‘Ottawa Sand’ is not just any sand—it’s a testament to purity and precision. Perfectly graded and boasting over 99.5% silica content, it’s the cornerstone of accuracy in ASTM testing and a champion in filtration efficacy. This article reveals why Ottawa Sand’s properties make it the preferred choice for professionals and how it outperforms ordinary sand in critical applications.
Key Takeaways of Ottawa Sand
- Originating from the St. Peter Sandstone, Ottawa Sand is valued for its high purity (minimum of 99.5% SiO2), rounded silica grains, and consistent grading, making it ideal for precise testing and filtration applications.
- Its uniform particle size distribution makes this sand a preferred medium in ASTM and AASHTO tests, ensuring reliability in construction material assessments, and efficacy in environmental testing and as a filtration medium.
- When purchasing this sand, you must consider the quantity needed, the specific sieve size required for the application, and proper packaging options to maintain its quality during transport and storage.
Understanding Ottawa Sand
Imagine a time over 460 million years ago, when a vast, clear, and shallow sea covered what is now the North American Midwest. Naturally rounded silica sands formed the sea floor, creating the foundation of today’s sand. This sand, primarily sourced from the natural sandstone deposits located in the Ottawa, Illinois area, is not just any sand. It is distinguished by its specially graded natural, silica sand composition, featuring high purity of α−quartz and a high retention rate on specific sieve sizes.
This fascinating geological story and the sand’s unique properties make Ottawa material and sand an ideal choice for various applications. This sand has demonstrated its value in various applications such as cube tests, tensile test sand, tests, and filtration processes. However, to fully appreciate its uses, we should first explore the origin and properties of Ottawa.
Density of Sand: A Guide for Practical Applications.
Origin and Source of Ottawa Sand
The Ottawa material and sand come from the St. Peter Sandstone of the Middle and Upper Ordovician periods. This formation stretches from Michigan to Arkansas across the Midwest. It features well-sorted, rounded quartz sand grains that are friable or weakly cemented. Extracting from this formation produces the fine-to-medium, well-rounded Ottawa Sand.
The high purity and low mineral content characterize the St. Peter Sandstone, consisting almost entirely of pure quartz sand, free from contaminants such as clay, carbonates, and heavy minerals. This purity makes Ottawa Sand perfect for precision testing and filtration processes.
Properties of Ottawa Sand
Ottawa material and sand, with a minimum silica content of 99.5% SiO2, boast unique properties and a wide range of applications. This high silica content makes it chemically inert and more resilient than regular sand, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
The particle size distribution of Ottawa material and sand, a type of specially graded, standard sand, is generally graded between the Nos. 50 and 200 sieve sizes, providing a uniform range that sets it apart from other types of sand. This consistency in particle size distribution guarantees uniform packing density in testing molds, particularly in cement testing, thereby contributing to the attainment of precise and reproducible results.
Applications
The uniformity, consistency, and purity of Ottawa material and sand make it a preferred choice in various applications. This specially graded natural silica sand is utilized in cube testing to ascertain the compressive strength and elastic properties of mortar or concrete. Ottawa Sand also plays a crucial role in tensile tests, where its inherent roundness and carefully regulated grading are essential for accurately testing materials like concrete and asphalt.
In addition to testing, Ottawa material and sand serve as an effective filtration medium. Its uniform grain size ensures effective and consistent removal of impurities from water or other substances. We will now examine these applications in more detail to understand their importance.
Cube Test Sand
Cube testing is a common method for determining the compressive strength of concrete. Meticulously graded natural silica sand, known as Ottawa material and sand, plays a crucial role in this process. It complies with ASTM standards, crucial for guaranteeing precise and uniform outcomes in the assessment of mortar or concrete cubes.
ASTM C109 and AASHTO T106 standards govern Ottawa Sand’s use in cube tests, ensuring accurate hydraulic cement mortar compression testing. Ottawa Sand’s unique grading as natural silica sand with specific particle size distribution makes it preferred for meeting rigorous ASTM cube testing standards.
