Washed Sand

From underwater to top quality: the journey of our washed sand

Washed sand is an essential ingredient in many construction projects, such as concrete and asphalt production.  It is also widely used in the turf industry and can be blended with other materials to create top dressing and turf underlay.  At Corridor Sands, we take great pride in producing premium quality washed sand, and we utilize state-of-the-art technology to ensure its consistency and purity.  In this essay, we will explore the production process of washed sand at Corridor Sands and its various uses in construction and beyond.

What is Washed Sand?

Washed sand is natural river sand that has undergone a rigorous washing and screening process to remove impurities and ensure uniformity.  This process involves excavating the sand underwater using a specialized floating dredge with a rotating cutter head to loosen the sand deposits.  The sand and water slurry are pumped through a pipeline to our plant for processing.  The sand is thoroughly washed at the plant to remove impurities and then screened to remove oversized material and fines.

Production Process:

Corridor Sands uses cutting-edge technology and expertise to produce premium quality washed sand.  Our production process is divided into several stages:

1. Excavation: We excavate the natural river sand from underwater using a specialized floating dredge.

2. Slurry Formation: The excavated sand is mixed with water to create a sand and water slurry.

3. Transportation: The slurry is transported through a pipeline to our plant for processing.

4. Washing: The sand slurry is then thoroughly washed to remove any impurities.

5. Screening: After washing, the sand is screened to remove oversized material and fines.

6. Quality Control: We subject our washed sand to monthly, six-monthly, and annual testing to ensure consistency and purity.

Uses of Washed Sand:

Washed sand has numerous benefits in the construction industry, such as:

1. Concrete Production: Washed sand is essential to producing concrete and mortar products.  Concrete slabs, for instance, use around 33% sand, using the 1 x cement, 2 x sand, and 3 x gravel principle.

2. Asphalt Production: Washed sand is also used in the production of asphalt.  It meets the particle sizing and all applicable standards for use in asphalt production.

3. Turf Industry: Washed sand can produce USGA Graded Sand, used under the turf or as topdressing.  Golf courses, sporting fields, and school ovals typically use USGA Graded Sands.

4. Blending with Other Materials: We can mix washed sand with topsoil to create top dressing and turf underlay products.

Quality Assurance:

At Corridor Sands, we take quality control seriously.  We subject our washed sand to rigorous testing to ensure its consistency and purity.  Our monthly testing includes grading, particle size distribution, material finer than 75 microns, organic impurities, and clay and fine silts.  We also subject our washed sand to six-monthly testing for particle density and water absorption and annual testing for chloride, particles finer than 2 microns, sodium sulphate soundness, petrochemical analysis, alkali-aggregate reaction, potential reactivity, sugar, silica as SiCO2, reduction in alkalinity, sulphate, and light particles.

Weight

It is important to note that the weight of washed sand can vary depending on the moisture content.  One cubic meter of loose premium sand weighs approximately 1,430kgs, and one tonne of loose premium sand is about 0.7 cubic meters.  However, the weight may vary according to moisture content.

Corridor Sands – Your Trusted Supplier of Washed Sand

Corridor Sands is committed to providing our customers with premium-quality washed sand, excellent customer service, and fast, efficient loading.  Our washed sand suits various applications, including concrete and mortar production, asphalt production, USGA-graded sand production for golf courses and sports fields, and blending with other materials to make top dressing and turf underlay.

Our washed sand is excavated from underwater using a specialized floating dredge.  The dredge has a rotating cutter head that loosens the sand deposits, and a suction pipe carries the slurry of sand and water pumped through a pipeline to the plant for processing.  Once the natural river sand deposit has been processed, impurities are removed from the sand by thorough washing, and screening removes oversized material and fines.

Washed sand is a high-quality, versatile, and essential material used in various industries, including construction, sports, and landscaping.  At Corridor Sands, we are proud to supply premium quality washed sand that has undergone regular testing to ensure that it meets the required standards.  Our washed sand is produced using specialized equipment and undergoes rigorous screening and washing to remove impurities and provide a high-quality product.

We have the product for you, whether you are looking for sand for concrete and mortar production, asphalt production, or USGA-graded sand production for golf courses and sports fields.  Contact us today for expert advice and pricing.

Clean and Reliable: Washed Sand from Corridor Sands

Sand is a natural resource used for centuries in construction, landscaping, and other industries.  However, not all sand is created equal, and using the wrong type of sand can lead to problems with strength, durability, and other important factors.  This is where washed sand comes in.  This essay will explore what washed sand is, how Corridor Sands and its various uses produce it.

