Chemical Properties of Washed and Sieved Offshore Sand

Abstract

This study tested the chemical properties of washed and sieved off-shore sand available at Muthurajawela sales stockpile of Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC). Chloride, acid-soluble Sulphates and total Sulphur contents in accordance with SLS 1397 standards were tested. Testing indicated that all the key parameters were significantly lower than the allowable limit, which points to the fact that the constructions are not restrained. Decontamination by washing and sieving is effective in eliminating or removing potentially harmful salts and other impurities commonly found in marine sands, thus, limiting the chance of reinforcement corrosion, sulphate attack and structural degradation. On the whole, the experimented offshore sand shows that it can be used and applied in reinforced concrete and plain concrete use, guaranteeing durability and the structural safety of building constructions.