Compaction sand, also known as Paving/Compaction Sand, is a specific type of sand designed to compact down firm while retaining essential properties like drainage and flexibility.
Based on the provided reference, it is described as a course sand that shares similarities in properties with Washed River Sand. A key difference is that compaction sand contains slightly more fines than Washed River Sand. These additional fine particles play a crucial role: they help the course grains to lock into each other, enabling the sand to compact down stronger.
Key Characteristics of Compaction Sand
Drawing directly from the reference and the typical understanding of such materials, compaction sand possesses several important characteristics:
- Grain Size: It is primarily a course sand.
- Compaction Ability: It is specifically formulated to compact down firm when pressure is applied.
- Drainage: Despite compacting firmly, it still allows for drainage.
- Flexibility: It maintains a degree of flexibility.
- Fines Content: Contains slightly more fines compared to sands like Washed River Sand.
- Structural Integrity: The interaction between the course grains and fines allows them to lock into each other, contributing to a stronger, more stable compacted layer.
How Compaction Sand Achieves Strength
The presence of controlled fines distinguishes compaction sand. While coarse grains provide the primary bulk and structure, the finer particles fill the voids between the larger grains. This filling action helps the course grains to lock into each other, creating a dense matrix that resists movement and allows the material to compact down stronger and more stable under load. This mechanism is crucial for its performance in various applications.
Common Applications
Given its name and properties, compaction sand is typically used in applications where a stable, load-bearing base is required that also allows for water drainage.
- Paving Base: Often used as a base layer under pavers, slabs, or bricks to provide a level, compactable foundation.
- Sub-base Layers: Utilized in construction for foundational layers where compaction is needed for stability.
- Fill Material: Suitable for filling areas where a compactable, permeable material is required.
Compaction sand's ability to compact firmly while allowing drainage makes it an essential material in construction and landscaping projects that require a stable yet functional base.