What is Washed Sand? 

Washed sand is a type of sand that has undergone a thorough cleaning process to remove impurities such as clay, silt, and other organic matter.  This cleaning process ensures that the sand is free from contaminants that can affect its performance in various applications.

How do Corridor Sands produce washed sand?

Corridor Sands is a leading supplier of high-quality washed sand in Australia.  The company uses a specialised floating dredge to excavate sand from underwater.  The dredge has a rotating cutter head that loosens the sand deposits, which are then carried in a slurry of sand and water through a pipeline to the processing plant.

Once the sand has been transported to the plant, it undergoes a thorough washing process to remove impurities.  Screening is also used to remove oversized material and fines.  The resulting product is a premium quality washed sand that is ideal for use in various applications.

Uses of Washed Sand: Washed sand is a versatile material with numerous uses in construction, landscaping, and other industries.  Here are some of the most common applications of washed sand:

1. Concrete and Mortar Products: Washed sand is an essential component in producing concrete and mortar products.  Concrete slabs, for instance, typically use around 33% sand, using the 1 x cement, 2 x sand, and 3 x gravel principle.

2. Asphalt Production: Washed sand also plays a vital role in asphalt production.  It meets the particle sizing and all applicable standards for use in asphalt production.

3. Turf Industry: Washed sand is used in the production of USGA Graded Sand, which can be used under the turf or as topdressing.  Golf courses, sporting fields, and school ovals typically use USGA Graded Sands.

4. Blending with Other Materials: Washed sand can be mixed with topsoil to make other products such as top dressing and turf underlay.

Quality Assurance:

Corridor Sands takes pride in supplying premium quality sand/soils, excellent customer service, and fast, efficient loading.  To ensure the quality of its products, the company conducts regular testing on its washed sand.  Monthly testing includes grading, particle size distribution, material finer than 75 microns, organic impurities, and clay and fine silts.  Six-monthly testing includes particle density and water absorption.  Annual testing includes chloride, particles finer than 2 microns, sodium sulphate soundness, petrochemical analysis, alkali-aggregate reaction, potential reactivity, sugar, silica as SiCO2, reduction in alkalinity, sulphate, and light particles.

Weight: One cubic meter of loose premium sand weighs approximately 1,430 kg.  One tonne of loose premium sand is about 0.7 cubic meters.  However, these values may vary according to moisture content.

Washed sand is an essential component in the construction and asphalt industries, as well as the turf industry.  Corridor Sands is committed to providing our clients with high-quality washed sand that meets stringent standards.  Our washed sand is excavated from underwater using a specialised floating dredge, and it undergoes thorough washing and screening to remove impurities.  We carry out monthly and annual testing to ensure the quality of our washed sand.  If you are looking for premium quality washed sand for your construction, asphalt production, or turf industry needs, look no further than Corridor Sands.

Contact us today to speak with our expert team and learn more about our products and services.

The Perfect Material for Superior Construction

Construction projects require high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity.  At Corridor Sands, we recognise the crucial role that premium-washed sand plays in producing high-quality concrete and asphalt.  Our specialised dredging process and rigorous cleaning ensure that our washed sand is of the highest quality, meeting industry standards and providing consistent performance.

The Dredging Process

The specialised floating dredge at Corridor Sands is equipped with a rotating cutter head that effectively loosens sand deposits from water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or oceans.  The cutter head is positioned on the front of the dredge and can be lowered to the bottom of the water body.  The rotating blades of the cutter head cut through the sand, breaking it into small pieces that the dredge can suck up.

The dredge also has a suction pipe to carry the sand and water slurry from the excavation site to the processing plant.  The suction pipe is attached to the dredge and is typically made of a flexible material that can be extended or retracted to reach the desired depth.  The suction pipe sucks up the sand and water mixture, pumped through a pipeline to the processing plant.

The Cleaning Process

Once the sand is dredged from underwater, it is transported to our processing plant, which undergoes a rigorous cleaning process to remove any impurities.  Our team of experts ensures that our washed sand is of the highest quality by putting it through multiple screening processes to remove any oversized materials and fines.  This ensures that our sand is of the perfect consistency for use in concrete and asphalt production.

Our processing plant has state-of-the-art equipment that helps us achieve the perfect washed sand product.  Our screening equipment is designed to remove oversized materials, ensuring that the sand is of the ideal size for construction applications.

