Prepared by: H. C. Fischer, Sc.D., T-15 pg.

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Consultant - Cement, Concrete & Masonry
T 15: BULKING OF SAND
As the moisture content of a fixed weight of sand increases, the volume also
increases--up to a point. This is known as "bulking". The volume increase is
caused by films of water pushing the individual sand particles apart. The extent
of bulking depends on the moisture content of the sand and on the sand's
fineness. This is illustrated below:
In general, a volume increase
occurs up to about 4 to 8%
moisture; at this moisture
content, the sand has
increased 15-30% in volume.
As more water is mixed in and
dispersed throughout the sand,
the films of water merge and
the water moves into the voids
between the individual grains.
More water now floods and
packs the sand, causing
decreased bulking. With
complete inundation, the
volume becomes about the
same as when the sand is in a
dry and loose condition.
Bulking does not affect
proportioning the sand by
weight; however, most
masonry mortars are batched
by volume (shovels or box).
Thus, the moisture content of
the sand at the job-site
becomes important to proper
proportioning because bulking
results in a smaller weight of
sand occupying the fixed
volume of a measuring box.
As a result, the mortar becomes deficient in sand and therefore less
economical.
0 4 8 12 16 20 24
MOISTURE %
24
20
16
12
8
4
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V
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%
FINE
MEDIUM
Masonry Technical Notes