Apply Sand/Cement (External Work) and Floor Screeding

TYPES OF SAND AND CEMENT

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MODULE 2 SHEET 8

Points to remember about sand: Sand is cheaper than cement. The strength of the mix is reduced as the ratio of sand is increased. An over-sanded mix will leave poor workability and weak mix. An under-sanded mix will be fatty, quick drying and increased cracking. Well graded sand provides more workability in the mix. Rendering sand must be clean, well graded, free from industrial waste and mixed correctly.

CEM PAK

Bagged sand

Sand in ton bags

Sand stacked ready for delivery

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MODULE 2 SHEET 9

Apply Sand/Cement (External Work) and Floor Screeding

TYPES OF SAND AND CEMENT

The main materials used in a render mix and the purpose are: Sand > aggregate. Ordinary portland cement > binder. Hydrated lime > plasticiser. Aggregate The part of the mix that does not set, and acts as the ller. Binder The part of the mix that sets and binds the aggregate together. Plasticiser An additive to the mix which will improve its workability and reduce the amount of water required.

Question
Indicate which is binder, aggregate and plasticiser.

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Apply Sand/Cement (External Work) and Floor Screeding

TYPES OF SAND AND CEMENT

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MODULE 2 SHEET 10

The Testing of Sand

There are three main tests carried out on sand before use: Salt content > This test is usually carried out in a lab. Sieve analysis > To determine grading through a sieve. Silt test > To determine the amount of silt to sand. The process for a silt test If sand containing silt or clay is used, the material can be affected, so the sand must be tested. To test sand on site, the material can be rubbed together between the hands and if staining occurs further investigation is necessary, using the silt test. How to carry out a silt test using a graduated cylinder 1. Place 50ml of salt water into a measuring cylinder. 2. Add sand sample up to the 100ml mark. 3. Pour in more solution of salt water to bring the liquid level up to the 150ml mark. 4. Cover the cylinder and shake the contents vigorously. 5. Allow the contents to settle for three hours. 6. Measure the height of the silt layer above the sand. 7. Calculate the percentage of silt to sand. The silt layer should not exceed 6% by volume and 3% by weight of the sand sample.

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MODULE 2 SHEET 11

Apply Sand/Cement (External Work) and Floor Screeding

TYPES OF SAND AND CEMENT

Cement
Ordinary Portland cement which is manufactured in the UK must conform to British Standard Specications and this includes strict standards on: Fineness. Chemical composition. Strength. Setting times. Setting time is the period from when you add the water to the time the material stiffens up. The initial set should not be less than 45 minutes and the nal set not more than 10 hours. Ordinary Portland cement is the most common material used when rendering, but many other types are available here are some: White Portland cement. Coloured cement. Rapid hardening cement. Masonry cement. High alumina cement. Sulphate resisting cement. To view the manufacturing process of cement visit http://www.portcement.org REMEMBER! Cement is the binder part of the mix.

Apply Sand/Cement (External Work) and Floor Screeding

TYPES OF SAND AND CEMENT

SECTION

MODULE 2 SHEET 12

Estimated gures for quantities of sand and cement required for 100m2 of wall area. No allowance has been made for wastage. Proportion by volume
Ratio of Sand Cement Thickness of coat in mm 7 10 1:3 Bags of cement 25kg 10.8 15.4 Cubic metres of sand 0.63 0.90 1:4 Bags of cement 25kg 8.4 12.0 Cubic metres of sand 0.65 0.93

Proportion by volume
Ratio of Sand Cement Thickness of coat in mm 7 10 1:5 Bags of cement 25kg 7.2 9.6 Cubic metres of sand 0.65 0.94 1:6 Bags of cement 25kg 5.8 8.2 Cubic metres of sand 0.67 0.95

From the information on the above table, produce a graph detailing what amount of material would be required for a wall 100m2 using all four ratios of sand and cement available. Student Key Skill Application of Number