Question

Q1: What are the necessity of sand in the construction industry of Oman, especially in mortar & concrete. Also why we are not using stone as a construction block in the construction industry for building the walls.

Q2 : Tell me about the cement which can be used for repair and rehabilitation works & describe it.

Q3 : Describe how Reinforced cement concrete is superior to plain cement concrete.

Q4: Write the guidelines in detail to find the initial setting time of cement.

Q5. What are the points to be taken into consideration while constructing a wall by using stones?

Q6. Describe the setback measurements under various circumstances given in Building Regulation For

Muscat, Local Order No. 23/92

Answer 1

1. Sand is one of the versatile construction materials which is used as fine aggregate in concrete and mortar. Sand as fine aggregate will provide bulk, strength and other properties to the concrete. There are different types of sand are available in which river sand and crushed rock sand are used by the construction industry. In mortar, sand is the main component and cement will bind the sand particles. In concrete, sand will fill up the voids made by the coarse aggregate thus providing strength. Sand will not react with any other components in the mix. Thus, quality of sand determines the quality of construction. Sand is widely used because it's widely available and cheap.

We are not using stone as construction block in the walls because it's too heavy to handle. It will is heavy and difficult to handle when compared to other materials available now. Stone blocks will further add dead weight to the structure therefore there will be a need better foundation. Stones which have the qualities as a building block is not available widely and it requires better craftsmanship. Stone masonry requires more time to construct than the brick masonry.