The average density of sand is an important indicator on which the operational properties substances and future parameters of concrete construction mixture, strength and stability of buildings, as well as possible consumption raw materials. It shows how much sand is contained in one unit of volume, which is taken to be a cubic meter (1 m3).
The amount of substance that fits in 1m3 strongly depends on the type of sand - for example, fine construction sand is more compact than medium-sized sand, since in the first case the gaps between individual particles of building material are much smaller, and a larger mass fits into one cubic meter.
This parameter is closely related to such material indicators as voidness and humidity, degree of compaction and porosity. Features and correctness of parameter measurement can also introduce a certain error into the final result. The following relationship exists between these factors: the greater the void between particles and the moisture content of the substance, the lower the bulk characteristic and the less clean sand fits into a cubic meter. This rule is identical for humidity, but with the opposite sign - due to the adhesion of fractions, the wet building material is compacted.
Density also depends on the structure of the grains, with a decrease in the size of which this characteristic increases, and also on the content of clay and other impurities. For the reasons stated above, the density of river sand is usually higher (average coefficient 1.5) than purified sand (in construction value ratios 1.4).
What varieties are there?
Density in kg/m3 is an ambiguous characteristic that has two main varieties, differing in definition, some features and methods of measurement:
- True. It is the ratio of body weight (in in this case dry sand) to its volume and is measured in kg/m3. In this case, free voids between individual particles are not taken into account, that is, we are talking about the density of the material in a compressed state. True density (like any other substance) is constant value.
- Bulk density. An indicator that takes into account not only the volume of the substance itself, as in the previous case, but also all the existing gaps between the particles. Bulk is always less than the true and average density, measured in kg/m3.
There is also an average value, which has already been mentioned above.
Options various types material
As mentioned earlier, density varies greatly depending on the properties of the raw material. The following table is intended to help trace this fact:
Thus, one cubic meter of dry sand will have a mass of 1200 to 1700 kilograms, and a cubic meter of wet sand will have a mass of 1920.
The table does not reflect all types - a more extended list with the coefficients necessary to calculate the density of raw materials can be found in reference sources.
In order to measure density, the following methods are used on site:
- Application of conversion factors that differ for each type of material. This method not entirely accurate, since the measurement error can reach 5%. With large quantities of raw materials, losses amount to more than one cubic meter!
- Weighing bulk raw materials (for example, river) together with a vessel completely filled with it, and then calculating by dividing the mass of sand by the volume of the vessel.
Determining bulk density plays an important role in construction, since the number of cubic meters of raw materials required for work largely depends on its value. This is especially important in cases where every cubic meter counts.
If you plan to build a house, then after creating the project, the issue of purchasing materials comes to the fore. To calculate how much sand to buy to mix the required volume masonry mortar or concrete mixture, it is necessary to know the density of the bulk component. This indicator significantly affects the strength parameters of structures and buildings. The conversion of mass to volume (and vice versa) is also carried out because the price of the material is indicated differently: per weight or volume unit.
What is density and what does it depend on?
This is a physical characteristic of a substance, showing the mass of its unit volume and expressed in g/cm3, kg/m3, t/m3. Sand, like all bulk materials, has this peculiarity: depending on conditions, the same amount of it can occupy a different volume. The density of construction sand is influenced by the following factors.
1. Grain size (fineness modulus). Sand is a mixture of particles ranging in size from 0.14 to 5 mm, formed naturally during the destruction of rocks. How smaller size grains and the more homogeneous the composition, the denser the sand. Coarse- and medium-grained material is used for the production of concrete, fine-grained - for cement mortars, fine-grained (pulverized) - for construction fine mixtures.
2. Porosity and level of compaction. They characterize the number of voids in the granular substance. In a loose state, construction sand has a porosity of about 47%, in a dense state - no more than 37%. Looseness is reduced due to saturation with moisture, vibration, and dynamic influences. Porosity is assessed using a special coefficient e: for fine-grained sands of dense composition it is about 0.75, for coarse and medium-grained sands it is 0.55. The compacted sand mass takes on fairly high loads and well distributes the stress that occurs in the foundations.
3. Humidity. Typically, reference books give the density at normal level humidity, regulated by GOST. When purchasing, you should take into account that the weight of a cubic unit of raw material differs significantly from the theoretical indicator. When humidity increases from 3 to 10%, sand grains are enveloped in water - due to this, the volume increases and the density, accordingly, decreases. With further moisture saturation (up to 20%), water displaces air and fills the voids between the grains - while the weight of the cubic meter increases.