Tensile Test Sand
Tensile testing is another area where Ottawa Sand shines. Known as 20-30 Silica Sand (Tensile Test Sand), it is employed in tensile tests due to its special grading. Ottawa Sand is frequently employed in the cement industry for:
- cube mold preparation
- ASTM tests to evaluate compressive strength
- consistency
- specific gravity
- sand cone density
- tensile strength of construction materials
The tensile strength of asphalt or concrete is determined through Indirect Tensile Strength Tests, where Ottawa Sand is incorporated as a component of the testing material mixture. This careful use of Ottawa Sand in the tensile testing of asphalt concrete mixtures may lead to a decrease in strength characteristics attributed to its natural material properties.
Filtration Medium
More than just for testing, users employ Ottawa Sand as an effective filtration medium in lab control, matrix spike testing, and pool systems. Its semi-angular shape and larger particle size efficiently capture particles.
The effectiveness of Ottawa Sand’s infiltration can be attributed to:
- Its efficiency
- Its ability to fill the filtration space to a high degree, thereby enhancing filter performance significantly
- Its capability to filter a diverse range of contaminants from water, encompassing both dissolved and suspended substances.
This makes this sand highly versatile, effectively serving the filtration needs of both industrial and residential applications.
Understanding Sand Equivalent Test for Soils and Aggregates.
ASTM and AASHTO Testing
The unique properties of Ottawa Sand allow it to be a valuable asset in several ASTM and AASHTO tests, including:
- ASTM C109: determination of initial and final set times of cement and mortar
- ASTM C596: determination of initial and final set times of cement and mortar
- ASTM C778: determination of initial and final set times of cement and mortar
- ASTM C806: determination of initial and final set times of cement and mortar
- ASTM D-1556: determination of the bulk density of soil.
Meanwhile, in AASHTO T-tests, Ottawa Sand is essential as it adheres to the specified grading requirements, ensuring the dependability and uniformity of test outcomes. Let’s explore more about these tests and the role of Ottawa Sand in them.
ASTM Tests
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has a series of tests for construction materials, specifically in the preparation of cube molds for cement testing, where Ottawa Sand serves as a specially graded silica sand. Ottawa Sand is utilized in several ASTM tests including:
The uniform particle size distribution of Ottawa Sand plays a crucial role in maintaining consistent packing density in cube molds, thereby minimizing variations in test results and improving the reliability of compressive strength measurements for concrete in ASTM tests. This quality of Ottawa Sand enhances the accuracy of these tests, making them dependable for quality control and research purposes.
What Is Silica Sand and Its Uses (Updated In 2024).
AASHTO T-Tests
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) T-tests, on the other hand, assess the quality of aggregates, soils, and other materials used in transportation infrastructure to ensure that each material meets requirements. Here, Ottawa Sand is required for the AASHTO T106 test.
Ottawa Sand’s adherence to ASTM C109 and AASHTO T106 standards makes it a preferred choice in tests. The AASHTO T-test evaluates cleanliness, proportions of sand and clay particles, and particle size distribution. It validates it’s quality and ensures test outcome reliability.
EPA Methods: Matrix Spike and Laboratory Control Blanks
In environmental testing, this sand shines. It’s the chosen sample medium for Matrix Spike and Laboratory Control Blanks. These are vital for assessing method precision and accuracy in EPA methods.
EPA methods prefer this sand because its consistent particle size and special grading ensure accurate and reproducible results in tests and filtration. Let’s dive into the details of Matrix Spike and Laboratory Control Blanks, and how Ottawa Sand plays a role in these processes.
Matrix Spikes
In environmental testing, one adds known concentrations of analytes to representative client samples to create matrix spikes. This process, known as creating a matrix spike, involves spiking these samples with specific analytes before preparing the sample.
