Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 8.1: The use of sand, gravel and stones for building. Source: Neeb
Loose material
Use in building
Clay/silt
Earth construction, bricks
Loose materials
Ceramic tiles, expanded clay pellets, sound insulation in
floor structure
Sand
In concrete, brick to decrease 'fattiness', sound insulation
Gravel
In concrete
In contrast to minerals, loose materials are defined by their physical properties
rather than their chemical properties. Physical properties include grain size and
form.
Material
Grain size
Clay:
Less than 0.002 mm
Silt
0.002-0.06 mm
Sand
0.06-2.00 mm
Gravel
2.00-64.00 mm
Different types of earth get their name from the highest percentage of loose mate-
rial they contain - minimum of 60 per cent. The remaining percentage, if more
