Mechanical properties of concrete by replacement of fine aggregate with desert sand

In this research study, the mechanical characteristics of concrete were investigated by substituting desert sand as fine aggregate. Desert sand obtained from Tharparkar was used in five different proportions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100 %,). Several tests were carried out to understand the behaviour of concrete made with desert sand as a fine aggregate substitute including those for gradation, chemical composition, slump, density, water absorption, and compressive and tensile splitting tests. The grain size distribution analysis of desert sand revealed that it contains particles with a size of 0.45 mm, and the water absorption of desert sand concrete was found to be 1% higher, whereas workability fell by 6%. The compressive and tensile strength of a concrete mixture containing 75% desert sand was found to be 9.5% and 16.4% respectively higher than nominal concrete made with hill sand, and the average strength rise was on 3.5% and 2% respectively. Substitution beyond 75% was not given desirable results due to the fineness of desert sand. All the test results show that 75% substitution of desert sand as fine aggregate can be used in concrete production under designed concrete standards.