The process of spiking samples with known concentrations of target analytes entails:
- Adding a predetermined quantity of analyte to a sample
- Conducting tests on the spiked sample
- Determining if the analysis accurately retrieves the added amount
Ottawa Sand, with its uniform properties, is an ideal choice for this Ottawa test sand process.
Essential Sand Cone Test Equipment & Steps [Updated 2024].
Laboratory Control Blanks
Laboratory Control Blanks (LCBs) play a vital role in quality control for EPA methods. They help evaluate and monitor potential contamination during lab analysis. This aids in identifying any contamination within the lab environment.
Laboratory Control Blanks in the U.S. use this sand. EPA methods due to its high quality and consistent properties. Laboratory Control Blanks detect contaminants or errors from sample collection and analysis, ensuring test result integrity.
Purchasing Ottawa Sand
Having comprehended the significance and applications of Ottawa Sand, we can now discuss the factors to consider when purchasing this material. The quantity, sieve size, and packaging options play a significant role in meeting your specific needs.
The quantity of this sand varies based on project requirements, and adherence to ASTM standards mandates specific quantities for various tests. The sieve size determines its particle size distribution, thereby influencing its properties and applications. Moreover, packaging options ensure the sand remains uncontaminated during transport and storage.
Let’s explore these considerations in more depth.
Quantity of Ottawa Sand
Sellers typically offer this sand in 500 g or 2.5 kg quantities to meet various project needs. Determining the quantity of Ottawa required for different projects involves methods such as permeability and shear strength testing, as well as simulations to ensure specimen equilibrium.
For construction purposes, you can calculate the quantity of this sand using a sand calculator that considers the specific gravity, desired sieve sizes, and the required volume. In a laboratory setting, engineers determine the quantity of Ottawa Sand needed by conducting various tests to assess its quality.
Sieve Size
The ‘sieve size’ of Ottawa signifies the range of particle sizes passing through a sieve, impacting grading and quality assurance. Grading the sand establishes its actual sieve size, retaining percentages on specific sieves like No. 100, and No. 50. These sieves have a specific gravity of 2.65, or No. 40.
Applications demanding precision specifically employ the 20/30 mesh Ottawa, such as testing and filtration. The sieve size directly impacts the physical characteristics of Ottawa Sand, including its particle size distribution. Ottawa sand is typically graded between the Nos. 50 and 200 sieve sizes, and this has implications for its performance in different applications.
Packaging Options
Preserving Ottawa Sand’s quality during transport and storage is crucial. Manufacturers often use durable, moisture-resistant packaging. This includes plastic bags or woven polypropylene containers.
Summary of Ottawa Sand
Ottawa Sand is a silent hero in many industries, like construction and environmental testing. It’s known for its uniformity, high silica content, and consistent particle size. These qualities make it perfect for precision testing and filtration. It’s used in ASTM and AASHTO tests, EPA methods, and more. Its versatility and quality stand out. Whether you’re in construction, a lab technician, or need a reliable filtration medium, Ottawa Sand is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ottawa Sand
What is sand from Ottawa?
Manufacturers produce this sand using naturally rounded silica sands, primarily pure quartz, from Ottawa, Illinois. They design it to pass through the No. 20 (850 μm) sieve and retain it on the No. 30 (600 μm) sieve.
What is the grain size of sand from Ottawa?
The grain size of this sand is described using US standard sieve numbers of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 100, and 200, with a mean grain size of 0.23 mm, equivalent to the number 65 sieve opening.
What is the dry density of sand from Ottawa?
Calibrated measurements determined the dry density of the sand to be 1667 kg/m3.
Where do they find silica sand in the US?
The United States, especially in the Intermountain West, Midwest, and Great Lakes area, boasts an abundance of silica sand. Southern regions, along with southeastern and south-central Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin, also harbor this plentiful natural resource.
What uses does Ottawa sand have?
This sand is commonly used as standard sand in cement testing due to its uniform particle size distribution and consistent properties according to ASTM C109 and AASHTO T106 standards.
