What Is Sand?
Sand is typically made up of loose, fragmented material such as decomposed rocks, corals, or shells. The diameter of grains can range anywhere between 0.06 - 2.0mm in size and usually appear to be shades of brown or orange. Sand is mostly composed of Silica (SiO2), though the amount of silica in sand varies between construction grade sand, containing 80%, to manufacturing grade sand, containing 95%. Silica is a very hard material which does not deteriorate in water or wind. When sand is used properties such as bulk, and strength, are given to construction materials like concrete and asphalt. In landscaping, sand can be used as a decorative material.
What Is Sand Used For?
Raw sand is used in road, industrial, residential construction, or fracing. It's also a beautiful addition in landscaping. Sand is a key ingredient in cement, glass, and silica wafers; as well as other products. Sand containing low concentrations of silica (80%), is generally used in construction. While sand containing higher concentrations of silica (95%), are used for frac sand, or manufacturing sand used to make glass or silica wafers.
Why Sand?
It is a less expensive option when compared to others.
The raw material is easy to find, and more importantly to mine.
Sand is perfect for filling in pore spaces between aggregate.
When sand grains fill pore spaces, the volume and density are increased which makes the overall structure stronger.
Types Of Sand Used In Construction
Fill Sand This course sand is usually brown-orange in color. Fill sand is used to build foundations.
River Sand Usually found in river banks, this fine sand appears in white and grey tones. The particles are useful in many construction processes including concrete.
Crushed Stone Sand/ Artificial Sand/ M Sand Crushed stone sand is a substitute for river sand. This fine aggregate can be manufactured by grinding granite or basalt rock.
Sand In Mortar
Sand is also often incorporated in mortar which is a paste used to bind blocks together and fill the space between them. Sand offers a variety of properties to the mortar process including:
Bulk Sand increases the bulk volume of mortar which reduces the overall cost.
Setting Carbon dioxide is absorbed through the voids of the sand which helps the material set effectively. Cracking during the setting process is also avoided due to the sand.
Shrinkage Excessive shrinkage, while the mortar is drying, is reduced when sand is used.
Strength Because proportions are altered, the overall strength of the mortar increases which helps it become more resistant to being crushed.
Surface Area When sand is used, the paste becomes a thin film which creates more surface area for spreading and adhering.
Our Sand Product
At Prism Logistics we have several sand qualities, depending on your need and application.
Composition 80%-95% Silica - Silica is a robust material capable of withstanding high pressures, water, and wind erosion. Sized 0.1 to 2mm diameter
Construction Sand 80% Silica - Prism has and abundant supply of construction grade sand. This sand is a light brown or orange color and is a perfect filler in construction as it is strong and relatively inexpensive, compared to other products.
Fracing Sand 95% Silica - During hydraulic fracturing, sand is pumped at high pressures, thousands of feet into the earth to, first, fracture the sub-surface formations and, then, hold those fractures open so oil and gas can flow from the rock into the wellbore. In order to sustain such high sub-surface pressures, frac sand must have a high level of silica. In addition, frac sand is round, creating a high porosity in the formation and allowing the oil and gas to flow into the wellbore. Prism has high quality frack sand ready for your applications.
Manufacturing Sand 95% Silica - to manufacture glass, or silica wafers for electronics, the sand if first heated, in order to minimize the contaminants in the glass, or silica, which would spoil the product. High concentration silica sand is preferred. Prism has high quality manufacturing sand ready for your applications.
Why Prism Logistics?
Sand is a significant and useful material in construction. Making sure that the right type and size are selected is crucial. At Prism Logistics, we have high quality sand that is on hand and close to your application site, cutting down on wait time and costs. Prism is focused on providing superior quality products, knowledge, and experience to decipher which sand is best for you. Contact us at (307)233-3925 for further information.