You can not use play sand for making concrete. While play sand is sterilized and can be beneficial for certain applications like sandboxes and molding, it lacks the necessary properties for concrete.
Here's why:
- Grain Shape: Play sand has rounded grains, which are not ideal for concrete. Concrete requires angular sand particles that interlock with the cement and aggregate, creating a strong bond. Rounded grains don't interlock well, leading to a weaker concrete mix.
- Particle Size: Play sand is typically fine-grained, which can make concrete too dense and difficult to work with. Concrete needs a mix of fine and coarse aggregate for optimal strength and workability.
Instead of play sand, use concrete sand, also known as masonry sand or sharp sand. This type of sand has angular grains and a proper particle size distribution, making it ideal for concrete mixes.
