Quick answer: Chenab sand is coarser and cleaner, so it is preferred for RCC and concrete such as slabs, beams and columns. Ravi sand is finer and cheaper, and is commonly used for brick masonry mortar, internal plaster and filling. For the best results, many specifications use Chenab sand for structural concrete and Ravi sand or a blend for masonry and plaster, as long as the sand is clean and within silt limits.
Ravi vs Chenab Sand at a Glance
| Property | Ravi sand | Chenab sand |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Ravi river beds near Lahore | Chenab river beds |
| Grain size | Fine | Coarse to medium |
| Colour | Light grey to off-white | Golden to light brown |
| Silt and clay | Can be higher; quality varies | Usually lower |
| Strength in concrete | Lower; needs more cement and water | Higher; better workability and strength |
| Cost in Lahore | Lower | Higher (longer haul) |
| Best use | Masonry mortar, internal plaster, filling under floors | RCC, PCC, external plaster, high-strength work |
Why Grain Size Matters
Fine sand has more surface area, so it needs more cement paste and water to coat every grain. In concrete, that means lower strength or higher cement cost. Coarser, well-graded sand packs better with crush, giving denser and stronger concrete. In plaster and masonry, fine sand gives a smoother finish, which is why Ravi sand is popular there.
Recommended Uses
| Work | Recommended sand |
|---|---|
| Columns, beams, slabs, stairs | Chenab (or Lawrencepur where specified) |
| Foundation PCC | Chenab |
| 9-inch brick masonry | Ravi or Chenab, as specified |
| Internal plaster | Ravi, clean and screened |
| External plaster | Chenab or blend for durability |
| Filling under floors | Ravi sand or approved filling material |
Our A, A+ and A++ specification guide shows how sand choices change between packages.
How to Test Sand on Site
1. Silt jar test
- Fill a clear jar about halfway with sand.
- Add water with a pinch of salt until the jar is about three-quarters full.
- Shake well and let it settle for a few hours.
- Measure the fine silt layer above the sand. If silt is more than about 6 to 8 percent of the sand height, the sand should be washed or rejected.
2. Hand test
Rub damp sand between your palms. If your hands stay dirty or stained, the sand contains too much clay or silt.
3. Visual check
Look for roots, leaves, plastic, clay lumps or shells. Good sand is uniform and free from organic matter.
Buying Tips
- Measure truck bodies to confirm the cft delivered.
- Store sand on a clean, hard surface away from soil.
- Keep separate stacks for Ravi and Chenab sand so they are not mixed by mistake.
- Screen sand for plaster to remove large particles.
To estimate quantities, see our cement, sand and crush calculator guide. For coarse aggregate, read Margalla vs Sargodha crush.
Planet Builders specifies sand sources in writing and checks every delivery on our grey structure projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sand is best for a roof slab?
Clean, coarse Chenab sand (or another well-graded coarse sand approved by the engineer) is preferred for roof slabs and other RCC work.
Can Ravi sand be used for concrete?
It is not ideal for structural concrete because it is fine and may contain more silt. Use it only where the specification allows.
Which sand is better for plaster?
Clean, screened Ravi sand gives a smooth internal finish. Chenab sand or a blend is often preferred for external plaster durability.
How much silt is acceptable in sand?
As a field guide, silt above about 6 to 8 percent by volume in a jar test means the sand should be washed or rejected.
Want materials specified correctly from the start? Contact Planet Builders & Interiors.