Gravel sand is essentially a combination of gravel and sand, representing a mixture of granular materials with particle sizes spanning a specific range.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Components: Gravel sand consists of two primary constituents:
- Gravel: Particles ranging in size from 4.75 mm to 75 mm. Gravel is coarser than sand.
- Sand: Particles ranging in size from 0.075 mm to 4.75 mm. Sand is finer than gravel.
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Gradation: The proportion of gravel and sand within the mixture can vary, resulting in different gradations (particle size distributions). The specific gradation is crucial for determining the material's suitability for various applications. A well-graded gravel sand will have a good distribution of particle sizes to minimize voids and enhance compaction.
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Uses: Gravel sand is commonly used in:
- Construction: As a base material for roads, pavements, and foundations.
- Landscaping: For drainage, fill, and decorative purposes.
- Concrete production: In some instances, depending on the specifications.
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Distinction from other materials: It is important to differentiate gravel sand from pure gravel or pure sand, as its unique combination of particle sizes offers distinct properties. For example, it can provide better drainage than pure sand while offering more stability than pure gravel when compacted.
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Engineering Properties: The specific properties of gravel sand, such as permeability, shear strength, and compaction characteristics, are influenced by the relative proportions of gravel and sand, as well as the shape and composition of the individual particles.
In short, gravel sand is a mixture of gravel and sand, offering a versatile construction and landscaping material with properties that depend on the proportions and characteristics of its constituent particles.
