drainage device;
- filler for paints and grouts.
Sea sand is similar in properties to river sand. It is also highly valued in the construction industry for its high purity and uniform particle size distribution.
Quartz sand
This material is obtained as a result of mechanical crushing of quartz-containing rocks. It is homogeneous in structure, chemically inert and pure.
The main field of application of this type of sand is the building materials industry. It goes into dry building mixtures, sand-lime bricks, blocks and concrete, and is used to prepare grinding compounds. landscape design, expensive interior and facade plasters also cannot do without quartz sand.
It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question which sand is better, since each material is designed for certain types of work.
Nevertheless, the main conclusions are already clear:
- for brick and large-block masonry, it is better to take river sand. If you mix it with a small amount of unwashed quarry sand, the solution will become more plastic (due to clay particles);
- coarse or medium river sand is better suited for concrete (you can add a little fine washed quarry sand to it);
- for plaster, washed quarry sand with a small addition of river sand or without it is better.
Estimated prices
Obviously, the cost of sand is the higher, the more manipulations had to be done with it during extraction and cleaning.
The cheapest is quarry unwashed and not seeded. Its price per cube is from 300 to 400 rubles. Quarry sand cleaned with water or sifted for construction work will cost from 550 to 700 rubles per 1 m3 with delivery.
River sand is significantly more expensive than quarry sand. Its price starts from 750 rubles and ends at 950 rubles/m3.
Fractionated quartz sand is the most expensive. When buying from 10 tons (1 KAMAZ), its price with delivery is from 4,500 rubles per cubic meter.
Depending on which sand is being considered, it can be said that each of them can be distinguished even visually. Mined in different places, for example, sea and river sand, will be very noticeably different in color. Sea sand is larger than river sand, it also has completely different color schemes. Sea sand will appear more grey, while river sand may appear white/yellow. Quarry sand, large particles and impurities contained in it, can also be of different colors, which helps to distinguish it visually from other types of natural building material. When characterizing quarry sand, one can easily notice that it will necessarily contain impurities from clay, quartz crystals and dust, which also indicates that its color can be very different. Despite the content of some unnecessary elements in it, a solution prepared precisely from quartz sand will give tremendous strength and durability to the future structure. There is also artificial sand, and its name itself makes it clear that the color of such material can be completely different: from light white to very dark. 