4. Presence of impurities. Sometimes they contain particles of clay, dust, salt, mica, gypsum, humus, crushed stone, and stone chips. They affect quality characteristics building material: if for clean sand it averages 1,300 kg/m3, then for clay sand it is 1,800 kg/m3. Sand can be cleaned by washing with water, but its cost increases.
Types of density
Construction sand can be characterized using different indicators its volumetric weight: theoretical and actual.
1. True (formerly known as specific gravity). This is the mass of a cubic meter in an absolutely compacted state, without taking into account the air spaces between the particles. The true indicator is determined in a complex laboratory way; its value corresponds to the weight of a cubic meter of solid non-metallic sand rock - approximately 2500 kg/m3.
2. Medium (bulk). When determining it, it is taken into account that the calculated volume includes not only grains, but pores and voids that fill the spaces between them. The average is usually lower than the true value.
To independently determine the average density, use a 10 liter bucket. Sand is poured into it from a height of 10 meters until a slide is formed - it is carefully cut horizontally at the level of the top edge of the bucket. The material placed in the container is weighed, and then its density in kg/m3 is calculated: divide the mass in kg by 0.01 (the volume of the bucket in cubic meters).
The true value is a constant value and has an auxiliary value. In order to competently conduct construction, make practical calculations and evaluate the quality of the purchased material, it is more important to know the average indicator. For example, if a cubic meter weighs less than 1300 kg, this indicates a large number of voids and requires filling them with a binder. The cost of materials increases, making construction more expensive.
Density of different types
The approximate bulk (average) density values indicated in the table will help you purchase sand with the required parameters, quickly move from weight to volume, and calculate the weight fractions of the mortar.
Today, sand often becomes part of the construction process, so its acquisition should be approached consciously. Specific gravity sand or its mass is the quantity that is contained in a volumetric unit. In many cases, volume measurements per cubic meter are used for sand.
According to statistical data, the volumetric weight of quartz or any other material is measured in g. per cubic centimeter, kg. per cubic meter or t. per cubic meter.
Volumetric weight of quartz dry sand according to GOST
Volumetric weight of sand in 1 m3 is located somewhere between 1500 and 2800 kilograms.
At the stage of use for work purposes, specialists should be interested in:
- specific gravity and volumetric weight of construction sand kg m3;
- particle strength;
- characteristics of its surface;
- grain size or particle shape;
- possible durability of the material, the mineral composition is also taken into account;
- expansion coefficient of volumetric as well as linear type;
- strength;
- how much the particles are worn;
- coefficient ;
- coefficient .
When designing the composition of a building mixture, it is worth knowing:
- specific gravity of sand and volumetric bulk parameters of sand;
- the presence of voids and the ability to accumulate moisture.
The specific gravity of sand kg m3 or specific mass indicators is an indicator that can be placed on a volumetric scale.
It is determined by the ratio of the material mass in dry form and the volumes that are handled.
In almost all calculations for sand, only volumes of 1 cubic meter are used.
What is the specific gravity of fine sand?
This indicator is based factors:
- graininess;
- dimensions of grains;
- mineral component;
- dimensions of all solid elements that are included in the composition. Most often they are called impurities;
- density percentage;
- how wet the material is.
For sand with different characteristics, it is allowed to use such bulk density (tons per m3):
- for dry extracted from the river - 1.4−1.65;
- for wet - 1.7−1.8;
- for compacted river - 1.6;
- for fine-grained material mined from - 1.7−1.8;
- for dry, mineral-based, one of the crystalline varieties of silica - 1.5;
- for ground, made from a mineral, one of the crystalline varieties of silica - 1.4;
- for a compacted mineral-based material, one of the crystalline varieties of silica-1.6−1.7;
- for material extracted by mining grade 500−1000 - 0.05−1;
- for material made from blast furnace, waste and granulated solid residue after smelting metal from ore - 0.06−2.2;
- for molding material of normal humidity according to GOST standards - 1.7;
- for material with dust impurities – 1.6−1.7;
- for material that was mined high in the mountains - 1.5−1.6;
- for material, normal humidity according to GOST standards - 1.5−1.7.
Depending on the degree of saturation of the sand with certain valuable minerals, several types of placers are distinguished.
