Alternative Sands as Substitute for Natural Sand for the Construction Sector

While the need for sand in the construction sector is increasing, natural sand becomes scarce. On the other hand, several sand-like fractions out of industrial residues become available. This paper focusses on the potential use of these "alternative sands" as substitute for natural sand in the construction sector. The investigation included the study of the properties of alternative sands and a market research. In order to determine the properties, standard tests were performed such as the determination of the particle size distribution, the fineness modulus, the methylene blue test, determination of the density and the water-absorption. The particle size distribution of several fine recycled aggregates and of other fine fractions, derived from different producers, were compared to each other and to natural sand. This was to how alternative sands relate to natural sand and more specifically if they can be compared to natural sand and if they match the requirements of use of sand in constructional applications set by the standards and the standard specifications for road construction SB250. As a result, an overview table is made with the potential applications for each type of sand.