Concept about Sand Filling in the Building Foundation Structure

The sand filling is the procedure of placing and comparing the sand into the depressions, voids and the excavated areas in the soil. This sand-filling procedure has been used to improve the soil condition by filling the gaps in the soil. This helps to provide a level surface in the ground thus helping to increase the overall stability of the construction unit.

In various types of construction contexts including embankments, foundations and road construction sites, the sand filling procedure can be used. The sand filling process also helps to provide strength to the construction structure to stand with natural calamities. The density and stability of the construction structure have been also ensured by the sand filling procedure.

The purposes of sand filling procedure in the building foundation

The primary purposes of the sand filling process are:

Levelling process

The main purpose of the sand filling procedure is to create a smooth surface which helps to make it easy for the placement of the construction materials.

Stabilization process

Another purpose of the sand filling procedure is to increase the soil stability by filling the voids in the soil thus helping to reduce the risk of settlement of the construction structure.

Protection

The other purpose of the sand filling process is to shield the underlying layers of the construction structure from damage as well as from contamination during the conduction of the construction activities.

The importance of conducting the sand filling process in the construction process

The stability of the soil

A variety of particles has been used including silica and other elements has been used to make sand which influences the bounding nature of the sand. This nature helps to prevent the breaking of the sand while it is exposed to external factors like erosion and wind.

Increasing load-bearing capacity

The compact filling of the sand helps to provide physical support to the construction structure thus improving the load-bearing capacity as well as distributing the weights evenly to the construction structure. This also helps to reduce the stress on the soil by balancing the building’s weight.

Prevention of water accumulation

The water accumulation beneath the foundation structure is a very risky issue as it leads to structural damage to the building foundation, weakens the building foundations as well as leads to erosion of the soil. In this regard, the sand filling is important. The construction of the drainage layer beneath the foundation structure is effective in preventing water collection under the foundation structure.

Decreasing soil shrinkage and swelling

Due to the moisture content in the soil, swelling and shrinkage in the soil has occurred. Sand filling in the foundation structure helps to prevent soil swelling and shrinkage by preventing moisture interaction with the soil thus helping to protect the foundation structure from moisture-related issues.

Preventing differential settlements

In the case of the soil beneath the foundation structure having been shifted or contracted irregularly or expanded, cracks in the floors or walls can occur which leads to creating more gaps in the building structure. The sand filling in the foundation structure uneven settlement as well as helps to improve the stability and stiffness of the soil.

The key practices for the sand filling process

Testing the soil

It is important to ensure the types of the soils by conducting the soil test. The soil testing process should be conducted before starting the sand filling procedure which helps to analyse the types of the soil as well as helps to determine the properties of the soil. In addition, the soil testing method also helps to select the appropriate types of sand for the construction site and conduct the sand filling procedure. This method also helps to determine the thickness of the sand filling which has been required for the specific construction site.

Layer compaction

The sand filling process should have to be done in layers in which each of the layers should have to be compacted before adding the next layer. It also needs to ensure that the sand layer has been densely compacted which helps to provide maximum stability to the construction structure. The thickness of each sand layer needs to be determined on the basis of the sand types that have been used in the foundation and the load requirements of the foundation structure.

Water usage

Water has been used during the sand layer compaction process which helps in the settlement of the sand and also helps to fill the remaining voids. The water usage procedure is also known as the wet compaction process which helps to improve the sand density as well as increase the load-bearing capacity.

Proper drainage system in the construction site

The proper drainage system also needs to be ensured to prevent water accumulation under the building foundation. In this context, the sand layer should be sloped which helps to allow the water to drain away from the building foundation. The installation of the drainage pipes also helps to improve the drainage capabilities of the sand layer.

The regular inspection process

After the completion of the sand filling procedure, a regular inspection needs to be conducted which helps to ensure that the building foundation will be stable and that there are no signs of movement or settlement. In this method, any kind of issue in the sand filling process has been addressed to prevent further damage to the building foundation structure.

Different types of sand are used for filling the foundation structure

Coarse Sand

This type of sand has excellent drainage properties which have the ability to compact well. The larger particles of the coarse sand allow for easy water passage and provide a stable base for the building foundation.

River Sand

The river sand sourced from the riverbeds is appropriate for filling the foundation structure.

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: Civil Center

Fine Sand

The smaller particles of the fine sand help to achieve the desired level of sand layer compaction. The fine sand is useful in filling the smaller voids as well as helps to create a smoother surface.

Manufactured Sand

The manufactured sand is also known as the M-sand which has been used in the construction site due to its controlled quality and consistency. This M-sand is an appropriate alternative to the natural sand in those areas where the natural sand is expensive.