According to the specific gravity, this material can be made from a heavy mineral (weight indicators greater than 2.9) and from a light mineral (weight indicators less than 2.9).
For more information on determining density, watch the video:
Size index – large, medium and small
The size index indicates the grain material component. By sifting through professional devices, you can determine how much gravel, or rather its fractions, is contained in the material. Depending on the volumetric module it is divided into:
- large, with particle sizes greater than 0.0025 m. It can be extracted from quarries or rivers;
- average, with particle size from 2 to 2.5 mm;
- small, with particle size from 1 to 0.0025 m.
Particle size affects the consumption of building materials and its ability to accumulate moisture.
Based on its massiveness, it is divided into several groups:
- Class 1, which includes materials with particle sizes from 1.5 mm;
- Class 2, does not depend on dimensions and dimensions.
Degree of density and ability to accumulate moisture
The specific mass is based on the method of its installation. There are several stages of crimping:
- classic occurrence;
- compacted by workers and specially compacted;
- bulk.
The specific gravity of 1m3 of sand will be significantly greater if the material was wet.
The percentage of moisture affects the volume indicators, but they are not so significant. Material that was stored sub-zero temperature and with increased moisture content it will weigh 15% more.
Varieties of natural sand
Natural and artificial sand is increasingly found on store shelves today.
The one that is mined from the river bottom. He stands out for its cleanliness indicators. May have a yellowish or grayish tint.
Particle dimensions reach 0.3 to 0.5 mm. It is used at the stage of mixing mixtures for construction, as well as during the installation of drainages. It is considered the most used and popular type.
Quarry (dusty)
Dusty is mined in the classic way. Its shade is brownish or yellowish. The material contains dust-like impurities and small pebbles.
In terms of particle size, they can range from 0.6 to 3.2 mm. This material is used for deep trenches and as a paving base.
In its purified and classic form, sand is used for thick lime mortar and complex construction work related to external and interior decoration buildings, on its basis cement is created.
It is extracted from the seabed and is characterized by improved quality.
It is often used in many areas, but it is used exclusively for the construction of expensive objects. The reason for this is the high cost of the material.
The artificial one is made from mountain material.
Its rock must be hard or dense; it is obtained by dividing and grinding it.
As a result, it is possible to obtain a homogeneous material, which does not contain chemical elements, transferred into the composition of the alloy during their production, but the particles have an acute angular shape.
Used to create cement-sand with increased density. The most common types are:
- quartz based. It is mined by crushing and sifting the snow-white mineral. Sand is used for a range of construction works related to exterior and interior decoration;
- based on expanded clay. It is mined by crushing expanded clay clastic rock into small pebbles and inorganic materials. It is also possible to burn small residual clay impurities. Used at the mixing stage, to fill a pit to level the surface;
- based on slags. The crushing of this material into small particles is carried out by instantly cooling them with H2O. This material is characterized by grain sizes of various sizes: from 0.6 to 10 mm. Used when mixing mortar for construction.
Specific gravity of construction sand: how to calculate parameters
m= O*p;
- m - melt mass in kg.
- O - volumes, in cubic meters.
- n is the density of the material in the uncompacted state, in kilograms per cubic meter.
For a cubic meter, weight indicators are equivalent to material density. The parameters of the density of the material in the uncompacted state must be stated by the product sales manager.
On average, moisture accumulation reaches 6−7%.
If the material is wetter, the indicator increases by 15-20 percent. It is important to add this difference to the resulting weight.