Department of Main Roads Approval

Corridor Sands ensures that our natural river sand deposit is certified to meet the Department of Main Roads Approval, which guarantees that our washed sand meets the highest industry standards and is suitable for construction projects.  Certifications provide a standardised set of guidelines that our sand must meet, ensuring consistent performance and reliability.  Our certification ensures that our washed sand has been thoroughly tested and analysed to meet industry standards.

Importance of Washed Sand in Construction

Washed sand is an essential component that provides consistent quality and performance in construction projects.  It undergoes a rigorous cleaning process that removes impurities like clay, silt, and debris, leaving pure and pristine grains behind.  This thorough cleaning ensures that the sand is perfect for producing high-quality concrete and asphalt.

At Corridor Sands, we pride ourselves on producing premium washed sand that meets industry standards.  Our specialised dredging process and rigorous cleaning ensure that our washed sand is of the highest quality, providing consistent performance for construction projects.  With our Department of Main Roads Approval, you can trust that our washed sand is the perfect material for superior construction.

From foundations to skyscrapers, washed sand in concrete builds it all.

Concrete is an essential component in the construction industry. It is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregate, which provides strength, durability, and versatility to various building structures. Among the aggregate materials, washed sand plays a critical role in concrete’s quality and performance.

Washed Sand: An Introduction

Washed sand refers to sand that has been processed to remove impurities, such as clay, silt, and debris, through a mechanical washing process. The process involves rinsing the sand with water, sieving, and drying it to achieve the desired texture and particle size. The result is a clean, well-graded sand that is free from organic matter, salts, and other contaminants.

Washed Sand’s Role in Concrete

Washed sand is a crucial ingredient in concrete because of its various characteristics that contribute to the strength and durability of the material.

1. It enhances the workability of the concrete, making it easier to mix, place, and compact. The clean and well-graded nature of washed sand ensures that the concrete mixture is consistent and uniform, resulting in a smooth and even surface finish.
2. Washed sand provides good drainage and reduces the risk of concrete shrinkage and cracking. Concrete is a porous material that absorbs and releases moisture depending on the environmental conditions. With washed sand, excess water can drain away, preventing the concrete from expanding and contracting excessively. This is particularly important in areas with high moisture content, where the concrete is susceptible to cracking and deterioration.
3. Washed sand improves the concrete’s compressive strength and reduces the permeability. The even particle size distribution of washed sand ensures that there are no weak spots in the concrete, making it less prone to structural failure. Moreover, the absence of impurities reduces the risk of chemical reactions that can cause corrosion and degradation over time.

Washed Sand’s Applications in Concrete

Washed sand is used in various concrete applications, from small residential projects to large-scale commercial and industrial buildings. Here are some common applications of washed sand in concrete:

1. Foundations: Washed sand is used in the foundation of buildings and structures to provide a stable and level base. The even particle size distribution of washed sand ensures that the foundation is strong and consistent, preventing settlement and shifting over time.

2. Roads and pavements: Washed sand is used in the production of concrete for roads, highways, and pavements. The smooth and even surface finish of washed sand provides good traction and skid resistance, reducing the risk of accidents.

3. Bridges and tunnels: Washed sand is used in the construction of bridges and tunnels to provide structural stability and durability. The compressive strength and low permeability of washed sand ensure that the concrete can withstand heavy traffic loads and exposure to moisture and chemicals.

4. High-rise buildings: Washed sand is used in the production of concrete for high-rise buildings, where the structure must support heavy loads and withstand extreme weather conditions. The uniformity and consistency of washed sand ensure that the concrete is strong and durable, preventing the risk of collapse or structural failure.

Washed sand is a crucial component in the production of high-quality concrete for various building structures. Its clean, well-graded, and uniform nature ensures that the concrete is strong, durable, and long-lasting. Whether it’s for small residential projects or large-scale commercial and industrial buildings, washed sand plays a critical role in building structures that can withstand the test of time.

Building Durable Roads with Washed Sand in Asphalt

Asphalt is a common material used for constructing roads and pavements.  It is a mixture of aggregate, binder, and filler, where washed sand plays a crucial role in production.  Washed sand is a refined form of sand that is free from impurities such as dust, clay, and organic matter.  This essay will explore the importance of washed sand in asphalt production and its benefits in building long-lasting roads.

The Significance of Washed Sand in Asphalt Production

Washed sand is an essential ingredient in the production of asphalt.  It is used as a fine aggregate in the mixture, which binds the asphalt together.  Its clean and uniform properties allow for better mixing with other materials, resulting in a more stable and durable product.  Washed sand is also known for its high-quality properties, such as hardness, abrasion resistance, and durability, which make it ideal for use in asphalt production.

