Sand is everywhere, from the concrete on the roads to dunes in the desert. Much like rocks, there are different types of sand. Sand on the beach is different from the sand in the desert or sand used for concrete. Read more about what makes different sands unique and which sand is best for your construction projects.
Natural Sand vs. Artificial Sand
When most people think of sand, they don’t think about if it’s natural or artificial. Artificial sand is sand that is created by people. Oftentimes the sand is created by grinding rocks such as granite, pebbles, or rocks from construction site waste. Natural sand is found in riverbeds and pits. Due to texture and sourcing, there are various pros and cons to using both types of sand.
Benefits of Artificial Sand in Construction
When it comes to construction projects, artificial sand is one of the best types of sand to use.
- It is more cost-effective since it can be produced close to the construction site instead of sourcing it from the nearest river.
- Unlike river sand, artificial sand does not contain impurities such as silt and clay.
- It is much lighter in weight compared to natural sand. Lighter-weight materials reduce transport costs.
- Unlike natural sand, manufactured sand has to go through quality controls.
- It is made of recycled materials, making it cheaper and more environmentally friendly than natural sand.
- It is stronger than natural sand when used for concrete.
- It has less impurities than natural sand.
Uses of Natural Sand
Despite the benefits of using artificial sand, natural sand still has its place in smaller, more specified projects.
- Due to the round particles in natural sand, it’s great at absorbing water.
- Natural sand produces a smooth finish in concrete and is good for plastering work.
Scarcity of Natural Sand
To those not experienced with sand, it may seem weird that people are investing in expensive machinery to crush sand from mined rocks, considering how abundant sand is in nature. One of the most important things to know about naturally occurring sand is that most of it isn’t suitable for construction. Natural sand from beaches has too much corrosive salt in it. Sand from deserts is too fine for binding materials. Most natural sand comes from riverbeds, making natural construction-grade sand a limited resource.
Due to the scarcity of construction-grade natural sand, there is a worldwide shortage of it. Outside of construction, natural sand is needed for erosion prevention, and other environmental-related projects. Removing natural sand disrupts local ecosystems and can cause other environmental issues. While natural sand can be great for its selective uses in construction, using artificial sand is most likely going to be the best choice for your project for reasons ranging from price to usability.
Let Tucker Trucking Help You With Your Next Construction Project
We hope you found this information useful! Tucker Trucking operates in the Des Moines area and is your one stop shop for all of your aggregate and hauling needs. If you are looking to purchase and transport sand for your next construction project give us a call at 515-331-6501 or contact us here.
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