| Sand name, type or variety. | Other name. | Bulk density or specific gravity in grams per cm3. | Bulk density or specific gravity in kilograms per m3. | - | - | - |
| Dry. | Dry sand. | 1.2 - 1.7 | 1200 - 1700 | - | - | - |
| River. | 1.5 - 1.52 | 1500 - 1520 | - | - | - | |
| River compacted. | Sand from the river, washed without clay fraction. | 1.59 | 1590 | - | - | - |
| River grain size 1.6 - 1.8. | Sand from the river, sand mined from the river, sand from the bottom of the river. | 1.5 | 1500 | - | - | - |
| River alluvium. | Sand from the river, sand washed up in the river, sand from the bottom of the river extracted using the alluvial method. | 1.65 | 1650 | - | - | - |
| River washed coarse-grained. | Coarse sand from the river washed. | 1.65 | 1400 - 1600 | - | - | - |
| Building. | sand for construction, sand for construction and finishing works, sand used and used in construction. | 1.68 | 1680 | - | - | - |
| Construction dry friable. | Sand for construction, sand for construction and finishing works, sand used and used in construction. | 1.44 | 1440 | - | - | - |
| Construction dry compacted. | Compacted sand for construction, compacted sand for construction and finishing works, compacted sand used and applied in construction. | 1.68 | 1680 | - | - | - |
| Career. | Sand from a quarry, sand extracted by quarrying. | 1.5 | 1500 | - | - | - |
| Quarry fine-grained. | Fine sand from a quarry, fine sand extracted by quarrying. | 1.7 - 1.8 | 1700 - 1800 | - | - | - |
| Quartz regular. | Quartz sand. | 1.4 - 1.9 | 1400 - 1900 | - | - | - |
| Quartz dry. | Quartz sand. | 1.5 - 1.55 | 1500 - 1550 | - | - | - |
| Compacted quartz. | Quartz sand. | 1.6 - 1.7 | 1600 - 1700 | - | - | - |
| Nautical. | Sand from the sea, sand from the seabed. | 1.62 | 1620 | - | - | - |
| Gravelly. | Sand mixed with gravel. | 1.7 - 1.9 | 1700 - 1900 | - | - | - |
| Dusty. | Sand mixed with dust. | 1.6 - 1.75 | 1600 - 1750 | - | - | - |
| Dusty compacted. | Compacted sand mixed with dust. | 1.92 - 1.93 | 1920 - 1930 | - | - | - |
| Silty, water-saturated. | Sand mixed with dust. | 2.03 | 2030 | - | - | - |
| Natural. | 1.3 - 1.5 | 1300 - 1500 | - | - | - | |
| Natural coarse grain. | Sand in natural origin, usually quartz. | 1.52 - 1.61 | 1520 - 1610 | - | - | - |
| Natural medium grain. | Sand of natural origin, usually quartz. | 1.54 - 1.64 | 1540 - 1640 | - | - | - |
| For construction work - normal humidity according to GOST. | Construction sand. | 1.55 - 1.7 | 1550 - 1700 | - | - | - |
| Expanded clay grades 500 - 1000. | Expanded clay sand. | 0.5 - 1.0 | 500 - 1000 | - | - | - |
| Expanded clay size of solid grains (particles) - fraction 0.3. | Expanded clay sand. | 0.42 - 0.6 | 420 - 600 | - | - | - |
| Expanded clay size of solid grains (particles) - fraction 0.5. | Expanded clay sand. | 0.4 - 0.55 | 400 - 550 | - | - | - |
| Mountain. | Quarry sand. | 1.5 - 1.58 | 1500 - 1580 | - | - | - |
| Fireclay. | Fireclay sand. | 1.4 | 1400 | - | - | - |
| Molding machine with normal humidity according to GOST. | Sand for molding parts, foundry sand, sand for molds and casting. | 1.71 | 1710 | - | - | - |
| Perlite. | Expanded perlite sand. | 0.075 - 0.4 | 75 - 400 | - | - | - |
| Perlite dry. | Dry perlite sand expanded. | 0.075 - 0.12 | 75 - 120 | - | - | - |
| Ravine. | Sand lying in ravines, sand from a ravine. | 1.4 | 1400 | - | - | - |
| Alluvial. | Washed sand, sand mined by washing. | 1.65 | 1650 | - | - | - |
| Medium size. | Medium grain sand. | 1.63 - 1.69 | 1630 - 1690 | - | - | - |
| Large. | Coarse sand. | 1.52 - 1.61 | 1520 - 1610 | - | - | - |
| Medium grain. | Medium grain sand. | 1.63 - 1.69 | 1630 - 1690 | - | - | - |
| Small. | Fine grain sand. | 1.7 - 1.8 | 1700 - 1800 | - | - | - |
| Washed. | Washed sand from which soil, clay and dust fractions have been removed. | 1.4 - 1.6 | 1400 - 1600 | - | - | - |
| Compacted. | Sand that has been artificially compacted and compacted. | 1.68 | 1680 | - | - | - |
| Medium density. | Sand of normal density, ordinary, medium density for construction work. | 1.6 | 1600 | - | - | - |
| Wet. | Sand with high water content. | 1.92 | 1920 | - | - | - |
| Wet compacted. | Sand with high water content is compacted. | 2.09 - 3.0 | 2090 - 3000 | - | - | - |