How Washed Sand Enhances Asphalt Durability

Washed sand has several properties that enhance the durability of asphalt.  One of its main advantages is its ability to resist abrasion, which reduces wear and tear on the asphalt surface.  This quality makes it ideal for use in high-traffic areas like roads and highways.  Additionally, washed sand has a uniform shape and size, which helps to improve the texture and skid resistance of the asphalt.  This, in turn, reduces the risk of accidents and improves the overall safety of the road.

The Role of Washed Sand in Improving Asphalt Workability

Washed sand also plays a vital role in improving the workability of asphalt.  Its clean and uniform properties allow for better mixing with other materials, such as the binder and filler.  This results in a more cohesive and workable mixture, which makes it easier to apply and spread evenly.  Additionally, washed sand helps reduce the amount of asphalt needed for a project, which can help save costs and reduce the project’s environmental impact.

The Environmental Benefits of Using Washed Sand in Asphalt

Using washed sand in asphalt production has several environmental benefits.  For one, it reduces the amount of natural resources needed for the project.  Using a high-quality product, such as washed sand, requires less asphalt to achieve the same level of durability and stability.  This reduces the project’s carbon footprint and helps conserve natural resources.  Additionally, using washed sand helps reduce the amount of waste generated during the production process.  By removing impurities and contaminants, washed sand results in less waste and pollution, which is better for the environment.

Washed sand plays a crucial role in the production of asphalt.  Its clean and uniform properties make it an ideal ingredient for producing durable and stable roads.  Additionally, its ability to improve workability and reduce the amount of asphalt needed makes it an eco-friendly option for asphalt production.  Therefore, it is essential to use high-quality washed sand in asphalt production to ensure the longevity and sustainability of our roads.

Reliable Quality for Your Construction Needs

Washed sand is an essential component of various construction materials, including concrete, asphalt, and brickwork.  To ensure the reliability and durability of these materials, it’s crucial to use high-quality washed sand that meets strict quality standards.  Corridor Sands is a leading supplier of washed sand in Australia, and the company has implemented a comprehensive quality assurance program to ensure that its products meet the highest standards.

What is Washed Sand?

Washed sand is a type of sand that has been cleaned and washed to remove impurities such as clay, silt, and organic matter.  The washing process involves passing the sand through a series of screens and water baths to remove these impurities, leaving behind clean, uniform particles.  Washed sand is commonly used in construction materials such as concrete, asphalt, and brickwork because it provides a stable, consistent base that can support heavy loads and withstand harsh weather conditions.

The Importance of Quality Assurance in Washed Sand Production

The quality of washed sand is critical to the durability and reliability of construction materials.  Poor-quality sand can result in weak, unstable structures prone to cracking, erosion, and failure.  Therefore, it’s essential to use washed sand that meets strict quality standards and undergoes rigorous quality assurance testing.

Corridor Sands Quality Assurance Program

At Corridor Sands, we take quality assurance seriously.  Our quality assurance program is designed to ensure that our washed sand meets the highest quality, consistency, and reliability standards.  Our program includes the following elements:

1. Raw material selection: We carefully select the raw materials used to produce our washed sand to ensure they are of the highest quality and are free from impurities.
2. Production processes: We use state-of-the-art equipment and advanced production processes to ensure our washed sand is consistently high quality.
3. Quality testing: We conduct rigorous quality testing on our washed sand to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality and consistency.

Testing Procedures and Standards

Our testing procedures and standards are an essential part of our quality assurance program.  We use a variety of tests to ensure that our washed sand meets the following standards:

1. Gradation: We test the particle size distribution of our washed sand to ensure that it meets the required specifications for each application.
2. Density: We measure the density of our washed sand to ensure that it meets the required specifications for each application.
3. Moisture content: We test the moisture content of our washed sand to ensure it is optimal for each application.
4. Organic content: We test the organic content of our washed sand to ensure that it is free from organic matter that could affect its performance.

Continuous Improvement and Customer Satisfaction

At Corridor Sands, we are committed to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.  We regularly review and improve our quality assurance program to ensure that our washed sand meets the changing needs of our customers and the industry.  We also strive to provide exceptional customer service and work closely with our customers to ensure they receive the high-quality washed sand they need for their construction projects.

In conclusion, Corridor Sands is committed to providing high-quality washed sand that meets the highest quality, consistency, and reliability standards.  Our comprehensive quality assurance program ensures that our washed sand is free from impurities and meets the rigorous standards required for various construction applications.  We are dedicated to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, striving to exceed our customers’ expectations with every order.