Investigating sand quality effect on concrete strength

The quality of constituent materials used in the preparation of concrete plays a paramount role in the development of the physical property of concrete. Water, cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates and any admixtures used should be free from impurities that negatively impact on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Sand is one of the normal natural fine aggregates used in concrete production as one of the most accessible natural resources. It has been used mostly as a construction material since the earliest days of civilization. The aim of compiling this book has been to give a working knowledge of the important details of construction, materials especially sand used in civil engineering, including the source of sands their characteristics, the process of manufacture, their defects, structure and uses in the industry and the effect of sand quality on compressive strength of concrete. This study presents the findings on the quality of sand as sourced from five major sand sources of Debre Markos Town and its surrounding and the effects of these sand impurities on the compressive strength of concrete.