| Wet. | Sand with high humidity, different from normal according to GOST. | 2.08 | 2080 | - | - | - |
| Water-saturated. | Sand lying in the aquifer. | 3 - 3.2 | 3000 - 3200 | - | - | - |
| Enriched. | Sand after enrichment. | 1.5 - 1.52 | 1500 - 1520 | - | - | - |
| Slag. | Sand from slag. | 0.7 - 1.2 | 700 - 1200 | - | - | - |
| Porous sand from slag melts. | Slag sand. | 0.7 - 1.2 | 700 - 1200 | - | - | - |
| Swollen. | Perlite and vermiculite sands. | 0.075 - 0.4 | 75 - 400 | - | - | - |
| Vermiculite. | Swollen sands. | 0.075 - 0.4 | 75 - 400 | - | - | - |
| Inorganic porous. | Porous light sand of inorganic origin. | 1.4 | 1400 | - | - | - |
| Pumice. | Pumice sand. | 0.5 - 0.6 | 500 - 600 | - | - | - |
| Agloporite. | Sand obtained after burning out minerals - burning the original rock. | 0.6 - 1.1 | 600 - 1100 | - | - | - |
| Diatomite. | Diatomite sand. | 0.4 | 400 | - | - | - |
| Tuff. | Tuff sand. | 1.2 - 1.6 | 1200 - 1600 | - | - | - |
| Aeolian. | Natural sand formed naturally as a result of aeolian weathering of hard rocks. | 2.63 - 2.78 | 2630 - 2780 | - | - | - |
| The soil is sand. | Sand in natural occurrence, soil with a very high sand content. | 2.66 | 2660 | - | - | - |
| Sand and crushed stone. |
Construction Materials. | sand 1.5 - 1.7 and crushed stone 1.6 - 1.8 | sand 1500 - 1700 and crushed stone 1600 - 1800 | - | - | - |
| Sand and cement. | Construction Materials. | sand 1.5 - 1.7 and cement 1.0 - 1.1 | sand 1500 - 1700 and cement 1000 - 1100 | - | - | - |
| Peschano gravel mixture. | A mixture of sand and gravel. | 1.53 | 1530 | - | - | - |
| Sand and gravel mixture is compacted. | A mixture of sand and gravel. | 1.9 - 2.0 | 1900 - 2000 | - | - | - |
| Fight normal clay brick red | Sand obtained by crushing red ceramic bricks clay. | 1.2 | 1200 | - | - | - |
| Mullite. | Mullite sand. | 1.8 | 1800 | - | - | - |
| Mullite-corundum. | Sand is mullite-corundum. | 2.2 | 2200 | - | - | - |
| Corundum. | Corundum sand. | 2.7 | 2700 | - | - | - |
| Cordierite. | Cordierite sand. | 1.3 | 1300 | - | - | - |
| Magnesite. | Magnesite sand. | 2 | 2000 | - | - | - |
| Periclase-spinel. | Periclase-spinel sand. | 2.8 | 2800 | - | - | - |
| From blast furnace slag. | Slag sand from blast furnace slag. | 0.6 - 2.2 | 600 - 2200 | - | - | - |
| From dump slag. | Slag sand from dump slag. | 0.6 - 2.2 | 600 - 2200 | - | - | - |
| From granulated slag. | Slag sand from granulated slag. | 0.6 - 2.2 | 600 - 2200 | - | - | - |
| Made from slag pumice. | Slag-pumice sand. | 1.2 | 1200 | - | - | - |
| From ferrotitanium slag. | Slag-pumice sand. | 1.7 | 1700 | - | - | - |
| Titanium-alumina. | Titanium-alumina sand. | 1.7 | 1700 | - | - | - |
| Basaltic. | Basalt sand. | 1.8 | 1800 | - | - | - |
| Diabase. | Diabase sand. | 1.8 | 1800 | - | - | - |
| Andesitic. | Andesite sand. | 1.7 | 1700 | - | - | - |
| Diorite. | Sand from diorite. | 1.7 | 1700 | - | - | - |
| From scrap heat-resistant concrete with fireclay filler. | Sand from scrap heat-resistant concrete with fireclay filler. | 1.4 | 1400 | - | - | - |
As you have already noticed, on the Internet it is quite difficult to find a clear answer to a specific question: what is the density of sand or its specific gravity. A search engine, such as Yandex or Google, provides a lot of information. But all of it is rather of an “indirect” nature, rather than precise and understandable. The search engine selects various references, fragments of phrases, lines from large and obscure tables of the specific gravity of building materials, which very chaotically list the values in different systems units. “Along the way,” a large amount of “additional” information “drops out” on websites. Mainly: by types and varieties of sand, its use, application, origin, mineralogical composition, color, size of solid particles, color, impurities, extraction methods, cost, price of sand and so on. Which adds uncertainty and inconvenience to normal people who want to quickly find an accurate and understandable answer: how much is the density of sand in grams per cm3. We decided to “correct the situation” by collating the data on different types sand into one general table. By excluding in advance what we think is “unnecessary” or “related” information general. And by indicating in the table only the exact data, what is the density of the sand.
