Potential Utilization of Alternative Construction Materials in Qatar, in lieu of Conventional Washed Sand

Abstract

Natural sand that has been washed is an essential material used in infrastructure development and construction projects of all sizes. Due to the depletion of natural sand sources in Qatar, there has arisen a need to develop alternate materials to replace it. Substitutes such as wadi gravel, marine sand and manufactured sand, including crushed imported limestone, recycled sand and crushed gabbro have been considered and explored. Consequently, a proposal to encourage local washed sand producers to incorporate varying proportions of these alternate materials into the various material demands was considered by the Public Works Department, depending on the application in either structural and/or precast members. This paper primarily focuses on providing an overview of some of the available alternate materials to washed sand that could be utilized without affecting the physical, mechanical, or strength properties of concrete, precast, and other construction materials that use washed sand, while at the same time providing a long-lasting, durable and economically beneficial alternative material to the national economy.