How To Check Sand Quality In Field


Quality of materials is the key to construction. To achieve the desired strength of a structure you should always use good quality materials. In this article, I will discuss the field test of sand to check its quality.

How To Check Quality Of Sand In Field:

There are some useful tests that can be done in the field for checking the quality of sand used for construction. The following tests may be performed to determine the quality of sand.

Field Test To Check Sand Quality:

1. Take a glass and add some water in it.

2. Add a few amount of sand in the glass. At that point, shake it vivaciously and permit it to settle. If there is clay present in the sand, an apparent layer will be formed at the top level of sand.

3. Mix the sand into sodium hydroxide or caustic soda solution to distinguish the presence of organic impurities. If organic impurities are present in the sand, the color of the solution will be turned into brown.

4. Now take a squeeze of sand and taste it. If it is salty that means salt is present in the sand.

5. Take little amount of sand in the hand, and then rub it against the fingers. If the fingers are recolored it means sand consists of some earthy materials.

6. The color of sand describes the cleanness of sand. The size and sharpness might be examined by touching and watching visually.

7. The sand may be examined by mechanical analysis to know its fineness, durability, void ratio etc.

sand quality

So in this way you can check the quality of sand before construction. Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments.

Also Read – How To Calculate Bricks In A Wall.

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22 thoughts on “How To Check Sand Quality In Field”

  1. Hello.
    I appreciate your all your post, am am an engineer , please I will like to know the easiest way to build a swimming pool in a waterlogged area. Your response will be very much appreciated.
    Best regard .
    Okonkwo Name.

    • start with a site investigation determine all the pressures that will be involved, then do a structural design. Then a ground water control for example a cofferdam, to have a dry working area. And proceed with construction.

    • Follow a step wise approach…
      1. Start with measurements of sizes
      2. If accessible, check the reinforcement detailing as per the structural drawing
      3. Check for repairs done with ordinary mortar
      4. Check for alignments
      5 Finally go for Non Destructive Testing to check the strength of concrete

  2. Very helpful in field work.I appreciate this type of effort.Thanks for giving this type of information

  3. How to use sand stone slurry (dry powder) in concrete? Pls give a better suggestion

  4. Sir I appreciate you, but please give fully information .jaise ji agar organic compound, salt or anything are present in sand to Kya hoga

  5. i was read many posts in your site all are very useful for me.. thanks for posting admin sir.

  6. hi, i am not an Engineer but i really appreciate all information that i learned from this site. i love to share also my perspective house design in perspective….

    • Good and helpful information. However if we could know the less than 600 micron fraction then you will be able to decide percentage of sand for concrete.

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