What is the density of sand or its specific gravity (volume density, specific gravity - synonyms)? The density of sand is the weight contained in a unit of volume, which is most often considered to be cm3. The question is completely objectively complicated by the fact that sand itself has many types, differing in mineralogical composition, the size of the fraction of solid particles in the sand, and the amount of impurities contained. Impurities in sand can be clay, dust, crushed stone, stone chips and larger stones. Naturally, the presence of impurities will immediately affect the density of sand that will be determined by laboratory methods. But most of all, the density of the sand will be influenced by its humidity. Wet sand is heavier, weighs more and immediately significantly increases the specific gravity per unit volume of this material. What is associated with its value when buying and selling. For example, if you want to buy sand by weight, then its sale should be tied to the so-called normal humidity, determined by GOST. Otherwise, if you buy wet or wet sand, you risk greatly losing out on its total quantity. In any case, for the consumer, it is much better to buy sand measured in units of volume, for example in cubes (m3), than in units of weight (kg, tons). The humidity of the sand affects its density, but has a very slight effect on the volume. Although there are some “subtleties” here too. Wet and wet sand is more dense and occupies slightly less volume than dry sand. Sometimes this needs to be taken into account. The specific gravity of the sand contained in the selected volume, that is, the density, will be significantly affected by the “way of laying” it. Here, it is meant that sand of the same type can be: in a state of natural occurrence, be under the influence of the suspended influence of water, be artificially compacted or simply poured. In each case we have absolutely different meanings, how much is the density of sand of this type. Naturally, it is difficult to reflect all this diversity in one table. Some data must be sought in specialized literature.
Among all the numerous options for the density of dry sand, only one is usually of practical interest to site visitors - bulk density. It is for this that we present the values of the specific gravity of dry sand in the table. It is useful to know that there is also another density - this is the true density of dry sand. How to define it? It is determined by laboratory methods or calculated using a formula. Although, it is more convenient to use reference data in a special table. The true density of dry sand gives us a different specific gravity - theoretical, which is always much higher than those values of the specific gravity of dry sand that are used in practice and are considered technological characteristics material. With some reservations, the true specific gravity of dry sand can be considered the density of solid particles (grains) included in its composition. By the way, when determining the bulk density, and therefore the technological specific gravity of dry sand, the grain size also plays some role. This characteristic of the material is called grain size. In this case, in this table we are considering medium-grained dry sand. Coarse-grained and fine-grained are used less frequently and their specific gravity values may differ slightly. Not only the grain size, but the mineralogical composition of this bulk building material can vary. This table shows the bulk density of a material consisting primarily of quartz grains. Quantity and weight are measured in kilograms (kg) and tons (t). However, let's not forget about other types of material. On our website you can also find more specific information that is rarely found on the Internet.
Note.The table shows the density of the following types of sand: ordinary river sand, natural river sand, compacted river sand, river sand with a grain size of 1.6 - 1.8, alluvial river sand, river washed coarse-grained sand, ordinary construction sand, loose construction sand, compacted construction sand, regular quarry sand, fine-grained quarry sand, natural quartz sand, quartz dry, quartz compacted, sea, gravelly, silty, silty compacted, silty water-saturated, natural, natural coarse-grained, natural medium-grained, for construction work of normal humidity according to GOST, expanded clay grade 500 - 1000, expanded clay with a solid grain size of 0.3, expanded clay with a size hard grains 0.5, mountain, fireclay, molding with normal humidity according to GOST, perlite, dry perlite, gully, alluvial, medium-sized, large, medium-grained, small, washed, compacted, medium density, wet, wet compacted, wet, water-saturated, enriched , slag, porous from slag melts, vermiculite, expanded, inorganic porous, pumice, agloporite, diatomite, tuff, aeolian, soil sand, sand-gravel mixture, sand-gravel mixture compacted, from the scrap of ordinary red clay ceramic bricks, mullite, mullite-corundum, corundum , cordierite, magnesite, periclase-spinel, from blast furnace slag, from dump slag, from granulated slag, from slag pumice, from ferrotitanium slag, titanium-alumina, basalt, diabase, andesite, diorite, from scrap heat-resistant concrete with fireclay filler and some other types.
