Sand in Mortar

Sand is used in mortar and concrete for the following functions:

Bulk: It acts as an additive. Hence, larger quantity or volume of mortar is increased resulting in cost reduction.

Setting: In the case of fat lime, carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed through the voids of the sand and setting of the fat lime takes place effectively.

Strength: It helps to adjust the strength of mortar or concrete by varying its ratio with cement or lime. It also increases the mortar’s resistance to crushing.

Shrinkage: It prevents excessive shrinkage of mortar during drying and hence cracking of mortar during setting is avoided.
Surface area: It subdivides the binding material paste into a thin film and thus offers more surface area for spreading and adhesion.