Sand is in very commonly use in construction, often providing bulk, strength and stability to other construction materials such as asphalt, concrete, mortar, render, cement, and screed
Construction sand, typically sourced from rivers, quarries, or coastal areas, is a fundamental component of concrete, mortar, and other construction materials. It constitutes a significant portion of the aggregate mix used in various construction applications. The construction sector in West asia has been experiencing rapid growth, leading to an increased demand for construction sand. It is required for a wide range of projects, including residential buildings, commercial complexes, infrastructure development, and public works.
Governments in the region, such as those in the United arab emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, have implemented quality standards and regulations for construction materials, including sand. These standards ensure that the Sand meets specific criteria for particle size, grading, cleanliness, and other properties to ensure the durability and strength of the construction materials. West asian countries have diverse landscapes, including deserts, coastlines, and riverbeds, which provide sources of construction sand. Local availability of sand helps meet the demand and reduce dependence on imports.
In West Asia, the availability of construction sand depends on the specific country and its geography. Some countries in the region, such as Saudi arabia and the UAE, have limited natural sources of construction sand due to their desert landscapes. As a result, they often rely on importing sand from other countries to meet their construction needs. For instance, Dubai, a city in the UAE, has been known to import sand from Australia to support its massive construction projects. This sand is primarily used for land reclamation and beach development rather than traditional construction purposes.
Gravel smaller than sand is called fine sand. Fine sand is usually easily found on the beach and in the river. In civil engineering, according to the classification, ASTM called fine sand for gravels smaller than 4.75 mm and coarser than 0.075 mm of. According to the Unified Soil Classification Standard, sand is classified into three categories: fine, medium and coarse. In slang, gravel is smaller than sand and coarser than sand. Sand is usually easily found on the beach and in the river. In civil engineering, according to ASTM classification, aggregates smaller than 75 mm and larger than 4.75 mm are called sand.
According to the standard classification of uniform soil, sand is divided into two categories: fine sand and coarse sand. Solid soil particles are called sand if their diameter is between 0.50 and 2 mm. Sand is in very commonly use in construction, often providing bulk, strength and stability to other Construction materials such as asphalt, concrete, mortar, render, cement, and screed.
On the other hand, countries with access to coastal areas, such as Bahrain and Qatar, may have local sources of construction sand. They can extract sand from their shorelines, although this practice may have environmental implications, such as coastal erosion. It's important to note that the demand for construction sand in the region has been significant due to rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of sand extraction, particularly in coastal areas, leading to stricter regulations in some countries.
The extraction of construction sand, particularly from riverbeds and coastal areas, can have environmental consequences. It may cause erosion, disrupt ecosystems, and impact water bodies. Governments in the region have implemented regulations to manage and control sand extraction, aiming to minimize its environmental impact. In some cases, West Asian countries import construction sand to supplement their domestic supply. Sources of imported sand can vary, and it may come from neighboring countries or be sourced from distant locations, such as Southeast Asia.
Construction sand often undergoes washing and processing to remove impurities, improve its quality, and meet specific requirements. This process involves the removal of silt, clay, and other contaminants, ensuring the sand is clean and suitable for construction purposes. In response to concerns about the environmental impact of sand extraction, alternative materials and technologies are being explored. For example, recycled concrete aggregates and manufactured sand (produced by crushing rocks) are gaining attention as substitutes for natural sand.
The prices of construction sand in the West Asian market can vary depending on factors such as availability, demand, quality, transportation costs, and government regulations. These factors may influence the overall cost of construction projects. Recognizing the importance of sustainable sand management, some West Asian countries are implementing measures to regulate sand extraction, promote responsible sourcing, and encourage the use of alternative materials.