Construction Materials
Why do you need to know the density of construction sand (kg/m3)?
From the author: Hello, dear reader. From this article you will learn how the true density of construction sand kg/m3 is determined. Why is this necessary? - first of all, so as not to be deceived when purchasing this building material. Indeed, it is quite difficult to determine exactly how many tons of sand were brought to you for construction work. You won't weigh the car, will you? And so, quite often suppliers of building materials take advantage of this, simply by not adding enough sand.
But knowledge of this criterion is important not only because of possible deception. The fact is that during construction, in principle, it is important to know what will be required, say, to pour a foundation or ceiling. After all, if suddenly there is not enough, it can turn into a real disaster, especially if the object must be delivered as soon as possible.
Let's start, perhaps, with general definitions to get you up to speed. The bottom line is that the bulk density of construction sand is measured depending on how compacted the material is. The situation with cement is approximately the same: the older it is, the higher its density, since over time any bulk substance “crowds together.” An analogy can be drawn even with ordinary flour, which is used for baking.
It follows from this that the same volume of granular substance can have different densities (and, therefore, different quantities). In its original state (without compaction), the material can be characterized by the term “true bulk density”.
Therefore, bulk density is the density of the material in a state in which it has not been compacted. That is, - when determining this value - it is necessary to take into account not only the volume of grains of sand (or parts of other building materials), but also the distance at which they are removed from each other. From this we conclude that the bulk density is several times less than the usual density of the material.
After the material is compacted (and this depends primarily on the conditions in which it is stored and on time), its density ceases to be bulk. She's getting taller.
Why do you need to know what the density of sand (natural) is for construction work? First of all, to compare the volume and mass of the building material. The price of bulk substances can be indicated not only for 1 t (ton), but also in cubic meters. And during preparation, the proportions of the substance may be needed not in weight, but in volume.
Below is a small table in which the second column shows the bulk density of construction sand (kg/m³), and the third column shows the number of cubes per 1 ton.
Important! With increasing density, the load-bearing capacity also increases.
What does density depend on?
The density of a bulk substance (in this case, sand) primarily depends on its origin and condition. The table below shows us the fundamental differences in bulk density of different types.
How to determine bulk density?
This indicator is usually determined in laboratory conditions. Essentially, the material is simply weighed using measuring vessels (1 l and 10 l). A liter container is used to determine the density in a state in which the material has not been compacted, the sand is dried to a constant mass and passed through a sieve with a hole diameter of 5 mm.
A ten-liter container is used when it is necessary to determine the indicator of the material that interests us, which is contained in the batch. In this way we can convert pass units into volume units.
In this case, the material is not specifically dried. It is taken in its natural moisture state. It is also passed through a similar sieve (hole diameter 5 mm).
The procedure for determining density looks like this: the already sifted material is poured into a measuring vessel from a height of ±10 cm. For this, you should use a scoop. When the vessel is filled, the slide should be removed using a metal ruler. The height of the sand should be level with the edges of the measuring vessel. Next, this measuring vessel along with its contents should be weighed on precise scales. It goes without saying that we are only interested in the net weight of the contents, so the weight of the container should be subtracted.
To convert units of mass into units of volume, the procedure is essentially the same. As, indeed, the equipment. But you just need to pour the material not from 10 cm, but from 100 cm.
Below is the formula by which the indicator we are interested in is determined.
In this case, γn is an indicator of density, m1 is the mass of a measuring vessel without contents, m2 is the total mass, and V is, respectively, the volume.
To visually familiarize yourself with the determination procedure, watch the video below, where research is carried out in a virtual laboratory, under ideal conditions.
Conclusion
That's all, dear reader. Thank you for reading the article. Today we learned how to determine bulk density, and also found out why to do this. For convenience and clarity, we have provided a table and formula. I hope that the presented materials were useful to you.
If you are interested in another construction issue, use the site navigation to find the information you need. I'm sure you'll find what you need here. Good luck and see you again at Seberemont, dear reader.
