Concrete Sand Archives - A&A Materials Inc

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

7 October 2024

Cement, Concrete, And Mortar

We have an idea of what they are, however, do we know when to use which one? We share our knowledge concerning concrete, cement, and mortar to emphasize the differences between the three and help you in avoiding any uncertainty or improper purchasing.

Cement

A key element in the metropolitan substructure, cement binds in both concrete and mortar and it is utilized for securing buildings by binding their building blocks.

How cement is made

Composed of limestone, sand or clay, iron ore, and bauxite, cement sets and sticks to building units like stones, tiles, or bricks. The unrefined ingredients are made into powder and heated for forming a rock-hard material which is then ground once more and ready to be actuated with water.

Types of cement

Various types of cement lead to various uses in construction projects. For example, high alumina cement is proper for making concrete for the projects in high-temperature areas, hydro-phobic cement has more resistance against colder temperatures, and acid-resistant cement is utilized in chemical-proof projects.

Sulphate resistant cement, like Lafarge General Purpose Cement, is utilized when the project is susceptible to sulphate attacks. White Cements, like Hanson’s White Portland Cement, is utilized in engineered plans or for filling gaps in wall tiles.

Cement is usually an interchangeable word with concrete; however, they aren’t the same. Cement is an important element in concrete which is why is important to select the correct one for your projects.

Concrete

Concrete comprises of cement, gravel, and sand, or other aggregates. When water is added the cement is actuated and the mix binds collectively producing a solid. Because it begins as a dry mixture which afterwards becomes malleable, concrete can be used in multiple ways, like slabs or countertops, on driveways or patios, or even for the foundation of walls.

The strength degree of concrete is subject to the measurements of sand and gravel added. Different projects require various textures and strengths. Because it becomes an extremely hard material after it sets, concrete can be used, for example, as a reinforcement to mesh on buildings and walls.

How to mix concrete

There are different ways of mixing the ingredients, subject on the strength you want to achieve. A general guide for a conventional concrete mix would consist of one part cement, two parts sand, and four parts aggregates.

Basically, concrete is a material typically used in building and trade, nevertheless, concrete would not exist without cement, its primary binding and hardening ingredient.

Concrete is available readymade or it can be mixed intentionally to be suitable for specific projects.

Mortar

As stated before, mortar also comprises of cement. Whereas concrete comprises of cement, sand, water, and gravel mixed in different measurements, mortar comprises of cement, water, and lime aggregate. Nevertheless, mortar is not as enduring as concrete and is more of an extension to a project, instead of the primary building material.

Mortar is most used between stones, bricks, or blocks and is typically applied as an adhesive. It can also be utilized for molding and ornamental intentions.

How to mix mortar

There are various types of mortar with various purposes. For instance, some might be more appropriate of masonry than others and less inclined to cracking. A lot of the time, mortar is found pre-blended and can be purchased in bags.

Individuals can also create their own mortar mix. Whereas recommendations differ, a normal ratio is three or four parts building sand to one part cement maintaining the mixture a good balance of wetness.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose sand, including washed concrete sand, aggregates, river rock, rip rap rock, mulch and wood chips for your landscaping or gardening needs. Contact us or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Concrete Sand, Mortar Sand

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

10 May 2024

What is Concrete Sand?

There are a lot of materials, professions, and techniques involved in construction presently. Concrete sand is merely one of many universal supplies generally found on jobsites, but what exactly is it? To begin, concrete sand is in reference to the sandy aggregate that is mixed with things such as cement and water for creating concrete. Due to the ease in which subcontractors and contractors can modify the percentage of cement, water and aggregates, cement mixtures take various forms and are used for a lot of applications.

So, Exactly What is Concrete Sand?

Concrete sand is a term that is generally used in reference to rough washed sand that is a typical component in cement and asphalt mixes. Its granules are larger than masonry sand ones, but a processing and sifting process guarantees that there are no larger stones or pebbles in the sand. This material is typically made of things such as granite, gneiss, and limestone, and it is regularly mined and milled at a quarry prior to it being washed and sifted. Following that, the sand is allocated to contractors, construction supply yards, and other users of the material.

How Does it Differ from Other Aggregates?

There are a lot of kinds of sands, stones, and other materials that are utilized as aggregates in the construction industry, but concrete sand is dissimilar from other materials in a few vital ways. Its smaller granular size in comparison to things like milled stone means that the material is more appropriate for creating more even pavement. Nevertheless, it is larger than white and masonry sand, making it more fitting to being a fill material and drainage than functioning as a finished covering.

How is Concrete Sand Used?

Even though it is typically used in asphalt and paving implementations, concrete sand has a wide range of uses in the construction and landscaping industries. It is usually used as pipe bedding or a paver foundation, and its texture and size make it perfect for retaining pipes, septic systems, and rocks in place, at the same time providing proper drainage. Concrete sand can be utilized for leveling out irregular ground, improve traction on slick roads, or act as a top-dressing for golf courses and lawns. The implementations for this type of material are virtually limitless!

The Growing Demand for Concrete Sand

Because concrete is the most popular construction material across the globe, having the proper type of sand is vital. For countries such as India and China that don’t have easy access to the proper type of sand but that are going through high levels of foundational growth, concrete sand is in continuously short supply.

Construction projects across the world use more than forty billion tons of sand every year. Sand produced by the wind (such as desert sand) creates rounded grains that are too small and too smooth to be used in construction and concrete. The gritty and coarse textured sand construction projects necessitate is only produced in places such riverbeds and seabeds.

The demand for high-quality sand has led to an increase in illegal sand mining activities and “sand smugglers” throughout the world. These sand smugglers import the high-quality sand illegally and then sell it to the highest bidder—usually those countries are devoid of access to their own high-quality sand. The increase in demand for prized concrete sand is probably going to continue to grow as developing nations grow and improve their infrastructures.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

Concrete Sand

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

22 November 2023

Concrete Sand vs. Mason Sand

To a lot of people, sand is a singular product, but there are in fact many different kinds with considerable distinctions. Concrete sand and mortar (mason) sand are two of the most common kinds. Below are a couple of key variations between the two.

What Is Concrete Sand?

Concrete sand is made from rock, like limestone, granite, gneiss, or trap rock. It’s typically broken up and filtered at a rock mine prior to being sent away for sale or use in different projects.

This type of sand is usually used as a base for paver patios, walkways, and swimming pools. It’s also occasionally mixed with landscaping materials such as topsoil or mulch for dressing lawns, commercial landscapes, golf courses, and other natural outside areas.

What Is Mortar Sand?

Mortar (mason) sand is produced likewise to concrete sand. The main difference is that it’s crushed much finer. The crushing method is also more refined, resulting in more consistent granules.

Mortar sand is used for a lot of the same projects as concrete sand. Nevertheless, because it’s a lot smoother to the touch, it’s usually used for things such as a supplement for beach sand or to fill volleyball courts, sandpits, and playgrounds for children.

One other common use for mortar sand is prevention of erosion in gardens and landscapes. As the “powdery” granules allow it to produce a more waterproof impediment.

How to Determine Which Sand Is Right for Your Project

Concrete sand and mortar sand are comparable products, but they can make for quite different outcomes. When deciding between them, the most important aspect to think about is your project’s nature.

Concrete sand is most likely a good option when you need a solid underlayer for walkways or pavers. Nevertheless, when you’re working on a more polished project and need sand for adding to a premium landscaping project, mortar sand is probably the better choice.

Lastly, if you’re using sand that is going to be used, touched, or interacted with, mortar sand is going to be a lot more comfortable than the larger granules of concrete sand. If you’re not sure which kind of sand is right for your project, it’s wise to consult the professionals at A&A Materials.

A&A Materials for Your Concrete or Mortar Sand Needs

The professional team at A&A Materials is more than happy to help you decide which kind of sand is more suitable for your project. We have over 50 years of experience in the industry and can inform you of the pros and cons of each kind. Learn more by contacting us today.

Landscaping Materials Scottsdale, Arizona

A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers, all purpose sand, aggregates, river rock, rip rap rock, mulch and wood chips for your landscaping or gardening needs. Contact us or call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.

Concrete Sand, Mortar Sand, Sand